Greek Facts
Too many students come to college, sign up for classes, study from text to text, memorizing material and then feeding it back at test time. They may get good grades to graduate, but, it is surprising how many college graduates are searching for jobs because they did not develop the ability to work with people or the basic qualities of leadership while they were in college. A fraternity or sorority provides the opportunity for students to do just that.
Here at Southeast we are fortunate to be able to offer a quality Greek system. Over 12% of the student body belongs to a Greek organization. Also, many important people have also worn Greek letter for example did you know:
v That over 70% of congress are or were members of Greek letter organizations?
v That executives of the 75 largest corporations and 85% of fortune 500 executives are Greek?
v That 76% of all United States Senators belong to a fraternity or a sorority?
v 2.5 million of America’s leaders in business, science, education, church and government are Greek members?
v Besides 2, every president and vice-president of the United States since 1825 that have had a chance to attend college, have been members of a fraternity?
Being a member of a Greek system means involvement, commitment, personal growth, and above all, fun. Also, the possibilities for leadership and success are endless.
Greek Life: Rumors vs. Realities
Rumor: Sororities and fraternities do not work together and are very competitive.
Reality: Actually, sororities and fraternities do work together, especially when it comes to sports, raising money for charities, or in supporting University programming. Also, groups such as Panhellenic Council, Interfraternity Council, and National Pan-Hellenic council are made up of members from different sororities and fraternities.
Rumor: All the sororities and fraternities do is drink and party.
Reality: Sororities and fraternities hold many sporting events and philanthropies that do not permit alcoholic beverages. Additionally, every chapter member follows a national risk management policy that forbids underage drinking at social events and dances. Also, chapters strictly abide by the University regulations regarding alcohol, and no drinking is allowed in the chapter houses.
Rumor: Greeks and non-Greeks do not communicate with each other.
Reality: In actuality, Greeks and non-Greeks do get along and interact often. All of the intramural events feature all-school participation, and non-Greeks often choose to participate in Greek philanthropy events. Additionally, Greek organizations encourage the development of diverse friendships whether the person is Greek or not.
Rumor: Being Greek does not leave you time for academics.
Reality: Every sorority and fraternity stresses to its members that academic achievement is the first and foremost reason to attend school. For that reason, chapters work hard to schedule events on weekends or at reasonable times during the week. Also, each organization reserves the right to participate in only the events they find time for. Greeks at Southeast realize that academic achievement is vital to continuing Greek involvement.
Rumor: Sororities and fraternities haze their new members.
Reality: Southeast’s Greek system is built on the commitment of nurturing leaders, continuing education, and strengthening friendships. Each chapter strives to help members reach their fullest potentials without resorting to practices which demean, degrade, or violate members physically or mentally.