What is a Sorority?
A sorority is defined as a women's student organization that is formed chiefly for service and social purposes. However, it offers much more than just membership. A sorority provides academic enhancement, friendship, development of leadership skills and the opportunity to serve the community. As a national organization, a sorority generates personal and professional growth through networking and participating in other activities well beyond your college years.
Why Should I Join A Sorority?
When you join a Greek organization at Susquehanna University, you are joining something bigger than yourself. You are joining a national organization and becoming part of something that will stay with you far beyond your undergraduate years. In fact, your undergraduate experience is just the first step in your Greek experience. After graduation there are a number of opportunities to continue to stay involved in your chapter and travel to other chapters to help mentor other sisters and chapters.
Sisterhood:
Brotherhood and sisterhood is the bond that ties a group of diverse members together. It goes far beyond wearing the same letters and attending the same parties. You will create lasting friendships that will enrich not only your time at Susquehanna but your entire life. Your Susquehanna Greek experience does not end after you leave campus. You can join one of the hundreds of alumni chapters around the world and enjoy brotherhood and sisterhood activities long after graduation. In addition, you will have access to an endless support network and many career opportunities.
Networking & Support:
It is important to find a network of friends and allies to provide the support needed to be successful. As an undergraduate, the fraternity/sorority experience provides opportunities to meet students from other campus chapters. Members are encouraged to participate in other campus life programs and to join other student organizations. Intramural sports and special campus events provide even more opportunities to meet students, faculty and staff from various agencies and departments. The chapter also provides opportunities for members to meet brothers and sisters from chapters at other campuses, usually through a regional or national leadership conference. The fraternity and sorority experience is not limited to the college years, as it continues through adulthood. Alumni/ae associations are available across the country and the potential for career connections are endless. Alumni/ae and national volunteers provide advice and guidance for the chapter and its members as well as serve on house and alumni/ae corporations.
Scholarship:
Being a student is your most important role during your time at Rollins. Greek-letter organizations were founded on the principle of successful scholarship. Each Greek organization places great emphasis on high scholarship in various ways. Study tables, tutoring, incentives, and honor societies are just a few examples of scholarship programming. To be initiated and to stay in good standing with a Greek organization, you must achieve and maintain a grade point average of 2.7.
Values:
An important aspect of a college education is learning to work with others. All Greek organizations at Susquehanna University are deeply committed to philanthropy and volunteerism. Each organization raises money and provides service for their national philanthropy. Greek organizations join together to raise awareness for common causes and in support of each organization’s individual philanthropies. Greeks participate in a number of community service projects on campus and in the local community. Giving of yourself is beneficial not only on a personal level, but will improve the lives of others and the entire community. Greek members believe in the inherent value of all individuals and treat others with respect and dignity. The new member period is a process of learning, inspiration, and achievement - not one of hazing, degradation, or humiliation.
Statistics to Consider:
Since 1825, the founding of Greek-letter organizations, all but two U.S. Presidents were Greek
- All but two U.S. Vice-Presidents were Greek.
- 7 out of 10 people listed in Who's Who are Greek.
- Both females elected to the U.S. Supreme Court were Greek.
- 85 percent of the Fortune 500 executives are Greek.
- Of the nation's 50 largest corporations, 43 are headed by Greeks.
- 63 percent of the U.S. President's Cabinet members since 1900 have been Greek.
- Over 70 percent of Greeks graduate, while only 50percent of non-Greeks graduate.
- 76 percent of U.S. Congressmen and Senators are Greek.
- Less than 2 percent of an average college student's expenses go toward Greek membership dues.
- Over 85 percent of the student leaders on some 730 campuses are members of a Greek-letter organization.
- Since 1910, 40 of 47 Supreme Court Justices have been Greek.
- Three Canadian Prime Ministers have been Greek.