Greek life at SCU

Students considering affiliation with a fraternity or sorority should realize that Greek life amounts to more than beer drinking contests and parties. Philanthropy, expenses and social commitments name a few of the aspects of Greek life a student should consider before enmeshing themselves in this alternate lifestyle.PhilanthropyEach house partakes in various projects to raise money for their chosen philanthropy. "Philanthropy is essential to a house," said Theta Chi president Todd Boyer. "It's built into our creed and helps us get our name out to the community."

Philanthropy projects range from Theta Chi's Adopt-a-Highway program, where they clean a stretch of Interstate 880 to Alpha Phi's Star Search, where a variety organizations on campus send their talented groups to perform.

How much time you will be devoting to philanthropy often depends upon the house. We probably dedicate six to eight hours a quarter," Boyer said, "but sororities put in more time because they often have bigger productions."

Some of these grand scale productions which the sororities organize include Alpha Phi's Star Search. Depite the labor this production depends upon, Alpha Phi does not require an affiliate to dedicate a specific amount of time to philanthropy each quarter. "We realize that some people have jobs or a heavy school load, so we don't require a specific time be dedicated," Alpha Phi President Kristine Tachiera said. "It's really up to the individual."

Other organizations such as Delta Gamma do have a required amount of philanthropy to fulfill each quarter. "Everyone has to fulfill three hours," said Delta Gamma president Carrie Hemphill, "but most students end up dedicating a lot more."ExpensesBesides philanthropic activities, every member will be required to pay monthly dues. Dues differ between the various houses, but most range between $50 and $70 a month. The money pays for such expenses as upkeep of the house, social activites, philanthropic activities, rush activities and other expenses. In addition, expect to pay both a pledge fee and an orientation fee which can be a few hundred dollars.Social activitesMost students do not join a fraternity or sorority simply to become involved in a philanthropy or to pay dues. The most common reason for students to commit to Greek life is to build their social network.

"It's a great opportunity to meet other people and become involved," Alpha Phi Monica Jolly said. "When you live off campus it's hard to stay in touch, but with the sorority you know you always have a meeting place."

"I originally rushed because I lived in Campisi and felt I didn't know a lot of people," Delta Gamma Suzanne DalPorto said. "It was a great way to meet upperclassmen."

Greeks feel among the best benefit is the close friendships that develop with the Greeks constant reinforcement of brotherhood or sisterhood. "One of the best aspects of Greek life is brotherhood -- the general sense of people coming together for a common goal," Somer said.

Greeks do admit that there are a few drawbacks to being involved with a house, such as facing unfair stereotypes. "There's a lot of misconceptions," Jolly said. People often think that everyone in the house is the same, but that's not the case."