There is one aspect of university life that few universities outside the United States possess: Greek life. While there are no exact figures, the fraternities and sororities that are common in the U.S. have little presence in Europe and Oceania and are virtually non-existent in South America, Asia and Africa: continents that account for about 85% of the world’s population.
Outside the United States, fraternities and sororities are recognized by a handful of films, including “Monsters University” and “Neighbors.” However, Greek life goes far beyond parties, parties and more parties.
Many organizations have different pillars and values on which they are based and which they promote in their members. Many also place a strong emphasis on academic excellence, with some requiring members to maintain a minimum GPA. Some organizations also organize weekly study tables for their members.
“We focus on community service, brotherhood, cultural awareness, and academics. So when looking into this organization, I definitely looked into that, and I really felt that those pillars really showed me as a person, and that’s something that I wanted to represent and give back to the community,” Robert Rodriguez, vice president of Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity, said.
However, academic excellence is not the only benefit that can come from joining a Greek organization.
“I feel like the biggest benefit of a Greek organization is the networking that happens during your undergrad years that helps you after you graduate. For example, I’ve met people that can give me job opportunities and things like that after I leave here this semester,” Isabella Montoya, president of Gamma Phi Omega International Sorority, said.
These connections can extend beyond professional opportunities, allowing members to build relationships with people from different backgrounds and areas of campus.
“I feel like that’s the main thing, also just being social and networking with a whole bunch of different people on campus. It definitely helps build the community on campus, and I feel everybody should have something like that,” Montoya said.
Moreover, due to the structure Greek life has in NIU, students have opportunities to find organizations that align with their identities, interests and values.
“There is no advantage of joining a specific council over another. Each council here at NIU has something different to offer. Before deciding which sorority/fraternity to join, I think it is best to do research on what each chapter values and prioritizes and make sure it aligns with your own,” Campbell Davis, member of Alpha Sigma Alpha and Fraternity and Sorority Life ambassador, said via email.
With multiple councils and chapters at NIU, students have the opportunity to explore organizations with different traditions, values and areas of focus. The variety allows students to consider what type of community and experience they are looking for before choosing an organization.
“At NIU, we have 39 sororities and four councils: IFC (Interfraternity Council), MGC (Multicultural Greek Council), NPHC (National Pan-Hellenic Council), and PHC (Panhellenic Council). Even though each chapter within these councils hold specific standards for their members, Fraternity and Sorority Life as a whole values cultural awareness, leadership, scholarship, service and siblinghood,” Davis said via email.
Greek life is not just about connecting with more people; it can also provide students with a place where their identities and experiences are represented. For many people, Greek life can represent a home away from home, especially for those students whose cultural backgrounds are represented with organizations in the MGC. It can also provide opportunities for students to develop professional skills.
“I feel like it helps students step out of their comfort zone and network a lot. Being a part of this organization has helped me meet a lot of people from different organizations and from my own organization within my major,” Marisa Vazquez, president of Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority, said. “It helps you build connections and learn more about other people and their cultures, since we are a multicultural organization.”
Those connections can extend beyond chapters by giving members opportunities to build relationships with organizations and students across campus, not just the councils but also alliances like the Divine Nine (D9).
“We are also connected to two organizations from D9, which allows us to connect with people just outside of multicultural organizations or the council we’re under, which is Panhellenic. We also have connections through D9 as well, so that’s something that stood out as well,” Jocelyn Campos, a member of Sigma Lambda Gamma International Sorority, said.
Greek life is much more than just partying and having friends. Many organizations also emphasize philanthropy and community service, giving members opportunities to contribute to their communities. For some students, the relationships and experiences developed through Greek life can continue beyond college.
“I feel like Gamma Phi Omega has brought me a lot on campus. When I was a freshman, I came here. I didn’t know anybody until I met the sisters of G-Phi-O, and I just feel like ever since then I was under their wings,” Montoya said. “We’re actually close friends, and I feel like I really found a sisterhood with the ladies of the organization, and they made me a better person.”
