Joining a Greek Organization
WPI has 13 fraternities and 5 sororities that are active on campus, which are overseen by two governing boards called the Interfraternity Council (fraternities) and the Panhellenic Council (sororities). Last year over 30% of the undergraduate population belonged to a Greek organization. Chances are you probably know several fellow students who belong. Members of Greek Life can be found in almost every student organization on campus including Student Government, Social Committee, sports teams and Orientation staff.
Why do so many students join Greek organizations?
Most students will tell you it is more than the social aspect that attracted them to Greek Life. Each chapter is based on a set of ideals and values that extend throughout their brotherhood/sisterhood. Examples of these values include:
- Community service
- Scholarship
- Brotherhood and sisterhood, and
- Leadership
Getting involved in Greek Life gives you the opportunity to explore your leadership abilities, as well as develop friendships that extend well beyond graduation.
Can anyone join a Greek Organization?
Any full-time undergraduate student is eligible for New Member Recruitment if they have passed 2/3 classes in A Term as a first year or transfer student and if they are in good standing with the university (not on warning or probation) as an upperclass student.
What can you expect to experience during New Member Recruitment?
You can expect to meet a lot of new people and do some fun things during recruitment. Recruitment starts with informational sessions in the residence halls. House tours for both the men and women follow, then Recruitment becomes somewhat different depending if you are joining a fraternity or sorority. Interfraternity Council (IFC) Recruitment continues the entire month of November, while Panhellenic Recruitment lasts a little over a week. Please consult the schedule on this web site for dates and times. You are also welcome to contact either the IFC or Panhellenic President with any specific questions you may have concerning Recruitment.
When does New Member Recruitment begin?
New Member Recruitment begins the first day of B Term and varies depending upon whether you are joining a fraternity or a sorority. A complete list of dates and details are available on this web site. Keep in mind that even if you decide to attend any or all of these events, it does not mean that you have to join a fraternity or sorority! New Member Recruitment is a great way to meet new people and explore your options on campus. The Greek community invites you to come and find out more about Greek Life at WPI!
What will I learn?
Below are some of what students gain from fraternity/sorority membership.
|
Student Learning Outcomes |
Examples of Evidence of Achievement |
Fraternity/Sorority Examples |
|
Intellectual Growth |
Produces personal and educational goal statements; Employs critical thinking in problem solving; Uses complex information from a variety of sources including personal experience and observation to form a decision or opinion; Obtains a degree; Applies previously understood information and concepts to a new situation or setting; |
Participates in goal setting workshop Helps solve a chapter wide problem Takes a previous fraternity/sorority experience and applies it to a new situation Graduates from WPI |
|
Effective Communication |
Writes and speaks coherently and effectively; Writes and speaks after reflection; Able to influence others through writing, speaking or artistic expression; Effectively articulates abstract ideas; Uses appropriate syntax; Makes presentations or gives performances |
Makes a presentation at a chapter meeting Writes a chapter report Applies for an inter/national award Participates in a brother/sisterhood activity based on reflection |
|
Enhanced Self-Esteem |
Shows self-respect and respect for others; Initiates actions toward achievement of goals; Takes reasonable risks; Demonstrates assertive behavior; Functions without need for constant reassurance from others |
Resolves conflict appropriately Takes leadership in a group setting Performs in the Greek wide talent show Gives a speech in front of the chapter Behaves respectfully toward others in one’s chapter and other community members
|
|
Realistic Self-Appraisal |
Articulates personal skills and abilities; Makes decisions and acts in congruence with personal values; Acknowledges personal strengths and weaknesses; Articulates rationale for personal behavior; Seeks feedback from others; Learns from past experiences |
Can identify one’s strengths and abilities Can articulate one’s personal values and describe the way in which one’s actions align Is receptive to feedback from brothers/sisters |
|
Clarified Values |
Articulates personal values; Acts in congruence with personal values; Makes decisions that reflect personal values; Demonstrates willingness to scrutinize personal beliefs and values; Identifies personal, work and lifestyle values and explains how they influence decision-making |
Can identify one’s values and acts in accordance with one’s values Can articulate how one’s values align with the fraternity/sorority values Participates on chapter’s standards board |
|
Career choices |
Documents knowledge, skills and accomplishments resulting from formal education, work experience, community service and volunteer experiences; Makes the connections between classroom and out-of-classroom learning; Can construct a resume with clear job objectives and evidence of related knowledge, skills and accomplishments; |
Creates a resume Searches for an internship Networks with alumni/ae Can identify the skills learned through fraternity membership that apply to future career endeavors
|
|
Leadership Development |
Understands that leadership is a process rather than a position; Acknowledges that leadership is relational; Understands that everyone has a leadership capacity; Engages in the leadership process in increasing levels of quality and quantity; Analyzes contexts that influence the leadership process (i.e., characteristics of self and others, society, organizations); Relates insights to the application of the leadership process; Recognizes the ethical components of leadership |
Holds an office or committee chairmanship in the chapter Is elected progressively to a higher level office Possesses an understanding of group dynamics Motivates the chapter Demonstrates values in leadership decisions Attends convention or other leadership development program |
|
Healthy Behavior |
Chooses behaviors and environments that promote health and reduce risk; Articulate the relationship between health and wellness and accomplishing lifelong goals; Advances a healthy community |
Role models mature management of alcohol Makes risk-minded decisions Participates in intramural sports or exercises regularly Attends health related campus programs Productively confronts unhealthy behaviors in the chapter
|
|
Meaningful Interpersonal Relationships |
Develops and maintains satisfying interpersonal relationships; Establishes mutually rewarding relationships with friends and colleagues; Listens to and considers others’ points of view; Treats others with respect |
Maintains friendships with brothers/sisters Manages conflict to create a win-win Demonstrates good listening skills Is respectful when hearing different views Is a big brother/big sister
|
|
Independence |
Exhibits self-reliant behaviors; Functions autonomously; Exhibits ability to function interdependently; Manages time effectively |
Keeps a calendar Follows through on commitments Attends fraternity/sorority events regularly Belongs to another club or organization Allows others to take on leadership roles in a group
|
|
Collaboration |
Works cooperatively with others; Seeks the involvement of others; Seeks feedback from others; Contributes to achievement of a group goal; Exhibits effective listening skills |
Delegates effectively Participates in or manages a chapter committee Listens to and incorporates viewpoints into final goal Is receptive to feedback from peers Involves chapter members in decision making
|
|
Social Responsibility |
Understands and participates in relevant governance systems; Understands, abides by, and participates in the development, maintenance, and/or orderly change of community, social, and legal standards or norms; Appropriately challenges the unfair, unjust, or uncivil behavior of other individuals or groups; Participates in service/volunteer activities |
Works with a group to revise the bylaws Follows chapter and institution risk management policies Supports the WPI Relationship Statement Participates in a community service and philanthropy project Attends IFC or Panhellenic Council Holds an office on one’s Governing Council Pays fraternity/sorority bill on time
|
|
Satisfying and Productive Lifestyle |
Achieves balance between education, work and leisure time; Articulates and meets goals for work, leisure and education; Overcomes obstacles that hamper goal achievement; Functions on the basis of personal identity, ethical, spiritual and moral values; Articulates long-term goals and objectives |
Can articulate personal and professional goals Makes satisfactory academic progress Uses goals to guide decisions related to the chapter and elsewhere |
|
Appreciating Diversity |
Understands one’s own identity and culture; Seeks involvement with people different from oneself; Seeks involvement in diverse interests; Articulates the advantages and challenges of a diverse society; Challenges appropriately abusive use of stereotypes by others; Understands the impact of diversity on one’s own society |
Demonstrates openness and inclusion Advocates on behalf of individuals from different cultures Challenges discriminatory language in one’s chapter Attends diversity related campus programs |
Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education. (2009). CAS professional standards for higher education (7th ed.). Washington, DC: Author.
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