Greek is...

...Friendship - but even more it is a sisterhood which soars high above the casual friendships.  It is often too intangible to explain.

...Diversity of membership which provides for a broader understanding and acceptance of personality types and backgrounds.

...Being part of a group experience - too often lost on today's campuses.  It's teamwork.

...Personal development.  One can only develop fully when she has an opportunity to interact with others...the education of self in relation to others.

...Broadening of dimensions in college and personal life, service to others, intellectual stimulation and encouragement, and cultural enrichment.  These opportunities are an integral part of Greek life.  A non-Greek must search these out for herself.

...Ideals.  Sororities embrace very basic ideals built on psychological and sociological concepts.  It comprises ritual...a pin...a belief in some of the "finer things" this world can offer.

...Lifetime friendships and opportunities.  Throughout the U.S. and Canada alumnae groups offer "instant friendships."

...The pursuit of excellence.  Excellence in responsible behavior and citizenship to combat the moral jungle.  Membership is not for any and all - but for those who are willing to set common goals and aspirations.  This produces pride and self-respect.

...Leadership training.  Students become actively involved in programs with particular interest in their needs.  Taking a leadership position helps you to develop skills in organization, delegation, goal setting, and time management.  Young women are going to go on to be leaders; almost nowhere is leadership training offered today as it is in sororities.

...Philanthropy.  In addition to helping those in need, participating in philanthropy projects gives you a better awareness of life and allows you to personally make a difference. Sorority members are able to participate in philanthropy projects relating to their chapter's national philanthropy, as well as philanthropy projects in which the entire Greek community participates.

...Responsibility to self, sisters, fraternity, university, and community.  With these responsibilities, one develops pride in membership and an opportunity to "live beyond one's self."

...Social.  As a member of a sorority, your calendar is always filled with fun social events. From formals to casuals, football games to mixers and crush parties, you will never be bored or lonely.  Through social events you will get to know your sisters better, meet other people, and of course, have a great time

...Scholastic help.  Sororities seek to help individuals develop scholastically to their utmost - providing encouragement, study facilities and upperclassmen who help as "tutors" if desired.

...Individuality.  Sororities encourage individuality - they do not breed conformity. Common purposes must be worked out, but creativity is always encouraged!

...A primary sociological group.  There are only a few important primary groups in American society - the family, the elementary classroom, the church group, the team, and the college fraternity and sorority. In a primary group, members must meet face-to-face frequently, and are extremely influential in shaping the behavior and character formation of younger members.  Primary groups help the individual adjust to and identify with society, and they help in the achievement of a stable personality.

Greeks are: tradition, change, flexibility, a feeling that lives, love, fun, pride, caring, character building, loyalty.

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Page created and maintained by Carmen Filip  filipc@umich.edu
Last updated on 7 January 2000.