Greek Life: Does the good outweigh the bad?

Greek life on college campuses are causing more problems then not. Hazing has always been a major issue like in the recent Clemson University case. Three frat brothers were charged with misdemeanors due to the recent death of Benjamin Garison Sprague. At an off-campus party at the Walhalla, South Carolina school, the 18-year-old died on December 9 from an alcohol overdose. He had an astonishing blood alcohol level of .038.

Recently all pledging for Greek life at Ursinus College was put on hold by authority figures. The fraternities and sororities had to decide whether to let pledges in after just one week. Unfortunately, hazing isn’t the only problem that comes along with Greek life. There are other negative aspects as well as some positive ones.

The time commitment factor is a large issue; most full time college students don’t have that much free time to begin with. Entering into the Greek life takes a lot of time, especially in the beginning with rushing and pledging. Once in, there are social events, meetings, and activities to keep up with.

College students are always scrounging for money and Greek life often requires money here and there. Initiation fees, formal attire, social events, and others. College students are no where near rich and ready to pay money.

Image problems, willpower, insularity, and academics are other concerns of Greek life. Greek affiliation can cause problems with those not involved in it; other friends perhaps. Temptations and pressure for drugs, alcohol, and sex are present and strong willpower is needed to keep student son the right track. Grades also vary through Greek life; so are sure to keep their members grades up, others not so much.

Right now, Greek life is looking pretty bad, but there are some advantages to joining an organization. Greek life is a great way to meet people and be socially active. Close bonds are formed like a brotherhood/sisterhood based on individualism and mutual cooperation. This new found family participates in all kinds of social events to interact with more people; often the opposite sex.

Academics and future career networking is up there too. Members are encouraged to achieve high grades; they have peer tutoring, study hours, and upperclassman counseling. They also have the networking capabilities of finding a good job after college. Using the alumni and resources, you could find your big break.

Every member will learn leadership and organization skills when they are in charge of an activity; could be an event or a committee. Many famous people were involved in Greek life; Courtney Cox, Katie Couric, Elvis Presley, Terry Bradshaw.

Fraternities and sororities do a great deal of community service. They work together to help the surrounding public. They also participate in numerous intramural sports and tournaments.

So the disadvantages and advantages are out in the open, and surprisingly there is a great deal of good. There are the bad aspects as well, and the fact that Greek life isn’t just for anybody. Be smart, weight the pros and cons before joining and make sure it’s for you.