It's possible that you may feel that Greek life is not for you. You see guys and girls walking around with these letters on their shirts and you say to yourself, "Nope. Not me". Well, take a minute and look at some of the myths and facts about joining a Greek social organization, before ruling it out all together.

also see: list of National Fraternities and Sororities at CSUS

Some facts about Greek life:

85% of Congress and U.S. Presidents are Greek. That number is too big to go unrecognized. Being in a fraternity or sorority gives you the forum to be a leader, give back to your school and community, and build contacts for once you graduate. Most of the leaders of America in the corporate or political world are Greek.

Greeks give back to their school. Most students who really enjoy Sac State and all it has to offer are Greek. They go to all the games, social events, and are proud of their school. This is all because they have a good time in the process. They are proud of Sac State because they took advantage of all it has to offer.

In the real world (after you graduate), it's not necessarily what you know but who you know. Chances are you can land a lot of jobs just by alumni alone. Chapter alumni are always looking for new grads when their company is hiring. If nothing else, they can point you in the right direction. A lot of companies will give the benefit of the doubt to Greeks, especially if they were leaders in their chapter.
 
If you happen to join a national fraternity or sorority, you'll share a unique bond with others all across the country. Road trips are a lot more fun when you know you are welcome at 300 houses across the country. Ask any Greek and they will tell you a story of when they bumped in to a total stranger who recognized them by his or her letters.

All Fraternities and Sororities give back to their community. Almost all have some sort of philanthropy that they donate money and their time to. It's not just about the social aspect of college.

Most importantly, they all have a good time. With so many planned events, road trips to other campuses, and everything else, it's almost impossible not to have a good time. If you're not interested in enjoying your college experience, don't rush. If you want to look back at college and smile at all the good times you had, then check it out.

Common misperceptions:

"All fraternities are drinking clubs. I don't really drink."

We are not going to lie to you and tell you that Greeks don't partake in a beverage or two every now and then. They do, and most know that. However, it's probable that every fraternity and sorority on campus has a few members that do not drink. If that's not your bag, then that's fine. No one holds it against you. Lots of people get turned off by an NBC movie of the week or some 20/20 story talking about Greeks and binge drinking. Not all houses are like this. Most are like any other social club on campus.

 

"I'm a transfer student/I'm too old to rush".

No you're not! You don't have to be 18 to rush! Lots of guys and girls have rushed with only a year or so left and had a blast in the process! Sac State has a lot of transfer students as it is, and Greek life is a great way to get involved, no matter how old you are. All Greek organizations will welcome you into their house, no matter how old you are. Besides, being Greek lasts long after you graduate. It's very possible you'll meet friends that you will have for the rest of your life.

 

"My parents don't want me to rush."

Most parents who don't want their kids to go Greek don't have all the facts. Chances are, they only know about what they see on TV about the Greek system. They're afraid their boy or girl might flunk out since he or she isn't paying enough attention to school. Greek life has no correlation with this. It's all about time management, and keeping up with your schoolwork. If you don't take advantage of your free time and study every now and then, you'll flunk out of college, Greek or not. All fraternities realize that students are there for their degree first and foremost, and know that schoolwork needs to be prioritized. A lot of them require mandatory study hours to do just that. If your parents are still concerned, have them talk to some of the other parents of members. They will let them know how proud they are of their son or daughter.

 

"It's not for me. I knew someone who was Greek and he/she was nothing like me".

Every fraternity and sorority on campus is different and has it's own blend of students on campus. It's quite possible you don't fit in to all of them. However, if you go through rush and try and check out as many houses as possible, you'll probably find the house that works for you. Do yourself a favor and at least rush. If it's still not your cup of tea, then that's cool, too. At least you checked it out for yourself.

 

A Word About Hazing:

Hazing is something that is not tolerated by the school or the national offices of each chapter on campus. Hazing is slowly but surely dwindling down on each and every campus. There is no room for it and it is no longer something that can be tolerated. In fact, there are a lot of chapters on campus that do not haze at all. They do not believe in it and do not want their pledges to have to go through it. These chapters are taking a stand and are setting the trend for other chapters to follow. Hazing just cannot be tolerated in this day and age.

 

For more information on Greek Rush at Sac State, click here. If you would like to talk to anyone from school about it, contact the Student Activities office about it at 278-6595.

 

 

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