<p>I am really interested in Lehigh but a lot of the things I've read say the kids party 5 times a week, the sororities are really shallow and theres a big divide between greeks and non greeks. I love going out (but only 2-3 times a week, school is most important) and plan on joining a sorority but I'm not interested in shallow and catty ones. Can someone please tell me their experience and if these things are true? Thanks!!</p>
<p>There’s quite a few other threads that provide some insight on this topic. And you are probably going to get different valid views from different people.</p>
<p>My S is a Freshman at Lehigh this year and is very happy there. He is social but not particularly intersted in the party or Greek scene. He is in Choice housing and pretty immediately formed a very strong circle of friends (guys and girls) through Choice. They seem to have been doing a lot together all year - concerts, movies, skating, restaurants, etc. He has other friends that are not in Choice, but I think Choice gave him a group of somewhat like-minded kids to be around from the start. He is also involved in a couple of clubs/organiaztions and that exposed him to more people.</p>
<p>He hasn’t been bothered by the party/Greek atmosphere at all. Based on what I have heard, it appears the demand for Choice has been growing and the university has been working to provide alternative activities beyond the typical parties, etc. I’m sure the Greek influence is fairly strong, but there are plenty of other opportunities based on what I have seen. I know a couple of his friends joined sororities that appear to be pretty service oriented for what that’s worth.</p>
<p>I think the key is you have to know and be true to yourself. No matter where you go, you are going to be exposed to kids who want to have a different college experience than maybe what you want. You have to have the ability and conviction to follow the path you want. My S wanted to attend a strong acadmic school with a great Engineering program, with other bright kids, near larger metro areas, that was on the medium to smaller side. He was confident he could form friendships with kids that shared his interests and values. So far it appears to have been a great fit.</p>
<p>Also, about kids going out 5 times a week. Maybe. But based on the academic load, I have a hard time believing they will be able to maintain academic success.</p>
<p>Good luck.</p>
<p>So, you are new on CC and have started TWO separate threads with the same comments and questions about Lehigh students (in particular, “the really shallow” sorority members and “the kids” partying 5 nights a week). </p>
<p>The answer to all of your questions is “no”</p>
<p>The subject has been discussed and trolled to death. </p>
<p>I am interested in attending Lehigh but can’t find ethnic demographics for the school. Does anyone know what the ethnic breakdown is at Lehigh.</p>
<p>All schools have a breakdown of their diversity on their website. </p>
<p>Gosh Marky95 your comments seems pretty harsh. </p>
<p>It seems pretty obvious Agl7654, a prospective student with only 4 posts, made a mistake and posted the same thread twice. Mistakes can happen. </p>
<p>I agree Greek life and partying and common threads for Lehigh. But it is a valid concern. When my son was looking at Lehigh I was concerned. I was especially concerned after reading the posts on College Confidential. After 5 years of following these posts it seems to me the majority of people who choose to post here have concerns about Greek life, partying and fitting in at Lehigh. My son was never involved with high school activities chose to join a fraternity and we have been very happy with his decision. </p>
<p>Peer pressure is much stronger in junior high and high school. Once you get to college there is so much more freedom to just be yourself. There are many different social groups for you to choose from once you get to any college. No one else will really care what you choose to do. Where ever you go to school there will be students that make different choices than you. The sooner you learn to not to be so threatened by others who make different choices than you the happier you will be.</p>
<p>I hope the name calling and dissing of those students who choose the join fraternities or sororities can stop on this site. It is hurtful.</p>
<p>Those questions have been answered in great detail many times for someone genuinely interested or concerned, including just a few threads down. The negative comments aimed at people that decide to join fraternities/sororities needs to stop. I wouldn’t tolerate anyone making negative remarks about someone that chose to not join a Greek organization, and members of fraternities and sororities deserve the same respect for their personal, individual choices. </p>
<p>I agree the Greeks have been trashed on this site for a long time. The comments have been hurtful and hopeful it will stop now. </p>
<p>Those who attempt to squelch this conversation in order to “protect the brand” are doing a disservice to both students and the institution itself. Choosing whether to rush a fraternity or sorority and deciding which one to choose is a process which should be based on a variety of factors. The more open and honest the communication and the more information available beforehand, the better position to choose. Lehigh is a school where for better or worse your social life is dominated by Greek Life and it is a school where the “top tier” frats enjoy status which is inversely related to academic performance and safety from hazing, alcohol and drug abuse. Lehigh students may be choosing a frat as “top tier” because they “party the hardest” with " the hottest girls" and not based on factors which their parents or OFSA consider important. Students and their parents should be given the complete story on each of these Greek organizations. To continue to keep the process shrouded in secrecy is dangerous fraudulent misrepresentation. </p>
<p>Lehigh has worked very hard to provide information about Greek Life. If you go to the Fraternity and Sorority Affairs website you will be provided information on the following.
Accreditation
Accreditation Schedule 2014
Alumni Webinars
Blog with LU Greeks
Bro Gam Application
Conduct
Councils
Educational Opportunities
Events Calendar
Family/Parent Information
Financial Breakdown for chapters
Forms
Fraternities and Sororities
Frequently Asked Questions
Hawks Against Hazing
New Member Education Plans
Occupancy
Policies
Reports & Statistics
Spring 2014 Fraternity Recruitment Registration
Staff and Contact Information</p>
<p>Financial Breakdown for chapters will tell you how much it would cost to join each chapter. I think that information is new this year. I know kids had questions about that last year.</p>
<p>My personal favorite is the information under Accreditation. Since 2007 each chapter has had to fill out an accreditation report and they are graded on their efforts for the year. If you take the time to read these accreditation reports you will see how much work and responsibility goes into being a member. The performance of each chapter in Intellectual Development, Leadership Development, Community Development, Organizational Development, and Facilities Management. If your student is interested in getting an hands on experience running an organization joining a fraternity or sorority is a great experience. Read the reports and you will see Greek life at Lehigh is much more than hosting parties on Friday night.</p>
<p>A poster mentioned hazing and alcohol problems at Lehigh. The Lehigh administration is dedicated to the safety of the students. Over the past years several fraternity and sororities have been removed from campus because of hazing or alcohol offenses. There are not many universities that are willing to close down a house and make hundreds of alumni angry. In the above list of information provided there is Conduct - there are reports documents the bad behavior of each house. Lehigh seems pretty open with their disciplinary actions. </p>
<p>My son wasn’t involved in any high school activities. He worked and had an internship with a non-profit. I did not expect him to join a fraternity. When I was in college I was didn’t want to live in a sorority. </p>
<p>But my son chose to join a fraternity with some friends from his dorm floor. I am amazed a how happy I am with his decision. The majority of his friends are engineers and business students. My son made the Dean’s List both semester he lived in the house. He had no problems studying in his room. His brothers have been very helpful - helping him find jobs on campus, helping him find a summer internship and an alumni helped him with his resume. The summer internship has turned into a job offer with a company ranked as one of the most prestigious
in the world for its field. I am grateful for the support and encouragement he has gotten from his fraternity. </p>
<p>I come to the school several times a year. The kids in the fraternities and sororities are nice, smart, hard working kids from all backgrounds. If you want to know more check out the Blog with LU Greeks.</p>