<p>Hi I'm just wondering what the sororities are like at lehigh. I really like this school and I like the idea of Greek Life but I'm worried about hazing and cliques. Does that happen a lot here??</p>
<p>Hey collegebound1218,</p>
<p>A greater percentage of women (~35-45%) are “social” Greek versus men (~30%) - I’m not considering honors societies. And sororities on campus show much more community involvement and campus engagement compared to their male peers in social fraternities.</p>
<p>A few years ago a minority sorority got in a load of trouble over hazing. But now, it really isn’t an issue. There is a definite shift away from Greek life on campus and a stricter control of social events and rushing. Don’t feel pressured to go Greek just because you can. It’s a major time commitment.</p>
<p>The clique aspect is definitely there. Greek women typically associate with each other and don’t really branch out to non-Greek women - and this type of segregation is more common in women than men.</p>
<p>Best,</p>
<ul>
<li>Mike</li>
</ul>
<p>I am a sophomore who chose not to rush, but I have a lot of friends who did. </p>
<p>There is definitely a campus wide movement to reduce the amount of hazing that goes on, but I wouldn’t say that there is an overall movement away from Greek life. I can think of at least one sorority (ZTA) that has decided to not haze their new pledge classes at all.</p>
<p>The segregation that Mike is referring to comes from the fact that the entire pledge class, along with some upperclassmen, live in the house on the hill. The girls spend a majority of their time with other people in their sorority, because of that they form very close friendships with each other. This is something that draws a lot of students in, joining a sorority/fraternity is a great way to meet and develop close relationships with a lot of people! If you are asking about cliques within a sorority, that depends on the girls in it…</p>
<p>I have had no problem staying friends with the people I know who joined a sorority/fraternity. All of my friends who rushed are very happy with their decision but they haven’t shut out anyone who isn’t a part of Greek life with them. I am also very happy with my choice, I am involved in other groups around campus and not being in a sorority has had no effect on my social life.</p>
<p>Like Mike said, there is no need to feel pressured to join a sorority. In the end it works out; I haven’t heard any negative comments from my friends regarding their living/social situations, whether or not they decided to rush!</p>
<p>Okay thank you! I appreciate the the responses :)</p>