<p>Just wanted to get some opinions on fraternities and sororities. I’ve had a parent tell me it was just a partying scene. Others say it’s important to UA life. I want my son to focus on academics, but I also want him to be involved in everything Alabama. Any experiences out there?</p>
<p>Neither of my boys pledged, and they have active lives at Bama. I do think that greek life can be a distraction from academics, if not well-managed. Since most students do not pledge, it’s not essential for UA life. </p>
<p>Also, for anyone who’s concerned about cost, belonging to a frat or sorority can be expensive.</p>
<p>Although there’s a seemingly low percentage of Greeks(25-30 %), that percentage is somewhat misleading. With that kind of percentage, Greeks do make up a large part of campus life, and they have a very active presence on campus. Probably less so than in past years, but still.</p>
<p>Of course being Greek is more than just partying, but that does seem to be a big part of it, at least from my perspective.</p>
<p>Honestly, it might be harder to get into campus life if you’re not Greek, but certainly not impossible. ^ m2ck’s sons are doing well. And going Greek should cost you around 4k a year.</p>
<p>It’s not harder to get involved with campus life if you’re not greek. There’s no “greek test” to join clubs and leadership groups. My older son hasn’t any problems not getting accepted to leadership positions that he’s applied for. My younger son (freshman) hasn’t applied to any yet, but he will.</p>
<p>But, yes, being Greek will likely cost you at least $4k per year, so if money is an issue, that stops many in their tracks.</p>
<p>I also know that some Greeks go “inactive” after their first year or two because of expenses.</p>
<p>I didn’t mean that there was a “Greek test” for clubs or whatever, unless you’re talking about the SGA elected positions, then I’d have to disagree. I’m saying that it’s easier to get involved in the university in the Greek system than to not be Greek.</p>
<p>I think that Greek systems might push more of their members to “get involved,” but that doesn’t mean than non-Greeks are impeded from getting involved in various campus activities. 
</p>
<p>Any student who want to be involved can choose from a large variety of extra-curricular options…clubs, service organizations, leaderships groups, etc. </p>
<p>There is a Get on Board Day that takes place a week or so after school starts in the fall. This can be a time when students can find out what interests them and join whatever is appropriate.</p>
<p>The point is that going greek is not essential at UA. A student can have a full campus experience without pledging. </p>
<p>Don’t get me wrong. I’m not against going greek. I was in a sorority and my sorority is at UA (anyone needing a rec, let me know). I just realize that it’s not for everyone, some can’t afford it, and no one should feel like they “must join” or else! LOL</p>
<p>Since the school’s enrollment has greatly increased in recent years, the options for non-greeks is ever growing since Bama has simultaneously introduced other things for students to participate in. </p>
<p>Alabama Action is growing, Leadership UA is new, UFE is new, Honors Peer Mentoring is new, those are just 4 off the top of my head.</p>
<p>:)</p>
<p>The cost IS an issue since we are already dealing with how to pay OOS tuition!!! What do the “greeks” charge for? Still interested in what they do other than having parties??? The only experience I have is my older son at Virginia Tech. They had one fraternity that required high academic standards to be admitted and provided tutors and academic support. It wasn’t just the party scene. Any like that at UA?</p>
<p>*What do the “greeks” charge for? Still interested in what they do other than having parties??? *</p>
<p>They charge dues to support their houses and other things. Each frat/sorority pays for their own houses. Bama isn’t paying for their nice houses.</p>
<p>My D is pondering the same thing. One one hand it’s a good way to get involved, and meet a number of people in short period of time. On the other hand, she’s worried about the “girl drama.” The philanthropy part is what originally attracted her, but there are other ways to be involved in that type of thing outside of Greek life. She tells me it’s “not just booze and boys” but as a NE transplant, I just keep thinking of John Belushi in a toga :)</p>
<p>A few weeks ago, an LSU mom was telling her about her Ds sorority experience and mentioned that the girls in that particular case were required to wear Spanx for some occasions. D was mortified! I was assured by a sorority mom at UA this weekend that her D does not have to wear Spanx I’ve advised her that she should probably go to the Panhellenic Preview Day in March just so she can see for herself and find out if she thinks she would fit in with Greek life. If she decides she wants to rush, that should give her enough time to get rec letters. If not, well at least then she can’t look back in August and say “I wish I’d known more.”</p>
<p>and the money thing…yeah, that’s a concern too.</p>
<p>Re: the charges. I think all the greek organizations on campus require members to eat with the organization. So the dues cover meals, cost of upkeep for the chapter house, dues to the national organization. Plus if you live in the house, obviously the cost of room.</p>
<p>UA does support the Greek system with $1 a year, 100 year leases on many of the houses (a couple frat houses are owned outright). RobD is correct on what the fees actually cover. Going Greek is a good idea if you are into that sort of thing, otherwise no so much. Many Greek organizations do have certain academic standards and have mandatory study halls. There is often a party aspect because they are social organizations, but that is not the only thing they do. IMHO, joining a Geek organization because they do philanthropy seems like the wrong idea. Plenty other organizations are philanthropic and don’t cost $4k a year. Additionally, there are always academic fraternities and honor societies with Greek names if that’s what the student wants.</p>
<p>I believe the leases are on the land, not the houses. UA doesn’t own the houses. Each greek house pays UA $1 per year for the lease on the land.</p>
<p>I was a memeber of sorority at an SEC school 30 years ago. We recently had a reunion for a 20 year spread of membership, 1968-88. This is the only group of friends from college I’m still in contact with, so the benefits last past the 4 years you’re in school.</p>
<p>Most houses have such a diverse group of members, that you can pick the activities that you are most interested in. We had very studious to fun loving, to athletic and pageant pretty, and kept a high gpa in the process.</p>
<p>Although it’s not for everyone, it can provide life long friends. </p>
<p>My D is still deciding where to attend, but will take a good look at going greek at the school she chooses.</p>
<p>Like all things in life, there are pros and cons to being Greek. On top of that, it’s not for everyone and everyone isn’t meant to be Greek. You get out of it what you put into it. Some folks are only interested in having letters on their chest and a party to go to. But if someone wants more, there is a ton more to offer.</p>
<p>It provides a ready made support system which can be very beneficial to new students away from home and parents for the first time. It is a great way to get involved in something right off the bat. Also, Greeks at UA pride themselves on being very involved in all facets of campus life. Therefore they make sure their newest members are informed about clubs, activities, honoraries, etc. Most bring applications right to the house for easy distribution. Some chapters even require their members to apply for certain things (such as Freshmen Forum). This gets the members in the habit of applying and looking for opportunities. Truth be told, there are some campus organizations/positions that a non-Greek student would have a difficult time getting into. </p>
<p>Greeks regularly provide philanthropy events and raise a ton of money for both local and their I/Nal philanthopies. They offer membership education activities on a variety of critical issues facing young adults today. There are organized sister/brotherhood activities and a whole lot more. </p>
<p>It is a great way to take on leadership roles and responsibilities. Skills can be obtained/exercised as an officer such as: budgeting, risk management, event planning, time management, delegation, member motivation, understanding the importance of paperwork and deadlines, contract negotiation, member education, personel management and task assignment, conflict resolution between members, policy/disciplinary enforcement, recruitment, PR, fund raising, etc. One example, with the average sorority size, a chapter Treasurer is responsible for maybe a quarter of a million dollars annually. How many other opportunities does a collegian have to obtain that sort of experience? That’s resume worthy stuff after graduation. I’ve also known many sorority alumnae who said the conversation skills they learned for Formal Recruitment have served them well all their life.</p>
<p>Too often kids don’t think beyond their college years either. Being Greek is for a life time. There are opportunities to network with other alumnae, both socially and professionally, regardless of what part of the country someone winds up. There are alumni/ae associations all over. There are I/Natl Officer positions. Chapters always need alumni/ae help. It’s just up to you to become involved in some aspect beyond your college years.</p>
<p>As for the cost, yes it does cost a good bit to be Greek. Dues go towards housing maintenance/improvements, staff salaries, meals, insurance, I/Natl dues, Panhellenic/IFC dues, social events, sister/brotherhood events, recruitment, and various other chapter administration costs. However it’s worth pointing out that I/Natl orgs also offer scholarships and many offer emergency financial assistance. Again yes the first year, primarily the first semester, is always the most expensive because of the associated new member costs. However the cost significantly decreases after that. Far more importantly is that it is cheaper to live in a sorority or fraternity house than it is to live in an apartment when you factor in room, board, and utilities. Its cheaper than most, if not all, dorms too.</p>
<p>I won’t spend time on the social aspect because I’m sure y’all know about that. I do just want to say this, don’t be biased by stereotypes. Greeks aren’t the only ones who enjoy a good party. Non-Greeks do too.</p>
<p>ETA: Greek orgs own and maintain their houses, while the University owns and leases the land to them.</p>
<p>ETA: Greek orgs own and maintain their houses, while the University owns and leases the land to them.</p>
<p>That’s what I thought. That’s why they have to maintain their houses.</p>
<p>Thank you for the clarification about the Greek houses Calantha. I also agree that GDI’s (non-Greeks) do enjoy parties.</p>
<p>has anyone rushed as a sophmore? if so how did that go, and is it okay to rush as a sophmore?</p>
<p>I have known 3 boys to rush as sophomores, and 2 girls to rush as sophomores. It went fine for them.</p>
<p>my understanding is that it is very hard to get a sorority bid as a sophomore.</p>
<p>Why would that be? </p>
<p>I know that some (not all) of sophomores that I know knew greeks before they rushed. Perhaps that can make the difference. If so, then someone who wants to rush as a sophomore will have an advantage if they make friends with some greeks during their freshman year.</p>