<p>Hi, I'm a newly admitted International Student. In USC school brochure, USC is said to have a Greed System, and I don't know what it is. Is this something with racism?</p>
<p>Looking forward to your answer!</p>
<p>I think you mean “Greek” System, but Greed System sounds kinda funny. And no, it has nothing to do with actually being Greek. It’s a group of fraternities and sororities, organizations that are named using Greek letters.</p>
<p>LOL! Ridiculous mistake! I posted it by ipod and I always make typing errors while posting…
I get your point! Thx</p>
<p>Yeah they hate everyone except Greeks.</p>
<p>And they decided to put it on their brochure. Herpa Derpa have a nice day</p>
<p>yeah same internatinoal student here. Do we need to apply for a membership? And what benefit do people get from them? Thanks!</p>
<p>Page with a simple explanation and pros & cons: [SparkCollege:</a> The Greek System](<a href=“SparkNotes: Today's Most Popular Study Guides”>SparkNotes: Today's Most Popular Study Guides)</p>
<p>Here is specific to USC, and you can go to the websites of the different councils: [USC</a> Fraternity and Sorority website](<a href=“http://www.usc.edu/student-affairs/greeklife/]USC”>USC - Fraternity & Sorority Leadership Development)</p>
<p>That explanation link wasn’t very neutral; it seemed pretty slanted towards Greek life and I don’t think it gives a “total” picture, especially from a USC standpoint.</p>
<p>“Applying” for a fraternity and sorority is known as “rushing.” While the procedures are different for fraternities and sororities, the basic ideas are the same. Rushing is a social, “process of elimination” application process in which you (the applicant) are chosen by the houses, not the other way around. The entire rush process takes several weeks.</p>
<p>Many people regard the Greek system as beneficial because of the instant “friend base” it lends, the built-in social scene and the large alumni bases of the Greek houses.</p>
<p>At USC, fraternities and sororities engage in social and philanthropic activities with each other. </p>
<p>Houses hold events called “exchanges” and “invites” in which members of fraternities and sororities intermingle and go on what is essentially a large group date – not unlike a high school dance. There are also BBQs and other casual events of a similar nature. (Men from one frat house hang out with women from one sorority house.) </p>
<p>This doesn’t mean, though, you much only socialize with members of the opposite sex from one particular house or from the Greek system only. This is very rooted in tradition and sometimes just happens to work out that way. Many Greeks have romantic relationships with non-Greek students.</p>
<p>Individual houses have their own unique charitable causes and hold individual events – however, the USC Greeks as a whole also participate in a large-scale charity event once a year. From what I understand, fundraising is a large part of these events.</p>
<p>The Greek system isn’t for everyone, though, and I suggest you keep reading on this board and read on the USC website for more information.</p>
<p>Many students do not like the heavy emphasis on partying and other social outings present in the Greek system (especially fraternities). Similarly, the general structure of both fraternities and sororities might not align with your political/moral ideologies. </p>
<p>Joining the Greek system is costly, and as international students, the cost might be too much for you and your families on top of tuition. In addition to dues, you might be required to pay for clothing with your house logo, pay for retreats/vacations, pay for clothing to wear for formal events, etc. Being a member costs several thousand dollars a year. Depending on if you are in a fraternity or sorority AND depending on the house you join, this cost can range from $1,000 - $5,000 a year.</p>
<p>Also, while many people join the Greek system hoping to make business connections, not every student will benefit from the alumni bases of their houses. If you are a business, finance, law, politics, communications or other similar “job based” major, you might find the Greek system beneficial from a career standpoint. More artistic majors, where your work supersedes personal connections, might not receive career boosts from being a member of the Greek system.</p>
<p>It is very possible to have a healthy and active social life at USC without joining the Greek system. Only a small percentage of students are in sororities or fraternities. USC offers many clubs and organizations that cater to a wide variety of interests where you can participate in charitable and social activities without the price tag of a fraternity or sorority.</p>
<p>There are many sororities and fraternities at USC based on religion and ethnicity, so you might want to look into those as well. These are often quite different than the traditional “social” Greek houses.</p>