I’m a recently admitted prospective transfer student (rising sophomore male), and I somehow was not aware of the massive greek-life presence on campus. Previously I attended a public university and had ostensibly zero interest in the frat culture on campus – that said Whitman has a higher percentage of the student body involved. How does this affect the social life on campus? Is the greek life all party-centric, or are there establishments similar to Brown’s ADPhi (co-ed, laid back, academic). I don’t doubt that Whitman is academically rigorous, that’s exactly why I applied, but I do worry with 35-40% of the student body being involved.
I am a current senior at Whitman and I totally hear your concerns. I, too, had no interest in Greek Life until I came here and figured out what it was all about on Whitman’s campus. Besides being involved in one of the sororities, I am also a varsity athlete, work three on-campus jobs, have a high GPA, volunteer in the Walla Walla community, and studied abroad. So, as you can see my participation in Greek life is not my entire life and identity at Whitman. Greek life at Whitman is very different than you see elsewhere. Although the numbers seem higher than one may expect at a liberal arts institution, the greek system is very inclusive. Many people who are a part of a greek organization would say the same thing; that they did not picture themselves in greek life when they first arrived. However, we soon realized that Whitman Greek Life is a way to foster personal excellence and create a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment to enhance the Whitman experience. All greek organizations also focus on supporting a different local philanthropic organization in the Walla Walla community, as well as the same National Philanthropy each year. On top of that, we have a minimum GPA and required study hours, and the greek system on campus understands as a Whtiman community that we have other priorities like academics, athletics, clubs, student government etc. that come first. Now, there are greek social events and even parties, but all my non-greek friends (and I have many) can attend as well and feel welcome. There are also lots of weekends when the social events and/or parties are not at all associated with greek institutions but rather put on by other groups on campus.
Thanks for your input, I’ll be sure to keep an open mind with Whitman’s greek system and not conflate it with my current institution.
Hi @nibbie
I applied as a transfer student too. However, I am yet to hear from the school.
How long did you wait before hearing from Whitman? Did you apply for financial aid? If yes, how was their package like.
I heard from Whitman reaalllly early, like back in late March. I only submitted my application in late February. I did apply for aid, and the package was fairly decent.