FICTION
Greek life is expensive,
and you’re basically
paying for friends
FACT
The sorority had a membership cost for each year, but those proceeds went to our Optimist
Club dues, a t-shirt, and then funds for the events we wanted to throw. My sorority had a
scholarship fund in place, where alumni (or actives) could donate so that someone who
couldn’t afford the dues would be able to join.
When I thought about going Greek, I never imagined all of the things that would change in
my life, and then when I went through hard times, a sorority was the last place I expected to
find solace. I was so, so wrong. It’s in the name - this is a sisterhood, a brotherhood. My sisters
and brothers pushed me in my wheelchair to my classes after an injury. They even came and
washed my hair for me when I was bedridden, and dressed me up and brought me and my
wheelchair to the annual formal. It’s not all Animal House and it’s not all Zac Efron’s
Neighbours. Instead, going Greek can be something wonderful and magical.
Logan sums up Greek life pretty accurately.
“Imagine your average university experience was like living your life without prescription
glasses. You could see everything decently and you could definitely survive without the glasses,
but it wasn’t perfectly 20/20. Joining Greek life is like putting on those glasses.”
Don’t be afraid to go Greek this year at your respective post-secondary institutions. At least
pop in for a few rush events - if it turns out to not be for you, you don’t ever have to go back.
But how can you know what you’re missing out on before you try it?
It’s all Greek to me
Greek life at the
University of Windsor
Ever wonder what the difference is between rush and pledge?
Rush: A male or female exploring their Greek life options. During the
Rush time frame, people are encouraged to check out all the available
sororities or fraternities on campus. Rush events are opportunities for the
active members to get to know you.
Pledge: As a pledge, you are committed to one Greek organization. You
usually attend classes to learn about the group, ensuring it is a perfect fit
for you.
Active: Active members are people who have already completed the
Rush and Pledge processes. These members pay dues, sit on boards or
committees and contribute to the group in a variety of ways.
Local: A local sorority is one not under the Panhellenic umbrella. It’s
often locally founded, and does not have a headquarter chapter.
National: Recognized under the Panhellenic charter, these groups
have multiple factions across a variety of different post-secondary
institutions.
Philanthropy: Community-minded activities, usually a requirement
for most Greek organizations.
Three sororities - one
local, two national
Delta Alpha Theta (local)
Phi Sigma Sigma
Delta Zeta
Three fraternities - all
national
Pi Lambda Phi
Delta Chi
Sigma Chi
Quite often, the names of
the organizations are what
they stand for - their
pillars, or values. For
example, Delta Alpha
Theta - DAT - stands for
Determination,
Academics, and
Teamwork.