One of the most common things first year students ask themselves is if it’s worth it to join Greek life. Read the Real Scoop on Greek Life at ‘Cuse and find out if Greek Life at SU is right for you.
IS GREEK LIFE WORTH IT? One of the most common things first year students ask themselves is if it’s worth it to join Greek life. Each student who participates in Greek life has a different experience, and it can be difficult to tell if Greek life should be a part of your college story.
Each school fosters a Greek life environment that is unique from the others. Although there are similar pros and cons to consider no matter what school you attend, there are some Syracuse-specific elements to consider. Read the Real Scoop on Greek Life at ‘Cuse and find out if Greek Life at SU is right for you.
Greek Life at Syracuse
With 13 sororities and 13 fraternities on campus, Greek life accounts for more than 30% of the students at Syracuse. Greek life at Syracuse follows a deferred recruitment system, meaning that students cannot rush until the spring semester of their freshmen year. Students can always rush their sophomore year if they are not eligible their first year or are still unsure of what is best for them during freshman year.
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Reasons to Join
College students want to participate in Greek life for a variety of different reasons. Some students might want to meet lifelong friends, continue a family legacy, or partake in leadership and philanthropy roles. Other students have grown up with the idea from their parents or older siblings that Greek life is the best part about college. That’s usually the case with Syracuse, because so many alumni participated in and enjoyed their Greek life experience.
No matter what the reason may have been to join, most Syracuse students involved in Greek life will agree that it was the right choice for them, even if they took a risk freshman year in deciding to try it out. Whether you’re set on joining or still considering, take a look at these factors to see if Greek life may be right for you.
Cost
The cost of participating in Greek life depends on a wide range of variables , mostly depending on the school you attend and the sorority or fraternity you specifically want to join. Each “chapter” is another name for a sorority or fraternity at a particular school. Chapters have their own dues, ranging from a couple hundred to even a thousand dollars. Furthermore, new member dues are oftentimes higher than annual dues, as there are other elements they must pay for at the start of the new member process.
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Requirements
Once a student decides they want to join Greek life, there are many other factors that can determine their eligibility to participate in recruitment. At Syracuse, a student must be a current full-time student at the university with at least 12 university credits and a minimum 2.5 GPA. Unfortunately, if any of these requirements are not met, students must wait for the next spring semester to participate in rush.
So, How Does Rush Really Work?
The interfraternity council governs all the fraternities at Syracuse, while the Panhellenic council is home to Syracuses’ 13 sororities. Each of these councils is responsible for all things Greek life, including the infamous rush.
The term “rushing ” is commonly used in Greek life and refers to how students become acquainted with the many sororities and fraternities their school has to offer. Typically, rushing a sorority is more structured, involving certain themes and outfit requirements that last for two whole weekends, which is definitely the case at Syracuse. The interfraternity council has a rush process that varies from the panhellenic council, involving information sessions concerning each fraternity and what makes them unique. Those information sessions will also cover other important factors, like additional chapter requirements and financial obligations.
It’s no secret—rush can be long and tiring wherever you participate, but most students would agree it’s worth it. Although joining the chapter you hoped for is not guaranteed, no matter the outcome students still meet new people, make new friends, and will remember their rush process forever.
Philanthropy
Philanthropy is a popular and rewarding aspect of Greek life, no matter which school or chapter you are involved in. All sororities and fraternities have their own philanthropies, and participating in them and raising money becomes a huge aspect of Greek life.
At Syracuse, each sorority and fraternity raises money and awareness for their philanthropies via fun and unique events available for everyone to participate in. Whether it’s Alpha Phi’s Red Dress Gala, Sigma Delta Tau’s pizza eating contest, or the infamous Sigma Chi Derby Days, participating and expressing your chapter’s philanthropy is enjoyable and teaches Greek life members the importance of giving back.
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Crucial?
While Syracuse University has a reputation that Greek life is a big part of the campus community, joining Greek life is not crucial. If you choose to stay out of Greek life, your experience at Syracuse will still be filled with fun and success, as you will still make friends, participate in the social scene, and become an active member of the Syracuse community via other clubs and organizations.
However, if you decide Greek life at ‘Cuse is right for you, I hope you now have a better understanding of the basics and what to expect in the coming year or two.
Have any more questions concerning Syracuse Greek life? Find Syracuse Universities official greek life information page here.
