2008 Woodie Awards
"It's Greek to me"
A look into the Greek life and the controversy that surrounds it
Jesse Batson
Issue date: 10/4/05 Section: Juice: Life
Unity, support, teamwork, leadership skills and networking are just a few of the benefits that most Greeks will attest to.
The Greek population on campus is still described as relatively small, but about 270 students populate the 10 Greek fraternities tied to SDSU.
National Organizations
The Inter-Fraternity Council (IFC) is the national organization of the men's fraternities, while the Pan Hellenic Council (PHC) oversees the women's fraternities says Shonda Reed, Program Advisor for Greek Life and Student Organizations.
These national organizations ensure that specific guidelines and regulations are followed, Reed says.
Going Greek
During the beginning weeks of each semester, the Greek organizations at SDSU formally recruit students to join their chapters.
The process can take a number of weeks in some cases.
Many times, having a family member already involved with the Greek life entices students to join as well.
"My cousin went to SAE in Iowa," says Robert Fisher, Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) Vice President.
In some cases students will join fraternities without any prior exposure to the Greek life.
"It was hard to join Alpha Xi Delta without any of my friends," says Nicole Vollan, President of Alpha Xi Delta.
For Emily Rollins, Chi Omega President, the structure of the women's fraternity is what persuaded her to pledge.
"It just seemed like the most organized, responsible group of women that I could be a part of," Rollins says.
Community Service
The Ronald McDonald House, the Children's Miracle Network, Habitat for Humanity and Adopt-a-Highway are just a handful of charitable organizations that the Greeks are connected to.
The focus on community service within the Greek life is mandated by the national organizations.
The mandates don't detract from the rewards that the girls get when they volunteer, Rollins says.
"We really like to do those things and those are the times that we have the most fun."
The Greek population on campus is still described as relatively small, but about 270 students populate the 10 Greek fraternities tied to SDSU.
National Organizations
The Inter-Fraternity Council (IFC) is the national organization of the men's fraternities, while the Pan Hellenic Council (PHC) oversees the women's fraternities says Shonda Reed, Program Advisor for Greek Life and Student Organizations.
These national organizations ensure that specific guidelines and regulations are followed, Reed says.
Going Greek
During the beginning weeks of each semester, the Greek organizations at SDSU formally recruit students to join their chapters.
The process can take a number of weeks in some cases.
Many times, having a family member already involved with the Greek life entices students to join as well.
"My cousin went to SAE in Iowa," says Robert Fisher, Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) Vice President.
In some cases students will join fraternities without any prior exposure to the Greek life.
"It was hard to join Alpha Xi Delta without any of my friends," says Nicole Vollan, President of Alpha Xi Delta.
For Emily Rollins, Chi Omega President, the structure of the women's fraternity is what persuaded her to pledge.
"It just seemed like the most organized, responsible group of women that I could be a part of," Rollins says.
Community Service
The Ronald McDonald House, the Children's Miracle Network, Habitat for Humanity and Adopt-a-Highway are just a handful of charitable organizations that the Greeks are connected to.
The focus on community service within the Greek life is mandated by the national organizations.
The mandates don't detract from the rewards that the girls get when they volunteer, Rollins says.
"We really like to do those things and those are the times that we have the most fun."