Benefits of Greek Life
REPORT HAZING: anti-hazing@mail.ucf.edu or call the
Safe / Hazing Reporting Hotline at 407-823-4518
Fraternities and Sororities a Home away from
Home
The fraternity or sorority can help personalize your college
experience by offering a scholastic support system; hands-on experience
in leading committees, managing budgets, interacting with faculty
and administrators: exposure to potential careers through educational
programs and discussions with alumni; the opportunity to give back
to the community through service projects; and close friends who will
cheer you on through successes and provide support when times are
tough. It is no wonder that in a recent UCF cycle survey, 100% of
fraternity and sorority members that were polled experience.
Scholarship
This is one of the most important aspects of college
life. Academics are emphasized by all fraternity and sorority chapters
from first joining through graduation. Each fraternity and sorority
provides some form of scholastic assistance, such as, study areas,
tutoring, awards, study sessions and incentives such as scholarships,
to challenge members to reach their full academic potential. Fraternity
and sorority members usually maintain a higher grade point average
than non-members. While sororities and fraternities do not hold any
magical keys to scholastic success, studies have shown that members
of Greek organizations are more likely to obtain a degree than non-affiliated
students.
Leadership
Fraternities and sororities exemplify democracy in action.
They are families, communities, and many are legal corporations operating
annual budgets of over $100,000. New members live and learn to work
within these communities. Officers within each chapter are elected
to manage the day-to-day operations of the organization. These officers
are assisted by members serving on committees and by alumni who act
as advisors. In addition, many national organizations have regional
and national leadership conferences where students can learn a variety
of leadership skills. Fraternities and sororities provide a solid
foundation in leadership training that prepares members for the demands
and responsibilities needed for the future.
Community Service
Community service is an important aspect of fraternity and
sorority life. It is safe to say that no other segment of the student
population has dedicated more time and resources, or has raised more
money for charity than the members of our Greek community. From volunteering
in elementary schools, to giving bloods, to raising money for charities
such as the American Heart Association, or the Arnold Palmer Children's
Hospital, UCF's fraternities and sororities are lending a
helping hand by performing
various community service projects.
Social Life
For many students, the Greek social life helps to make college
a more fulfilling experience. Greek organizations provide a calendar
of social activities including formals, homecoming, skit nights, mixers,
sing competitions, and other special events. Sororities and fraternities
can offer more of a family atmosphere and go beyond ordinary friendships
- often lasting a lifetime.
Athletics
Greek organizations sponsor teams to participate in various intramural
sports and in other fraternity and sorority philanthropy tournaments.
Some of these sports include flag football, soccer, basketball, tennis,
softball, and floor hockey. Fraternities and sororities also have
members that are varsity athletes. Football players, volleyball players,
tennis players, water skiers, crew team members and cheerleaders receive
great support from their bothers and sisters. Members of fraternities
and sororities provide the majority of school spirit at UCF.
Alumni Involvement
The role of the alumni as advisor or national Greek officers and consultants
is substantial. Lifetime friendships expand beyond individual chapters
to include all members of the national and international Greek Life
community. Alumni organizations help students network for potential
employment opportunities after graduation, and keep in touch through
newsletters, correspondence, meetings, and special alumni events.
Last Modified: May 23, 2008 3:48 PM