The Greek experience: Friend or foe of student development?

Gains in self-esteem and self-confidence have been reported for members of fraternities and sororities.

“Gains in self-esteem and self-confidence have also been reported for members of fraternities and sororities (Winston & Saunders, 1987).”

Affiliated students are less likely to withdraw from their institutions because membership positively impacts their sense of belonging to their campuses.

“Students who are affiliated with fraternities and sororities are also less likely to withdraw from their institutions because membership positively impacts their sense of belonging to their campuses (Winston & Saunders, 1987).”

Affiliated students have better retention rates than nonmembers.

“Affiliated students have better retention rates because fraternal organizations provide students with academic support and social connections, so members are less likely to withdraw than are nonmembers (Winston & Saunders, 1987)”

Affiliation with fraternal organizations positively affects retention rates: members are much more likely to remain in college and receive degrees than nonmembers.

“Affiliation with fraternal organizations has been shown to positively affect retention rates: Members of fraternities and sororities are much more likely to remain in college and receive degrees than are nonmembers (Winston & Saunders, 1987).”

Some chapters seem to conflict with the academic ideologies and missions of college campuses.

“Consequently, some chapters seem to conflict with the academic ideologies and missions of college campuses (Winston & Saunders, 1987;Zacker, 2001).”

Students affiliated in Greek-lettered organizations and involved in other organizations on campus are more likely than non-affiliated peers to hold memberships in multiple campus groups outside their fraternity or sorority chapters and serve in positions of responsibility.

“Students who are affiliated in Greek-lettered organizations and who are involved in other organizations on campus are more likely than their non-affiliated peers to hold memberships in multiple campus groups outside of their fraternity or sorority chapters and serve in positions of responsibility (DeSantis, 2007;Hunter & Rentz, 1994;Winston & Saunders, 1987).”

It is common to find members of fraternities and sororities holding notable positions in other college groups.

“It is common to find members of fraternities and sororities holding notable positions in other college groups (e.g., student government association, homecoming court, and student activity chairs; DeSantis, 2007;Hunter & Rentz, 1994;Winston & Saunders, 1987).”