Why Go Greek?
What Does Greek Life Have To Offer?
Friendship
At UW-La Crosse, fraternities and sororities enable young men and women to establish strong friendships, which last beyond the college years. Affiliation with a fraternity or sorority provides you with an opportunity to interact with other students of all ages, backgrounds, and interest. You'll meet a wide range of people within the Greek community and other student organizations. Membership offers a network of support while making the transition to college life. Sharing your college experiences with a variety of brothers and sisters will provide bonds and friendships that will last a lifetime.
Leadership and Involvement
Greek life is a special living and learning environment. Fraternity and sorority chapters are self-governing bodies in which the members take on the responsibilities and offices of the organization. This hands-on experience helps members develop leadership, organization, and communication skills. Chapters and members interact and make connections with other student organizations and departments on campus. Members learn the importance of dedication, working with others, responsibility, and self-reliance. Plus there are many leadership opportunities within the Fraternity/Sorority Community apart from those within each individual chapter. Whether you are a natural leader, want to cultivate your skills, or just want to be involved, Greek life will help you develop your unique, individual potential.
Service
One of the most gratifying aspects of Greek life is the sense of satisfaction and pride that comes with involvement in community service. Greeks throughout the nation recognize local and national organizations in need of aid by donating time and money through their special philanthropies and service projects. The UW-L Fraternity/Sorority Community raises thousands of dollars and devote thousands of hours in hands-on service each year to a variety of projects which benefit the citizens of the La Cross community. In addition, the Greek community comes together several times per year to perform joint projects for both the campus and the community. Whether raising money or donating time, service is an important part of the Greek experience.
Social
The purpose of Greek social life is to create a stimulating environment to help members develop into mature and responsible individuals. Each fraternity and sorority has a program of social activities that includes both formal and informal brotherhood/sisterhood activities. The social side of sorority and fraternity life is anything from hanging out with sisters and brothers to attending formal dances. All chapters have social events each semester, which may include Parent's Days, retreats, intramurals and participating in community wide events such as Greek Week. Greek life provides an excellent opportunity to mingle and have fun with other students on campus. As a member, there is always something going on during the weekend!
Academics
The academic portion of your university career is one significant determinant in your future success. A primary purpose of the Fraternity/Sorority Community is to encourage and develop high scholastic achievement among its members. At UW-L, Greeks are required to maintain a certain grade point average to remain in good standing. Several factors contribute to this academic atmosphere, including peer tutoring, upperclassman counseling, and chapter study hours, which introduce new students to the longer and more intense study habits that college requires. Within each fraternity/sorority there are members involved in a wide variety of colleges and departments. This is quite an advantage in two ways: first, you will be able to seek help from others who may be taking or have already taken the same classes; second, there will be upperclassmen who can advise you on which classes and instructors are the best within each field of study.
Nationally speaking, just over 50% of students in colleges and universities go on to graduate. However, U.S. Department of Education data shows that members of fraternities and sororities graduate at a rate in excess of 70%! Fraternities help you meet the challenge of balancing academics while gaining the most from your collegiate experience. The combination of friendships and brotherhood/sisterhood, intermingling with solid goals of academic excellence help you to become a well-rounded, intelligent member of the university community and of the work force after you graduate.
Career Networking
Did you know that 85% of the Fortune 500 Executives, 80% of the U.S. Presidents since 1900, and 100% of the Apollo 11 astronauts all joined a fraternity? Say you graduated or are just looking for a summer job. Now what? In today's economy and job market, it's going to take more than looking at want-ads and job postings. You need to network with people. The fraternity/sorority is one of the best ways to do just that. There are more than seven million men and women in the US and Canada who are Greek affiliated. Using the resources of fraternity/sorority members like alumni, you may find that job you're looking for - that head start in life, all because you joined a fraternity/sorority. Joining a fraternity/sorority can be an investment in your future!
Letters Today, Leaders Tomorrow
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