Fact: Because fraternities and sororities are among the largest student organizations nationwide, fraternal communities are often in the media spotlight. While social problems such as binge drinking and drug use occur in nearly every facet of society, the media puts a spotlight on these activities when they occur in fraternities and sororities.
It is important to note that each chapter is required to abide by federal, state, university policies and a conduct code, and their own national headquarters' policies regarding drugs and alcohol. Additionally, each organization has significant risk management and harm reduction policies and procedures in place to promote healthy decision making and provide for the safety of members and their guests.
Fact: Like many activities, sports or clubs, there are costs to participate in fraternal organizations. Since fraternities and sororities are non-profit organizations, dues are used to fund various aspects of participation, from the portion of dues which goes to the national headquarters to day-to-day operations such as social events and activities, academic incentives, costs for housing (if applicable), etc. Dues vary, but they are the cost of active membership, and like with sports or other clubs, members often place much value on the benefits of being a part of the group.
Fact: Hazing is the most dangerous and destructive practice in which an organization can take part. It is also the antithesis of what fraternal bonds represent. Hazing can be defined as singling out an individual or group of people and forcing them to do something that is psychologically, physically, or emotionally harmful or damaging. Hazing has been prevalent in many organizations, from sports teams to bands and clubs, as a form of "initiation," yet Greeks have often been the focus of negative publicity.
While the term "hazing" is often associated with the idea of mistreating or abusing pledges or new members, any member can be a victim of hazing. Fraternities and sororities nationwide strive to eliminate hazing from their cultures through proactive approaches and strict enforcement of anti-hazing policies. Hazing is strictly prohibited Winthrop University.
Fact: Academic performance is encouraged and supported by all-Greek programming and individual chapter policies. Awards are given to chapters with the highest GPAs, and as with other activities, Greeks must maintain a certain GPA to be eligible to participate. The fraternities and sororities at Winthrop pride themselves on consistently maintaining an all-Greek GPA that is above the average for all non-Greeks at the university.
Fact: The time and effort required in joining a fraternity or sorority should not interfere with other time commitments or academic success. Prior to being initiated, new members are required to attend weekly meetings and planned activities in order to learn about their chapter's history and values.
In Greek housing, members share rooms just as in the residence halls, so they are able to get to know each other and foster friendships. Also, there is plenty of living and study space, as well as common areas, in many chapter houses.
Fact: Many movies and shows depict fraternity and sorority life as endless partying and neglect to show the beneficial sides of joining a Greek organization. Friendships for life, community service, raising funds for worthy causes, all of these are aspects of fraternity and sorority memberships, not to mention the camaraderie among the collective Greek community. While isolated instances of hazing and alcohol-related activities occasionally happen, institutions and chapters take strong preventative measures to keep members and their guests safe so that the campus community can continue to offer membership in sororities and fraternities.