On behalf of the Greek community at Youngstown State University, WELCOME! This is a very exciting and nervous time as you prepare to send your child off to college. Our Greek community shares that nervous excitement with you because this is the time that we welcome new members into our family in the fraternity and sorority community. You may not have had experience with Greek life before, so here is an introduction to Greek organizations at YSU.

A Greek organization is a group of individuals of similar interests bonded together by common goals and aspirations. These bonds are created through rituals in which all members participate.

Rituals are based on common principles such as honor, friendship, truth and knowledge. Each group works to instill these ideals in their members through their everyday activities.

Greek organization names always consist of Greek letters. These letters serve as a reminder of the values of the group. Fraternity is a name that applies to Greek men's organizations. Sorority is the name given to Greek women's organizations.

SCHOLARSHIP + LEADERSHIP +
PHILANTHROPY+ SOCIAL = GREEK LIFE AT YSU!

College is a place for learning and academics and that plays a major role in our Greek community. A student must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 to even be eligible for membership. Once a member, continuous academic success is stressed through our chapters by study sessions, scholarship awards and academic achievement programs. YSU’s Greek community also maintains their own academic, leadership and service honor society. The Nationals Order of Omega recognizes Greeks who achieve a 3.0 GPA or better and is open to juniors and seniors.

Fraternities and sororities are essentially self-governing organizations. The Interfraternity and Panhellenic Councils are the major governing bodies and set their own chapter standards. They expect all chapters to live up to these high values. This affords members many opportunities in which to gain valuable leadership experience; experience they will take with them after they graduate.

Philantrhopy is the community service undertaken by each Greek chapter. Nationally, we support such charities as The Children’s Miracle Network, the American Red Cross and the American Cancer Society just to name a few. Locally fraternities and sororites support the Youngstown Hearing and Speech Center, Hope House, Easter Seals, Adopt-a-Street, Sojourner House, Beatitude House and many others. Community Service provides all of our members with a valuable edification experience.

YSU's fraternities and sororities enable men and women to establish strong friendships, often lasting beyond their collegiate years. Affiliation provides an opportunity to interact with other students of all ages, backgrounds, and interests. Students will 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 college experiences with a variety of sisters and brothers will provide bonds and friendships that will last a lifetime.