SISTERHOOD, BROTHERHOOD AND FRIENDSHIP

Joining a sorority or a fraternity is the start of a new life. You will be welcomed into a family of men or women who will stand beside you, support you, encourage you and respect you. These men and women will become your brothers and sisters, friends and mentors for the rest of your life. All sororities and fraternities are different, yet they are built on the inherent principles set forth to further develop you both as an individual and a college student.

During your first semester of affiliation, sororities and fraternities plan activities to develop your knowledge of the chapter which you have joined, better acquainting you with its members while informing you of the goals of that particular chapter. All sororities and fraternities plan different activities such as study groups, mixers, formal dinners and service projects, all designed to give you the opportunity to learn more about the other members of your chapter.

Joining a sorority or fraternity leads to lifelong relationships and unending support from your new sisters and brothers. These women and men will embody the true sense of the word sisterhood and brotherhood. They will be the ones who stay up late to study with you, sit and talk to you when you need advice, help you deal with tough times and laugh with you when life smiles down on you. The meaning of sisterhood not only encompasses what these individuals will do for you, but what you will be able to contribute to the chapter as a unique individual.

SCHOLARSHIP

Scholarship is a key component to Greek Life and all sororities and fraternities realize the importance of emphasizing this area each and every semester. The focus on scholarship begins before a YSU student even becomes a member of the Greek community, simply because a minimum 2.5 grade point average is required in order to participate in formal sorority recruitment. Any woman with a GPA lower than this will not be permitted to go through the formal sorority recruitment process. Though many women easily surpass this GPA hurdle, each sorority also has its own minimum GPA requirement that a woman must meet in order to join. Fraternities and Sororities offer many scholarship programs and have designated study hours. Many scholarships are also awarded through individual and national chapters. Greek letter organizations were founded on the principle of successful scholarship and Youngstown State does not neglect this important factor.

SERVICE AND PHILANTHROPY

The interests and concerns of the Greek men and women go beyond the confines of campus life. Sororities and fraternities sponsor a multitude of activities and events each year to impact the community, earning money for their special philanthropies or identified causes. Each chapter takes time to organize an all-campus event to benefit its designated philanthropy, donating countless hours of community service during each school year. Many individual Greeks also volunteer for local programs such as “Ohio Reads” and “Relay for Life”. These events are not only beneficial to the charities that each chapter supports, but they also help to project a more positive Greek image to the public. Annually, the Panhellenic Council meets campus and community needs by sponsoring various events that benefit such organizations as the Beatitude House; Easter Seals; Breast Cancer Research, Education, and Awareness; Choose Children and the Youngstown Hearing and Speech Center.

The opportunity to donate your time, heart and energy to such worthwhile causes helps you develop a sense of individual pride, all the while cultivating camaraderie with your brothers and sisters in the process.

LEADERSHIP

Sorority and fraternity membership provides countless opportunities for you to be involved in leadership roles. As a chapter officer or director of an event or community service project, you can further develop your personal leadership skills. Each chapter has committee structures which allow you to become involved in all operational aspects of that specific Greek organization. Additionally, chapters provide educational programming in such areas as time management, leadership, communication, future planning and other interested topics. Greek men and women also participate in campus-wide activities.

Being Greek also provides a resource network when looking for employment. Greek alumni understand the Greek experience of being a team player, as well as being an individual; the desire to achieve high goals, both inside and outside of the educational setting and the high commitment of its members to give something back to the community. Greeks often hire Greeks and in this constantly changing world, it is important to establish relationships beyond the boundaries of Youngstown. Interaction with alumni or chapter advisors can begin building bridges for the future.