Academic Groups vs. Social Groups: does YOUR club get funding?

Did you know that 76% of all Congressmen and Senators belong to a fraternity?

Probably not, and with good reason: more often than not, Greek life on college campuses is portrayed negatively by the media and the entertainment industry. With the entertainment business utilizing movies like “The House Bunny” and “Accepted”, as well as ABC Family’s new hit television series “GREEK”, to portray the possible downfalls and negative sides to fraternities and sororities, the public is given little room to interpret its own opinion about college Greek life.

On the Ursinus College campus, the administration has established a difference between an “academic group” and a “social group”; an academic group includes clubs such as “French Club”, “Psych Club”, and SOUL, and is funded by the school’s budget, while a social group includes organizations such as Greek life and sports teams that compete as unofficially as clubs, and is not funded by the school’s budget.

The boundary between a social group and an academic group has been established to distinguish two very separate types of organizations for the student body to make use of. Understandably, a college administration would be hesitant to fund sororities and fraternities given Greek life’s image throughout the United States; the liability of students during the New Member Education process – more commonly recognized as “pledging” – undoubtedly frightens enough parents and concerns enough faculty members to push the administration away.

“It’s understandable that aiding the foundations and continuation of Greek life on college campuses appears dangerous and foolish,” says sophomore and fraternity member Robert Gissubel; however, statistics point out just how many people have joined Greek organizations and led successful and significant careers later on in life. For example, since 1825, every United States President and Vice President (except two in each position) have been members of a fraternity. On a related note, 63 percent of the United States’ cabinet have been Greek members, since 1900.

While extending the title “academic group” to sororities and fraternities might be stretching a bit, the idea behind funding both social groups and academic groups equally is the concept that there is potential behind the organizations considered controversial or trivial. According to statistics, a large portion of those who have developed successful, thriving careers are men who were members of fraternities. For example, 43 of 50 of the nation’s largest corporations are headed by members of fraternities; 85 percent of the Fortune 500 executives also belonged to a fraternity in college. Both the first female astronaut and female senator was a member of a sorority, as well. “A large majority of members of Greek life have graduated to lead successful careers,” says sophomore Alaina Gaines. “I think it’s important for the school to realize that funding Greek organizations could be beneficial to improving the image of Greek life, as well as reinforcing the positive aspects of Greek life.”

Why do any of these statistics directly affect students at Ursinus College? Well, maybe being President isn’t the first item on a student’s “to-do list”, but maintaining a high GPA definitely is. According to a National Conference report, a higher percentage of the 4,000 NIC fraternity chapters challenges and exceeds the All-Men’s scholastic average of their campuses, respectively. Similarly, over 70 percent of those who join a Greek organization graduate, while less than 50 percent of non-Greeks graduate, according to a United States Government study. “The negative perception of Greeks on campuses is fueled by rumors and movies portraying Greek life inaccurately. What the public doesn’t realize is that Greeks actually do homework and try to do good for the community,” said Gregory Kristofor, a sophomore. “Non-Greeks have trouble understanding that not only do students help the organizations by joining them to keep them alive, but the organizations also help the students.”

Each year 850,000 hours are volunteers by members of Greek organizations as a part of their community service programs, and over $7 million is raised annually by sororities and fraternities nation-wide. Community service is an established part of the majority of sororities and fraternities, and all of the Greek organizations at Ursinus College are required to fulfill a specific number of community service hours per year. “Doing community service regularly is an essential part of Greek life,” says junior Kathleen Murley. “It shapes you as an individual and lets you give back to the community. While Greek life doesn’t teach academics like language clubs or academic clubs, Greek organizations do teach valuable life lessons.”

At Ursinus College, administrators carefully determine which areas of college life will be awarded funding from the budget. Academic departments and clubs are given financial support to further students’ education; while the budget is an issue that will continue to be debated, what should be considered is the potential behind organizations that do not emphasize academics, but instead places value on life’s lessons.

If you want to learn more about Greek life statistics, follow this link.

Senator Rafferty meets with UC students

Standing in the center of Olin 107, Senator John C. Rafferty did not appear nervous or hesitant about speaking to an audience of college students and professors; instead, he seemed ready and enthusiastic to address the questions and concerns that the Ursinus College community had to ask him.

On Thursday, Oct. 22, a meeting with state representatives was held in Olin, giving students and faculty members the chance to explore issues at hand in Pennsylvania; the meeting also allowed students to openly interact with the officials who have input with Pennsylvania state laws.

While State Representative Mike Vereb was scheduled to speak alongside Sen. Rafferty, he was unable to join at last minute. State Sen. Rafferty seemed unfazed by Rep. Vereb’s absence and spoke honestly and directly to his audience, immediately creating a friendly, candid environment. Sen. Rafferty’s background was enough to put his audience at ease; beginning his government career in college – he dabbled in student government – Sen. Rafferty acts as Chairman of the Senate Law & Justice Committee, and is also involved in a variety of other committees including Appropriations, Banking and Insurance, Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure, Judiciary, and Transportation committees. To learn more about Senator Rafferty, you can visit his webpage.

President Strassburger has long allowed government and business officials to hold meetings on the Ursinus College campus; Devin Henry, a sophomore, expressed her opinion regarding the mixing of politics with the school system: “I think that it’s a good idea to let government officials meet here,” she said. “That way, the government officials stay in touch with Ursinus College administrators and students.” Sen. Rafferty acknowledged that he planned on staying involved with Ursinus through meeting with students and faculty members once a year, answering questions.

Although Sen. Rafferty covered a wide variety of topics, he spent a great deal of time addressing the issues surrounding the budget, which has been scrutinized intensely as of late. According to Sen. Rafferty, the state senate spent 500 million dollars less this year than last year, and also increased state aid for K-12 education to 300 million dollars. “I’m glad the right amount of attention is being paid to elementary and middle school education,” said Olivia Minick, a sophomore. “With all of the controversies surrounding the budget this year, I’m happy that at least aid to schools is being considered.”

There have, indeed, been controversies swirling around passing the budget; many students had mixed opinions toward the concept that K-12 schools were lobbying for table gambling and video slots, as the revenue would be used as aid for schools. Greg Kristofor, a sophomore, spoke positively about utilizing this idea: “If the revenue would help fund school systems that are in need of financial help, then why shouldn’t this be an idea to look into and consider?” Other students, however, disagreed, feeling that utilizing the products of gambling would send children the wrong message: “While it may seem like a good idea on the surface, I think that using the money produced from legalizing gambling will only give younger students a negative understanding of the idea that the ends justifies the means,” said Chrissy Walsh, a junior. Sen. Rafferty explained that handling the budget issues and pushing the budget in the right direction is still currently a main focus of the senate, but realizes that he – and the senate – cannot make everyone happy: “The only way to get stuff done is work together,” Sen. Rafferty said. “[It’s] a constant battle back and forth.”

While it is clear that there are still a lot of questions surrounding the budget plans, Sen. Rafferty seems willing and dedicated to bearing Ursinus College students and faculty in mind while handling politics. The meeting ended with a brief, but admirable quote from Sen. Rafferty that will most likely inspire others’ faith in the state senate; when asked what he enjoyed most about working for the government, he smiled and replied, “I like knowing my efforts help somebody.”

For more information on Ursinus College student involvement with neighboring communities, check out articles for The Grizz.

Greek Recruitment Period Approaching

The Greek recruitment period for Ursinus College is once again rapidly approaching with the promise of countless social functions and an in-depth look at Greek unity on campus. On October 31, the recruitment period for Greek fraternities and sororities will begin in hopes of attracting upperclassmen and freshmen for New Member Education at the end of January. “I’m really looking forward to showing the students who are rushing what Grek life is about,” said Jenn Joseph, a sophomore. “Greek life is stereotyped to be just as it’s seen in the movies: all about drinking and partying. I really want to show freshmen what Greeks do for the Ursinus community.” While recruitment events are stereotyped to only be organized drinking parties, the “rush” events on Ursinus College campus have a large variety.

An advertisement for the television show "GREEK"


The recruitment events at Ursinus are held in order for Greek members to meet the new freshmen and eligible upperclassmen who are considering enrolling in New Member Education for a sorority or fraternity in winter. There are both on-campus and off-campus rushes, although the recruitment events are individualized for each organization, with hands-on activities for both members and new recruits. Each organization has a different number of planned events aimed at giving freshmen a positive impression of Greek life. “I want to show freshmen and upperclassmen what Greek life involves,” said Shannon Grube, a junior. “The recruitment period is a great opportunity for students to realize that there’s more to rushing than just social events.”

Each organization has a number of Rush Chairs who are Greek members that plan the rushes and activities for the recruits. While each organization approaches the recruitment period differently, a typical rushing period might have day and night rushes that occur throughout the week, including weekends. Greek members work hard and dedicate time to putting effort into planning their rush events as they want to give freshmen an up-close look at Greek life.

“What freshmen don’t know yet is that Greek members are not out to intimidate students,” said Greg Kristofor, a sophomore. “We Greeks dedicate our time to the freshmen and other students who are rushing, and want everyone to have a fun, safe time getting know Greek life at Ursinus.” Alaina Gaines, a sophomore, agrees: “The recruitment period is not just about parties; it’s about campus unity because the upperclassmen are getting to know the freshmen and integrating them into the Ursinus College community." Greek members utilize recruitment events as a means to wear their pride for their sorority or fraternity.The recruitment period is not intended to intimidate freshmen; rather, it is a period of time that Greek members dedicate to the freshmen and eligible upperclassmen in order to portray the unique and distinctive qualities of their sorority or fraternity. “The recruitment period is not Greek members utilize recruitment events as a means to wear their pride for their organization, and do not set out with the intention of exploiting new recruits to gain a bad reputation on campus. Lexie Hall, a sophomore who is planning on attending the recruitment events to learn more about what Greek life has to offer, agreed: “I can’t wait to see what the different sororities put together; Greek life doesn’t always have the reputation it deserves, and I’m excited to see what it’s about beyond the stereotypes.” Kate Kehoe, a sophomore is a member of an Ursinus College sorority, expressed excitement at being a part of planning the recruitment period for the first time: “I can’t wait to meet the new girls and meet the future of Ursinus Greek life.”

Greek organizations must remain in touch with school administrators throughout the rushing period to ensure the safety and productivity of the events. “As a Greek member, I believe that the Greek recruitment period is a chance for Greeks to uphold a respectful image and reputation while meeting new students and recruits,” said Kathleen Murley, a junior. “I’m looking forward to meeting the freshmen and am happy that extra precautions have been taken by the school so that everyone has a safe, fun time learning what Greek life is really about,” said Max Lowenstein, a sophomore.

The Greek recruitment period is an opportunity to view Greek life up close and a chance for students to see if it’s the right choice for them. Each Greek organization is different and adds something unique to the Ursinus Campus, and the recruitment period is a great chance to see what Greek life provides for the student body.

If you're interested in reading more about student activities on campus, make sure to look at the student-written articles for The Grizz.

Greek Activites Fair Attracts Students

It’s that time of the year. No, it’s not the holiday season or your birthday, but it is the time of the school year when the Greek rushing season begins, hoping to involve freshmen and upperclassmen in learning about Greek life. On Thursday, Oct. 29, the second annual Greek Activities Fair was held in the Wismer Parents Lounge, as Oct. 31marks the first social event held by Greek members.

Crowded in the lounge and upper Wismer, each Greek organization set up a decorated table, garnished with pictures, composites, banners, and sign-in sheets, hoping to entice the wandering students to learn about each sorority or fraternity. “I thought each fraternity and sorority did a great job setting up their tables,” said Steve Leydet, a junior and member of fraternity Sigma Rho Lambda. “The displays really showed the true colors of each organization.” To learn more about Ursinus College Greek life, visit the Ursinus College webpage.

Behind each table sat members of the represented sorority or fraternity, ready to answer questions or alleviate students’ concerns over rumors. “I think that it was beneficial for students to be able to ask questions and directly talk with members of Greek life,” said Shannon Grube, a junior and member of sorority Omega Chi. Sign-in sheets frequented the tables of the organizations, so as to stay in touch with the students who participated in the Activities Fair.

This year’s Greek Activities Fair is one of the events considered mandatory for students who intend to rush to be eligible for participating in New Member Education in spring 2010. The fair and the other mandatory events occurring in the coming weeks are focused around ensuring students’ knowledge of the various Greek organizations before engaging in New Member Organization. “I think the fair was a good idea,” said a sophomore member of a sorority who chose to remain anonymous. “I think that students should know a little about each organization before starting the New Member Education process.” The most popular question for most organizations, by far, surrounded the concept of New Member Education, taking place in the spring.

New Member Education, also more widely known as “pledging”, is the act of “initiation” of new students into a Greek organization. Each organization’s education process is different, and typically works to teach the new members the values and ideals that that organization instills and follows.

Because the New Member Education process is constantly being revised by Ursinus College administrators, the requirements for being eligible to participate in New Member Education are also altered frequently. In the past, the school has not held such a tight leash over “pledging”, and although students were not harmed, there were definitely more risks involved. Today, the administration keeps a much tighter hold on the requirements for pledging and rushing in order to ensure the safety of the students. “I think that the requirements for being eligible to rush are beneficial because it gives freshmen a broader prospective of all the sororities and fraternities instead of focusing on just one,” said Chrissy Walsh, a junior. The current schedule for rushing and the New Member Education Process includes about a month of social functions from Oct. 31 through Thanksgiving Break, and one week of formal rushing in January, with the New Member Education process following shortly after the rushing period has ended. The social functions are used as tools to meet and greet the new rushes, and there are “wet” and “dry” rushes (meaning with alcohol versus without alcohol) to meet students in different atmospheres.

Students have a selection of seven sororities and fraternities to choose from; there is only one national sorority and there are only two national fraternities, while the rest of the Greek organizations are local. The requirements for being eligible to rush for a local organization versus a national organization ask for the same obligations to be fulfilled. “I think the administration is doing a good job of compelling students to learn about the several organizations,” said a member of a fraternity who chose to remain anonymous. “The point of rushing isn’t just to party, but to explore what Greek life truly has to offer. I think the fair did well in showing the many sides to Greek life at Ursinus.”

To read more about upcoming or past events for students to participate in, check out The Grizz.