ASK THE EDITORS...

Our student editors, Kim Kelly and Jason Ferguson, answer the questions you most want to know about Greek Life.

Kim is a junior majoring in International Studies and Jason is a junior majoring in Political Science. Both joined their Greek organizations when they were Freshmen.

Q. I’ve heard bad stories about hazing while pledging fraternities and sororities. Does this happen at USF?

A. In the past, hazing was something that was carried out so that new members earned the right to become part of their fraternity or sorority. Hazing is any activity that causes physical or mental stress on an individual, on or away from campus. At USF, hazing of any sort is not tolerated, and every Greek organization is educated on the penalties and harm hazing has on their chapters.

Q. I am afraid that if I join a sorority or fraternity that my grades will start to slip because I won’t have as much time to study.

A. The overall Greek grade point average is consistently higher than the grade point average of a non-Greek student. Not having enough time to study is a very common misconception. Most fraternities and sororities have grade requirements to maintain membership in their organizations. Students do not come to a university to be in a Greek organization, they attend to gain knowledge and to obtain a degree of some sort. The foundation of sororities and fraternities is based on scholastic achievement and excellence. At USF, we have Order of Omega, a prestigious Greek honor society that admits the top 3% of the Greek population. Greek Life contributes to a complete college experience including social and academic areas of the university.

Q. I’m not sure what the costs are, but it seems to me that Greek Life is just a way to buy your friends.

A. This is a stereotypical assumption. It is true that being a member of a fraternity or sorority involves money, but that money goes to pay for membership, social activities, philanthropies, insurance, national organization fees, initiation costs and just like any other club, it must have funds to help the business side function effectively.

At USF, the average costs for fraternities and sororities range between $355-$800 annually, while some costs are one time fees as new members. The best way to find out about the cost of each organization is to visit each chapter during recruitment week. The members will be more than willing to go over the financial obligations that are to be fulfilled if you join. Money does not determine the friendships you make in the Greek system.

Sure, it’s easy to assume that Greeks buy their friends because in order to be a member, you must pay. However, we cannot say that any of our friends have stopped talking to us if we paid our dues a week or two late. Our friendships are made just like they are in any other situation, except we all share a very special and sacred ritual that binds us even closer together. Money does not determine friendships - you develop those naturally yourself.