Parents’ Guide to Fraternity and Sorority Life
- Greek Life in the 21st Century: An Overview
- Reasons Why You Student Should "Go Greek"
- Knowing the System and Learning the Language
- Joining a Greek Organization
- San Diego State University and the Greek Community
Greek Life in the 21st Century: An Overview
Greek life has deep roots in the United States college experience, with the first fraternity, Phi Beta Kappa, founded in 1776 at William and Mary College in Virginia. Today, more than 750,000 students nationwide belong to a fraternity or sorority. The earliest "secret societies" existed to promote the best qualities of community-friendship, belonging, service, and leadership-and contemporary Greek-letter organizations continue that tradition.
However, in the late 20th century some Greek chapters on college campuses lost sight of their founding ideals. The organizations became entertainment-focused rather than values-focused. In some cases, hazing activities and inappropriate use of alcoholic beverages became incorporated into their traditions. Today, most fraternities and sororities are returning to principles of academic achievement, personal development, community building, and wellness, while still having fun.