How important are fraternities and sororities?
The ten national and two local fraternities and eight local and one national sororities at Sewanee provide a structured relationship among young men and women in which their intellectual and social life may be enriched. The Associate Dean of Students, in conjunction with the Interfraternity Council (IFC) and the Intersorority Council (ISC), is responsible for supervising and maintaining appropriate standards and a proper relationship between the college and the Greek organizations. These standards, clearly enumerated in the “Statement of Relations Between the University of the South and the Social Fraternities,” include encouraging scholarship, developing leadership, learning fiscal and house management, participating in community services, promoting respect for human dignity, enhancing campus social opportunities, and advancing alumni relations. Fraternities and sororities are expected to plan their programs so that their activities are supportive of the overall goals and educational philosophy of the college. The Associate Dean of Students and the IFC and ISC make a special effort to explain to Greek organizations their legal responsibilities, especially their obligation to uphold the legal drinking age and the very significant liability they have as hosts of parties where alcoholic beverages are consumed.
While over 65% of the men and women join fraternities and sororities, virtually all students live in dormitories, and for this reason it happens that many friendships are not based on associations made through Greek organizations, nor are fraternities and sororities closed, exclusive clubs as is sometimes the case on other campuses. Each of the Greek organizations has its own house on campus which is used as a meeting place and for social functions.
Students who wish to join a Greek organization participate in a formal rush program which begins during the first two weeks of the second semester. Recognizing the primary importance of academic endeavors at Sewanee, the Office of Student Activities and the IFC and ISC have organized formal rush in such a way that rushees are obligated to spend no more than two hours on any single day participating in rush activities. Both fraternities and sororities conduct a dry (non-alcoholic) rush. New fraternity members pay an initial fee to the national fraternity of around $150. Members pay dues and assessments totaling $400-$800 a year to the local chapter to cover its operating expenses. The initial cost of membership for sorority members is around $20; dues and assessments total approximately $400 a year.
It should be noted that membership in Greek letter organizations does present some personal liability risks. Members of Greek organizations, especially their officers, are obligated to operate fraternity and sorority activities in a safe and law-abiding manner. Failure to meet this obligation may result in court cases involving substantial liability settlements against fraternity and sorority members. The University does not insure or indemnify fraternities/sororities for claims made against them or their members.
All Greeks participate in community service projects throughout the year, and there is a healthy competition among the organizations to see which can make the greatest difference within the community. Fraternities and sororities also provide an important outlet for athletic interests through intramural competition. Intramural teams for both men and women are also organized through the residential halls or independently through the Athletics Office.
Students who do not wish to join fraternities or sororities are welcome at most fraternity and sorority social functions. It should also be noted that students may take an active role in planning social events by becoming involved in campus-wide organizations like the Bishop’s Common Program Board, the Women’s Center Board, and various dormitory-based entertainment groups.
Fraternities and sororities also provide an important outlet for athletic interests through intramural competition. Intramural teams are also organized through the residential halls or independently through the Athletics Office. Women’s intramural teams are recruited from both the residential halls and the sororities.
