Greek Life at UCSD

The classic debate in almost every college students head pro-Greek or anti-Greek? While there are a million stereotypes and endless reasons that people have for not joining the Greek system, I'm going to shed a little light on why it's a good idea and something that will help you to get the most of your experience here at UCSD.

Before I start trying to sell you on going Greek, I guess I should tell you a little bit about myself. I came to UCSD as a Freshman scared of sorority girls and not wanting to "pay for friends." I got involved with a Christian club on campus and made some of my best friends through an all girls freshman bible study, and I started working at a coffee shop in Warren (Earl's Place). I made a lot of really great friends through both of these worlds but as I was about to enter into my sophomore year, I found myself very curious about Greek life. When school started I decided to go through recruitment with an open mind and wanting to learn a little bit more about the whole system. For ladies formal recruitment is quite the process, it is a week long of "parties" where you basically go into different rooms for the different sororities, see each one and rank your top choices at the end of each day. For gentlemen rushing fraternities, the process is a lot less structured and you can basically choose which fraternities you want to learn more about by going out to their rush events and getting to know the guys.

Since I am a lady, I went through formal recruitment and thought that I would just drop out midway through because I still didn't see myself as a "sorority girl." I ended up continuing to get called back each night and having to choose my top house on the last night, and its been a decision I haven't regretted for one moment.

Being Greek is a lot more than the parties, the money, and the social status that everyone automatically associates it with. First off, I have never felt like I've paid for my friends. Paying your dues is basically the only way for an organization like a fraternity or sorority to function, since they are non-profit organizations. Basically you pay for everything you'll be getting and doing up front. For instance sorority formals, cost thousands of dollars to reserve venues, transportation and catering. In order to have that money to plan such an event the organization needs to have that money in advance. So now that you know you wont actually be paying for friends here's what you are getting when you join the Greek system:

- An automatic support system. When you come to college or any new place where you don't know many people it is nice to have a group of people you know you can count on. Whether that be for a study buddy, someone to explore campus with, or someone to go out with on the weekends. Your sorority sisters and fraternity brothers will always be that for you.

- Alumni networking. Fraternities and sororities have been around for so many years that there are large alumni groups for each organization in San Diego. Being a part of a Greek Chapter gives you a group of people who have graduated and are working in their career fields whom you can ask advice, or seek help in finding internships or jobs.

- A smaller world. UCSD is a huge university, the 6 college system helps to make it feel a bit smaller, but the Greek system can make it feel like a home. At such a large university it is nice to see familiar faces as you walk to class, or know that if you stop by Price Center during lunch you are sure to run into a friend that wants to get lunch at that same time.

- Endless leadership experience. Fraternities and sororities are completely student run organizations, some chapters are over 100 members in size which makes being a part of leadership that much more rewarding and valuable. There are positions that organize events, philanthropies, keep track of chapter finances, assist with academic excellence, educate the chapter on the fraternities history, correspondence with alumni, and the list goes on and on.

These things are only the main points and the tip of the iceberg when it comes to all the positive things the Greek system has to offer. I'm not trying to get you all to join because it isn't for everyone, but I am asking you to give it a try if any of these things have sounded interesting at all. I am the perfect example of someone who never thought she would be a "sorority girl" and now I'm the current President of my chapter, Kappa Kappa Gamma. Looking back on my four years at UCSD and the things I've learned, most of my practical knowledge and leadership skills have come from being a part of a sorority. I couldn't imagine what college would have been without this experience, and I am excited to continue to be involved with my sorority as an alum for the rest of my life.

For more information about going Greek here are the Panhellenic Association and Interfraternity Council websites:

Ladies: http://panhellenicucsd.org/home

Gentlemen: http://www.ifcucsd.org/index.php

I hope this has been helpful to anyone that was curious, and sparked interest in some of you that hadn't thought about it before. I could probably go for days, but I wont for obvious reasons. Feel free to message me on Facebook if you have any questions and I'd be happy to talk with you on an individual basis and direct you to others than can answer any questions I can't. I'll be seeing you all soon in the Fall, but have a great summer until then :)

Stacey Hunsucker
Transfer OL