Greek Life: Doomed to Fail or Hope for the Future?

I should be upfront: I am biased. As objective as I may try to be, my four years in Sigma Chi have changed my life. So take what follows for what it is: an honest attempt at trying to answer the question above. 

Those who promote Greek life often start with statistics, philanthropy, figures, leadership and alumni networks—all genuine strengths—but lead with these numbers without addressing the stigma and real concerns surrounding these organizations. 

Greek organizations need to be honest about why the reputation of exclusion and excess exists, and do the challenging work of building a culture that actually deserves to be held in high respect.

Around sixty four percent of college students report consistent loneliness during their time at college, according to a study conducted by Active Minds, a nonprofit in the United States focusing on youth and young adults mental health. 

This is often compounded by our reliance on technology. A myriad of mental health problems affect our age group—many of which stem from one thing: a lack of community. Young people are impressionable, want a sense of belonging and need community more than ever. Greek life offers the largest value-based community in the United States. 

But an organisation only earns that word—community—through the individual actions of its members, every single day. It is through the men and women who show up for each other on a Monday night when nobody is watching. Those who hold one another accountable at their lowest and celebrate one another at their highest.  And those who involve themselves in the opportunities Santa Clara University has to offer, living out the values we learn in our chapters and in the classroom in real life. In our chapter, we use the Bible proverb: “as iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” That’s the crux of it. Chapters that promote a diversity of background, perspective and interests will be stronger for it. 

There are more than 200 clubs and organizations offered at the University, yet Greek life is interwoven into the fabric of this school’s culture. It is something that many of our students value. 

So what next?

We are students of the school first, and members of our organizations second. Greek life is an addition to our school experience. It is a way for young people to find a home, a family that challenges them to be better every day. For the school, it will find a student population of leaders—people who value leadership, community and friendship.

Santa Clara University has not recognised Greek life in 25 years. This is not an article for reaffiliation or against it, nor about the current tension between the administration and Greek students—that is for future students and administrators to decide and navigate. 

What I would say to sceptics is this: much of the criticism laid against Greek life—hazing issues, exclusion, alcohol and drug abuse—is justified. There are organizations around the United States that are dangerous. On our end, we need to cultivate communities that foster a positive culture, and we have that privilege. 

But the data tells a different story for chapters that get it right. 81% of Greek members report excellent mental health, according to a study done by the University of Tennessee Knoxville. The friendships formed, the leadership developed, the networks built—these are not incidental to the experience, they are the experience. In an uncertain world and for a generation being told not to bother trying, community is everything we have. Greek life at its best is exactly that, a place where young people find a home, create networks and perhaps most importantly of all, have fun.

To Greek leaders - it’s in your hands. You have something very special you have created, and continue to create. Hold that responsibly and proudly.