Benefits of Greek Life
Social/Recreational Involvement
While academics are the main reason for one to attend Valdosta State University, you will achieve the best college experience possible through the proper balancing of academics and social activities. Joining a fraternity or sorority will offer you the most extensive social outlets possible on the VSU campus. Being Greek gives you the opportunity to meet new friends through participation in events like Homecoming, Date Nights, Formals, Theme Parties, Greek Week and many other social activities. Fraternity men and sorority women pride themselves on the ability to help their fellow brothers and sisters develop socially and learn to have fun in a safe environment.
BrotherHood/Sisterhood
Throughout your college experience at Valdosta State University, the friendships that our members make within their chapters are the ones that last a lifetime. Whether you came to college not knowing a single person or knowing a several people, the opportunity to be a part of a brotherhood or sisterhood transcends your VSU college experience.
Brotherhood and sisterhood are the bonds of unity and friendship that last a lifetime. These bonds are not only among members for each individual chapter, but amongst chapters around the nation, due to the history and the ideals that each chapter was founded upon.
By becoming a member of the Greek community, you will meet people who will grow to become your closest friends; those who will cheer you on when you’re successful and who will support you when the going gets tough. Lifelong friendships and associations are made through active participation in a Greek organization.
These relationships are deeper than going to parties, more meaningful than wearing the same letters. They are about growth and development of individuals as they begin their lives at VSU. Each new member brings his or her unique talents to the fraternity or sorority and is loved and respected for the way he or she is.
Successful Leadership
Greek Life provides an excellent place to gain the experience and knowledge necessary for successful leadership. Each Greek chapter is self-governing and relies on the special talents of its members for successful management. Serving as an officer on the Executive Board or on a committee, develops leadership skills in the areas of self-responsibility, decision making, and communication. Upper-class chapter members often encourage new members to become active in campus leadership roles due to the fact that campus involvement is supported in every chapter at Valdosta State University. As a result, college careers for Greek students begin to involve more than merely textbooks, classrooms, athletic events and social functions. A leader in the Greek community will develop such skills as goal setting, delegating responsibilities, working with a group, planning activities, solving problems, time management and focused decision making.What you put into any position is what you will gain, and Greek Life offers the opportunity to give it your all, and to develop leadership skills that will help you succeed in college and beyond.
Academic Support
Academics and learning are the most important aspects of college life, and Greek students recognize that the purpose of attending school is to receive a quality education. Each Greek chapter has set their own standards, and a minimum GPA is required before joining.To accomplish these academic standards, many different programs have been put in place. Upper-class members may assist new members in developing sound study habits through scholarship programs, individual help, incentive programs and study buddies. Additionally, numerous chapters on campus have study hours for their new and active members. The goal of study hours is to encourage cooperative and quiet studying among chapter members. These hours are often held at chapter houses or at the campus library and are seen as a very effective way for members to bond while studying at the same time.
The academic portion of your college life is no doubt, the greatest determinant of your future success. Employers look for students who have achieved academic success along with their extracurricular involvement. The Greek community has made important contributions in this respect to the lives of its members. We hope you, too, will decide to take advantage of the benefits.
Alumni Networking
Greek membership is for a lifetime. One of the greatest benefits that comes with being a member of the Greek community are the relationships you make with alumni, providing many opportunities for career networking and mentoring, not only with your initial job search but also throughout your career. Homecoming, chapter anniversary dinners, conferences, conventions, and other events foster interaction with alumni. Alumni/graduate chapters located throughout the nation provide opportunities for continued involvement after graduation. Because their Greek experience was so meaningful, many alumni “give back” to their organization by volunteering their time on a chapter advisory board, housing corporations’ board, or as a regional or district officer.
Service and Philanthropy
The VSU Greek community provides services to more than just its members. One of the many advantages of being part of the Greek community is the time spent helping others. The campus and the surrounding Valdosta area are continually reaping the benefits of the Greek community. Greeks sponsor many community service activities throughout the year. These activities, known as philanthropies, can involve members from one chapter or all members of the Greek community, working side by side to lend a helping hand to the population of Valdosta.
Most chapters require members to maintain community service hours; yet these requirements are not a burden due to the satisfaction one gets when they have been completed. Some of the projects that chapters are involved with include raising money for the Children’s Miracle Network, the Make a Wish Foundation, the Ronald McDonald House, victims of domestic violence and time is also donated by members to help tutor at local elementary schools. The Greek community at Valdosta State University strives for excellence in the area of community service, service that is an integral part of the growth of our Greek community.
