Have you ever wanted to join a Greek organization, but didn’t know which one to choose? Or were worried about the stereotypes that Greek life has on campuses nationwide? Or just had absolutely no idea what Greek life is like and are interested in finding out? Well in the following weeks the Greek organizations at Rhode Island College (RIC) will be hosting events that any student, prospective new member or not, can attend.
Starting on 9/13 with the Greek BBQ, the Greek organizations will be available for students to learn more about each organization. The Greek BBQ, which will be held on Weber Beach from 4p.m. to 6p.m., will offer students free food and a chance to socialize with members. This can give students a chance to build relationships with their future sisters or brothers and maybe see if Greek life is right for them.
The Greek Advisor Megan Fox, is very excited about this event and the prospective members it can bring to each organization. “I’ll be there grilling,” said Fox.
Wednesday kicks off with Student Activities Day, where the Greek organizations will each have a table on the Quad where students can find out more information about each individual organization, such origins, what they stand for and the types of activities they offer throughout the year.
Fox and other members of the Greek Council at RIC don’t want prospective members to be intimidated by the negative connotations that Greek life has so later on Wednesday. night, from 6p.m. to 9p.m., they will offer a Greek Info Session in the Student Union Ballroom. Any student can attend and learn more about each Greek organization and what Greek life is like on campus.
“It’s more than just joining a club. It’s like a sisterhood or brotherhood,” said Fox.
One of the strides Fox and the Greek Council are making this year to challenge negative stereotypes is to use the word “Recruitment” rather than “Rush.” Fox said that many national fraternities and sororities are leaning towards this word change because “Rush” has built up negative connotations such as the act of hazing students before they are able to join Greek life. Fox said, “We know there are stereotypes, but we want students to keep an open mind.”
Following next week, starting on Monday 9/19, will kick off Recruitment Week for all the Greek organizations at RIC. All of the Greek organizations have individually planned events for students, not only to get to know the members of that organization, but also to see if that organization is the right fit for them (and vice-versa).
According to Fox the sororities on campus usually look for women who are enthusiastic and dedicated to the organizations’ activities. RIC’s two fraternities generally look for men who want to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and who are loyal to the organization in which they belong.
In all, there’s nothing to be intimidated by with these organizations. While they are more exclusive than most clubs that RIC has to offer, the members are the complete opposite of the negative stereotypes that people usually think of when they hear “sorority” or “fraternity”.
Fox said that RIC’s Greek life is relatively small so many times people don’t know what to think of it; but for someone like me, who knows nothing about Greek life, these organizations seem like they are merely looking to build better relationships between their members and move toward whichever goal each organization sets for itself. For contact information of the Greek organizations at RIC, visit the webpage on the RIC website: http://www.ric.edu/student_activities/greekLife.php
