Why Go Greek?
There are obviously many pros to going Greek in such an active and involved community such as Southeast Missouri State, yet only 2% of the people in the United States are actually involved in sororities or fraternities, a suprising fact when you consider the endless opportunities Greek life supplies to its members.
Campus Involvement
Although all of Southeast’s students are given the opportunity to succeed and develop,those involved in Greek life are exposed to unique experiences not offered by any other organization. Over 66% of Greek students are involved in other student organizations across the campus, including those such as the Missouri National Education Association, Student Alumni Association, Student Government, All University Judicial Board, and Student Activities Council. These involved students also hold prestigiouss leadership roles within the Southeast Community. The President and Vice President of the Student Government Association, the President and Vice President of the Student Activities Council, and the President of the Student Alumni Association are all Greek just to name a few. Also, certain programs and groups are actually exclusive to Greeks; Rho Lambda, Order of Omega, and GAMMA (Greeks Advocating the Mature Management of Alcohol) provide leadership experience that other students wouldn’t experience otherwise.
Brotherhood/Sisterhood
One of the main ideas behind a sorority or fraternity is the bond that one creates with his/her brothers or sisters. The fraternities and sororities of Southeast uphold this standard, and this strong friendship is often the main drive for the Greek community. Every chapter on the campus has a wide array of unique and successful individuals, and provides a welcoming home for these members. By living and growing together one can truly learn to adapt to new environments, develop strong character, and create close bonds with lasting friends. Being a part of these groups allows students to learn how to work together and lead one another by taking up chairmanships, offices and positions specific to the chapter. Community service is also a large factor in this community, and there is great self accomplishment in working together to better one’s environment and community.
Philanthropy
Each of SEMO’s nationally recognized sororities and fraternities have their own philanthropy, and each year these groups raise money to benefit their desired organization. For Greek Week 2009 SEMO Greeks collected over 34,000 cans of food for the Salvation Army, completed over 1500 hours of other community service, donated over 502 pints of blood to the Red Cross, and raised over $25,000 for charities such as ALS Society, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Special Olympics of Southeast Missouri, The Backstoppers and Big Brothers Big Sisters. Not only does this better our community as a whole, but it brings us all closer together and provides ample opportunities to work alongside a larger group of people, once again putting leadership skills in to practice.
Anti Hazing Policy
Unfortunately, one of the aspects often associated with fraternities and sororities is hazing. As defined, hazing is any behavior, mental or physical, that interferes with the security, confidence, and/or well-being of a new member. However, at Southeast no hazing in any form is tolerated by any of its Greek organizations. In fact, Southeast continually makes strides to educate Greek students about the dangers of hazing. Upon pledging a sorority or fraternity, each student is asked to fill out a contract to promise they will never participate in an act of hazing. At Southeast, the Greek community realizes the necessity of building great friendships through community service, leadership, athletics, and social events. Activities such as hazing, which demean and degrade members, have no place in our system. The Greeks at Southeast are proud to provide balanced and educational chapter programming for all of their new members.