Benefits

Greek membership at The University of Memphis has many immediate benefits. The men and women of fraternities and sororities are committed to academics, community service, philanthropy, leadership development, and campus involvement. Being a member of a Greek organization gives men and women the chance for personal growth as well as developing many interpersonal skills. Greek students will grow from enriched life experiences as well as gaining preparation for future life challenges.

Greek men and women excel in all aspects of scholarship. These organizations offer academic support through class files, study hours, grade point average (GPA) requirements, national and local scholarships, tutoring, workshops, and other special programs. At the system level, outstanding academic success is recognized by the offer of membership to the Order of Omega. Membership is offered to all juniors and seniors with high academic success and extracurricular involvement.

Networking is an important opportunity for any Greek member. Alumni support serves a major role in the University and career networking. Alumni offer support through mentoring programs and serve as advisors to undergraduate students. Greek alumni also play a major role in advising chapters. Each fraternity and sorority has at least two advisors and/or house cooperation board, who assist the chapter in day-to-day operations and management of the chapter facility. These relationships contribute to the overall feelings of camaraderie and networking gained through Greek membership.

Going Greek is one of the best decisions a student can make if he or she seeks leadership opportunities. Greek members hold a significant number of leadership positions at The University of Memphis. Sororities and fraternities offer guidance and provide many opportunities to expand a student's leadership and involvement potential.

Statistics on Greek Leadership at The University of Memphis

• Over half of the U of M's Who's Who Among American College Students of 2004 are Greek
• All of the 2004 initiates of Omicron Delta Kappa are Greek
• 80% of the Orientation Guides are Greek
• 80% of the Frosh Camp Counselors are Greek
• President of Student Government Association is Greek
• Majority of the SGA Senate are Greek
• Vice President of Student Activities
• President of Student Ambassador Board is Greek
• The Entire Frosh Camp Executive Board are Greek
• Executive Director of Up 'Til Dawn is Greek

Philanthropy

Philanthropic service is held as a core value for Greek members. The University of Memphis Greek community organizes philanthropy events through individual councils, the Greek system, and by individual chapters. Working together on such worthwhile projects not only benefits worthy causes, but also fosters development and unity among Greek members. Service projects that students have been involved in include fundraising, visiting the elderly, tutoring and mentoring children from local schools, volunteering time to shelters, sponsoring and participating in community clean-up projects, conducting food drives, and a variety of other service-oriented activities.

Financial

Being in a Greek organization gives students a sense of pride, but along with that pride comes responsibility in realizing their financial obligations. Each chapter at The U of M varies in financial obligations, and members are required to pay fees and obligations at the beginning of each Fall and Spring semester. Students also pay other fees such as initiation dues (one time fee) and housing dues (if applicable). These fees cover the cost of maintaining a chapter including insurance, national and local dues, social events, and activities.

Initially, these financial obligations may sound overwhelming. However, according to a recent study, fraternity or sorority dues will cost members less than 2% of their total college costs.

For more information, contact the Office of Greek Affairs at 901.678.2093. Governing members of the various Greek organizations can be reached at this number.