Approximately 33% of the Colgate community as a whole,
and 45% of upperclassmen (sophomores, juniors, and seniors) are members of the Greek
community.
When is Recruitment?/Why not participate in recruitment as first years?
Formal recruitment occurs in the fall semester of the sophomore
year but open recruitment can take place throughout the year (for chapters that
have not yet met their membership goals for the year). It is Colgate’s philosophy
to delay fraternity and sorority membership to the sophomore year to allow students to
acclimatize to Colgate before making their lifelong membership decision.
Is there a pressure to participate in recruitment?
Many students participate in recruitment because they are interested in the
opportunity to meet more of their fellow classmates and to find out if the Greek
community is
right for them. However, students who do not go through recruitment are not isolated in any way. If a
student later reconsiders his or her decision not to go through recruitment, joining a fraternity or
sorority outside of the formal recruitment process is an option.
Will I feel left out if I don’t participate?
Both students who are involved in the Greek
community and
those who have chosen to remain independent participate in a variety of Greek functions,
including both social and philanthropy events. In addition, Colgate has many activities
and organizations that attract all students, regardless of Greek affiliation, so there is
no real stratification of students based on their types of involvement.
How big are the fraternities and sororities?
The average sorority is composed of approximately 100
members and the average fraternity has approximately 60 members.
I don’t want to pay for my friends, why should I join a fraternity or sorority?
Membership dues are not a payment for friends; they are
financial contributions to the organization to pay for things such as social programming,
special events, house maintenance and insurance. Membership in the Greek
community offers a
variety of benefits to all members, especially those who are willing to take the
initiative and seek them out. At the collegiate level, the bond of friendship that is
formed amongst members lasts a lifetime. In addition, chapters offer the opportunity to
participate in tutoring and academic support, philanthropy projects throughout the Greek
community, and the chance to adopt both leadership and supporting roles within the chapter.
As alumni/a, Greeks have in place a network of connections which can be utilized in
everything from job searches to finding a friendly face in a new town.
What do fraternities and sororities do besides social events?
Fraternities and sororities, at both the local and
national level, support a variety of philanthropic endeavors and sponsor events promoting
awareness of relevant issues. Additionally, they participate in activities which promote
unity within the chapter, and spirited events such as intramurals. One of
the primary focuses of Greek Life is scholarship. All national
organizations offer a large number of scholarships and fellowships for
undergraduate and graduate work each year.
What is Colgate doing to prevent hazing activities?
Colgate University, and the Greek community in particular,
sponsors a variety of educational and discussion-based programs targeted toward the
prevention of hazing. The hazing policy is made clear to all fraternity and sorority
members, as well as to all students participating in Recruitment. Any actual or perceived
violations of the hazing policy are addressed quickly by the Office of Fraternity and
Sorority Affairs and/or the Judicial Officer of the college.
Will I have to live in the house?
While most Greek organizations at Colgate have houses,
the housing requirements vary. For the men's facilities, most students will live
in for all semesters that they are on campus during their junior and senior
year. During the Recruitment process, potential new members are
encouraged to determine the specific obligations for each house.
What are the responsibilities associated with the fraternity/sorority membership?
All members have basic responsibilities but the level of
involvement may vary. Those in leadership positions often have specific duties that
require significant time commitments. Those members who elect not to have an office can
tailor their involvement to their own schedule. For example, a member who wishes to be
instrumental in planning an event may volunteer for the committee as a way to make his or
her ideas known. However, a member who has other obligations at that time may simply
attend the event in support of those who worked on it.
What is the reputation of fraternities and sororities on campus?
The Colgate community encourages the participation of non-Greek members in events sponsored by fraternities and sororities. There is no feeling of animosity between either Greek groups or members and non-members. The Interfraternity Council (IFC) and the Panhellenic Association are dedicated to maintaining a harmonious relationship among all Colgate students and promoting a positive image of the Greek community.