Alpha Sigma Phi - University of Washington

13 Young Men and Women are Joining Greek-Letter Houses in Droves G reek-letter organizations have had a 50% increase in membership in recent years. In her book, Fraternity, An Inside Look at a Year of College Boys Becoming Men, Alexandra Robbins says that one out of every 8 students at four-year colleges live in a fraternity or sorority house. She notes that with the support system of young men often reduced to the size, and depth, of a smartphone, young men now are seeking, more than ever, a fraternity where they can enjoy live relationships and socialization. She says, a survey conducted by the Ameri- can College Health Association of 28,000 college students shows that more than 50% of guys entering college feel very lonely. Greek-letter organizations provide a solution to this loneliness. Fraternities, says Robbins, represent a series of long-standing traditions, specific value sets, and a storied history that together offers an anchor that many young men crave. In recent years this has given fraternities and sorori- ties an advantage in attracting new members. A study done by the North American Interfraternity Council (NIC), which governs 66 fraternities, states that between 2005 and 2015 pledges in fraternities increased 50%. At the University of Washington nearly 5,000 students are members of 70 Greek organizations. At Washington State nearly 25 % of all stu- dents are in Greek houses. Experts believe that approximate- ly nine million students across the country join a fraternity or sorority. These students like knowing that they can make friends and form bonds that will last a lifetime, and they also know that these organizations offer a number of networking opportunities. The percentage of students in fraternities and sororities who graduate college is higher than the number of non-Greek stu- dents who graduate. In the United States, only half of all stu- dents who do not belong to a fraternity or sorority graduate. Seventy percent of Greek members finish their studies. More than 80 percent of all political and leadership positions on college campuses across the country belong to members of a fraternity or sorority. Students taking part in these organiza- tions learn how to work well with others, lead small groups and communicate effectively. While television shows and movies make the Greek life look like one big party, the students who belong to these organiza- tions prove this wrong every day. They help raise money for nonprofit organizations, take part in community events and help run their campuses. Non-Greek students typically do not have these opportunities available to them. It is no wonder that Mu Chapter is attracting top quality new members. It is at the pinnacle of Greek life at the UW. It is one of the top 5 most successful fraternities on Greek Row. For the first time since the 1960s it has pledged 40 men this year with more than 110 active brothers. The annual pledge count has been growing for year. The goal is to reach 140 active members which rivals the membership levels of the 1950s. This past year some of the most well-known fra- ternities at the UW pledged 10 or less new members. Mu has much to offer new recruits. Besides a solid foundation of social activities and good relationships with most of the sororities, Mu's scholarship is exceptional with a total house GPA of 3.4 which makes it one of the top scholastic houses on campus. Mu has a million dollars in scholarship funds and annually awards brothers $25,000 in financial support. No fraternity at the UW can match this…not even remotely. This is very impressive to potential members. Plus Mu has a sophisticated, built-in system where brothers help each other with studies including proofreading papers before they get turned in. Add this to a stellar philanthropy program, usually partnered with a major sorority, that annually brings in thou- sands of dollars to charities and social causes, plus Mu's sig- nificant involvement in UW Greek Life and the UW campus, and you have a dynamic organization with a great deal to offer. Understanding why young men join a fraternity today makes it easy to understand why Mu Chapter is so attractive to them. Its long-standing traditions, specific value sets, and a storied history are an anchor that many young men crave.

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