Phi Delta Theta - University of Missouri

Sixty percent of students earn a bachelor's degree within six years (U.S. Department of Education, 2018). The top indicator of graduation is quality of personal interactions and a supportive environment (National Survey of Student Engagement 2019). Greek members show greater overall involvement and engagement on campus, in all student organizations, and in the classroom. They report stronger learning gains and satisfaction with the college experience (Pike 2020). More than 80% of college students deal with anxiety, and more than 60% also feel socially isolated/lonely and depressed (JED Foundation 2020). Greek affi liated students report higher positive mental health scores and lower levels of depression and anxiety (Biddix, Assalone and Grace 2020). Less than half of U.S. adults have "a great deal" of confi dence in higher education. Concerns contributing to low confi dence were perceived political agendas, poor institutional management, and lack of relevancy in career preparation (Gallup 2017). Greek alumni exhibit higher emotional attachment to their alma mater (Gallup-Purdue 2014). Nationally, about two-thirds of workers (66%) are not engaged and have suboptimal well-being (Gallup Workplace 2020). Additionally, 43% of Greek members who work full time for an employer are engaged in the workplace, compared to 38% of all other graduates (Gallup-Purdue 2014). PAGE 3 PHI DELTA THETA FRATERNITIES TODAY: THE RELEVANCY TO COLLEGE STUDENTS IN 2021 C ompounded by the persistent negative news stories surrounding fraternities and sororities, it is fair to ask the question, "Are Greek organizations as relevant today as they were in my generation?" Contrary to these news stories, fraternity membership continues to increase and expand. The University of Missouri, perhaps today more than ever, is committed to the Greek community. The administration has created a task force of alumni focused on reestablishing the founding values of Mizzou's Greek organizations. The task force will work alongside the university to institute new policies to help minimize risk and maximize the growth and involvement of Greek students. Perhaps the biggest attribute of a fraternity is that it teaches us values one simply cannot learn in a classroom. By investing in the space that our brothers call home, alongside their academic pursuits, we can ensure that Phi Delt continues to be a space for our brothers to become the greatest version of themselves. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS

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