Are
Fraternities
Still Relevant?
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, membership
among all fraternities continues to increase and expand.
Research Highlights
Sixty percent of students earn a bachelor's degree
within six years (U.S. Department of Education,
2018). e 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 student organizations, and in the classroom. ey report stronger
learning gains and satisfaction with the college experience (Pike, 2020).
Less than half of U.S. adults have "a great deal"
of confidence in higher education. Concerns
contributing to low confidence were perceived
political agendas, poor institutional management,
and lack of relevancy in career preparation
(Gallup, 2017). However, Greek alumni exhibit
higher emotional attachment to their alma mater
(Gallup-Purdue, 2014).
More than 80% of college students deal with anxiety,
and more than 60% also feel socially isolated/lonely
and depressed (JED Foundation, 2020). Greek-
affiliated students report higher positive mental
health scores and lower levels of depression and
anxiety (Biddix, Assalone and Grace, 2020).
Nationally, about two-thirds of workers (66%) are not
engaged and have suboptimal well-being (Gallup
Workplace, 2020). Forty-three percent 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).
4
"I credit much of my approach
to leadership, problem solving,
and relationships to the positive
experience I had with Phi
Gamma Delta and Beta Kappa
Chapter. Values of integrity,
commitment, and fraternal
support are truly 'Not for
college days alone!'"
– Dan Best '86,
Board of Chapter Advisors
