Phi Gamma Delta - University of Colorado

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). 3 "I have been the Purple Legionnaire for Beta Kappa since the selection process began for brothers to restart our Chapter. I have seen it grow from a colony of 42 young men selected by headquarters to a Chapter of over 100 brothers. ey grew and thrived through a pandemic. Whenever they faced challenges, they always found a way to do the right thing, even when it wasn't the easy thing. ese young men are doing fraternity the right way. While I am sure they will continue to thrive without a Chapter House, I believe they have earned our trust, and we must help them obtain one. We have an extremely active and capable Board of Chapter Advisors and House Corporation to watch over Beta Kappa's undergraduates and guide them through whatever challenges they will face." –Michael Rosen '87, Purple Legionnaire

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