Rowan University's Greek life is a vibrant and integral part of the campus community, offering a unique and enriching experience for students. With a rich history dating back to 1967, the Greek community has grown to include 32 fraternity and sorority chapters, representing over 2,500 students. This thriving community is built on the principles of scholarship, leadership, service, and brotherhood/sisterhood, providing students with a supportive network of peers who share similar values and goals.
The Greek community at Rowan University is committed to fostering an environment of excellence, where students can grow and develop into well-rounded individuals. Through various programs and initiatives, Greek organizations promote academic success, leadership development, community service, and social responsibility. Members of the Greek community are encouraged to take an active role in shaping their chapters and the broader university community, through leadership positions, committee work, and volunteer opportunities.
Benefits of Greek Life
Joining a Greek organization can have a profound impact on a student's college experience. Some of the benefits of Greek life include:
- Lifelong friendships: Greek organizations provide a sense of community and belonging, allowing students to form lasting relationships with their brothers or sisters.
- Leadership opportunities: Greek life offers a range of leadership positions and experiences, helping students develop valuable skills and build their confidence.
- Academic support: Many Greek organizations have academic programs and resources in place to support their members, including study hours, tutoring, and mentorship.
- Community service: Greek organizations are committed to giving back to the community, with many chapters participating in volunteer work and philanthropic events.
- Networking opportunities: Greek life provides a network of alumni and professionals, offering students access to valuable connections and career opportunities.
Types of Greek Organizations
Rowan University is home to a diverse range of Greek organizations, including:
- Interfraternity Council (IFC): The IFC is the governing body for 19 fraternity chapters on campus, including organizations like Sigma Pi and Tau Kappa Epsilon.
- Panhellenic Council (PHC): The PHC is the governing body for 13 sorority chapters on campus, including organizations like Alpha Omicron Pi and Delta Phi Epsilon.
- National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC): The NPHC is the governing body for 5 historically black Greek organizations on campus, including Alpha Kappa Alpha and Omega Psi Phi.
- Multicultural Greek Council (MGC): The MGC is the governing body for 5 multicultural Greek organizations on campus, including Lambda Theta Alpha and Sigma Lambda Beta.
Getting Involved in Greek Life
For students interested in joining a Greek organization, the recruitment process typically takes place at the beginning of each semester. Here are the steps to get involved:
- Attend an information session: The Office of Greek Life hosts information sessions to provide students with an overview of the Greek community and the recruitment process.
- Register for recruitment: Students must register for recruitment through the Office of Greek Life website.
- Attend recruitment events: Students will have the opportunity to attend recruitment events, where they can meet with representatives from various Greek organizations.
- Receive a bid: If a student is interested in joining a particular organization, they may receive a bid, which is an invitation to join the chapter.
Academic Excellence
The Greek community at Rowan University is committed to academic excellence, with many chapters having academic programs and resources in place to support their members. Some of the ways Greek organizations promote academic success include:
- Study hours: Many chapters require their members to participate in study hours, where students can work together on assignments and study for exams.
- Tutoring: Some chapters offer tutoring programs, where members can receive academic support from their peers.
- Mentorship: Greek organizations often have mentorship programs in place, where upperclassmen can provide guidance and support to underclassmen.
Leadership Development
The Greek community at Rowan University offers a range of leadership opportunities, helping students develop valuable skills and build their confidence. Some of the ways Greek organizations promote leadership development include:
- Leadership positions: Many chapters have leadership positions available, such as president, vice president, and committee chairs.
- Workshops and conferences: The Office of Greek Life hosts workshops and conferences to provide students with leadership development opportunities.
- Community service: Greek organizations participate in volunteer work and philanthropic events, providing students with opportunities to develop their leadership skills while giving back to the community.
Community Service
The Greek community at Rowan University is committed to giving back to the community, with many chapters participating in volunteer work and philanthropic events. Some of the ways Greek organizations promote community service include:
- Volunteer work: Greek organizations participate in volunteer work, such as cleaning up local parks and serving at food banks.
- Philanthropic events: Many chapters host philanthropic events, such as charity runs and auctions, to raise money for their favorite causes.
- Service projects: Greek organizations participate in service projects, such as building homes for Habitat for Humanity and serving at soup kitchens.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Rowan University's Greek life is a vibrant and integral part of the campus community, offering a unique and enriching experience for students. With a rich history, diverse range of organizations, and commitment to academic excellence, leadership development, and community service, Greek life provides students with a supportive network of peers who share similar values and goals.