Breaking down stereotypes
illustration by Maria Rondon
Campus Greeks involved in more than just toga parties
FRATERNITIES AND SORORITIES have fallen victim to numerous stereotypes, inspired by media and their members alike. Many of these involve ideas that these systems produce only party-goers, and that houses are unstable, riotous settings for students at universities. However, those in the Greek system—fraternities and sororities—argue that these stereotypes are opposite to what the Greek community on the University of Ottawa campus is actually like.
“[The Greek community is] devoted to promoting the academic, social, physical, and professional success of its members,” explained Omega Thelta Alpha fraternity Vice President Mark Robbins.
In fact, Greek members argue the goal of fraternities and sororities is entirely different from the stereotype—that organizations are about empowering their members in the Greek community, through inspiration and support.
“While fraternities do have many common values, they are all unique. Each organization has a different focus or speciality which determines the direction of the organization as well as the composition of the fraternity’s membership,” said Robbins.
Robbins feels that the idea that fraternities and sororities only contribute to campus party life is an unfair assumption, although he doesn’t deny that it is at least a part of life as a Greek member.
“Any time you put a bunch of university students with free time in the same place, things can get pretty wild and frankly a fraternity event is no exception to this,” he continued.
Another misconception is that all members of fraternities and sororities live in big houses together. According to Xi Delta Theta rush sorority chair Lydia Cardinal, many of the sororities in the Ottawa area do not have houses, and simply act as support systems for their members.
“We have weekly meetings and scheduled events that we hold at various locations throughout the academic school year,” said Cardinal. “Many organizations actually hold their scheduled ‘chapter’ meetings at Carleton University or the University of Ottawa in the very classrooms where we have our [classes].”
Xi Delta Theta is an organization that has members from the University of Ottawa, Carleton University, and Algonquin College.
“This allows our members the ability to meet girls they may never have had we only been an organization simply at one university or college,” said Cardinal.
Debunking another frat myth, Robbins explained that, unlike American Greek organizations, the U of O has a strict no-hazing policy that prohibits any organization from hurting its pledges as part of initiation acts.
“It is a prerequisite [in obtaning] U of O club status that your organization ensures no hazing of any form is permitted, and Greek organizations are subject to these rules,” explained Robbins. “Greek organizations in particular take this policy quite seriously, in part because this stereotype is harmful to our reputation and is a setback to the legitimization of the Greek community.”
The Greek organizations at the U of O and Carleton University bring an entirely different dynamic to campuses than the one portrayed in movies and television specials. Fraternities and sororities, Robbins explained, bring a goal of well-roundedness to campus; each fraternity and sorority promotes a different set of values, and, with these values, tries to recruit members.
The Omega Thelta Alpha fraternity, for example, focuses on “strong brothership” as their principal criterion in selecting new members. Delta Delta Delta sorority requires all members to maintain a C average and offers personalized study programs for those whose average drops. Most of the Greek organizations associated with U of O have their philanthropic endeavours listed on their websites, and mark them as important parts of their campus life.
“Each organization has a different focus,” offered Robbins. “While one fraternity may focus on social events and recruiting new members who are involved with the Canadian Forces, another may focus on philanthropic events and recruiting new members who are engaged in post-graduate studies.”
Cardinal explained that in her sorority, the focus is on a lot of charity work.
“Members of Xi Delta Theta are committed to giving back to the Ottawa community through our philanthropic and volunteer efforts,” she said.
Some organizations Xi Delta Theta support include Big Sisters of Ottawa, the Canadian Cancer Foundation, the Ottawa Mission, Christie Lake Camp, the Humane Society, and Interval House. Cardinal explained that one major charity they actively support is the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, for which they throw an annual pub night in February called “A.L.L. Spirit.” The event raises money for Cystic Fibrosis research in honour and memory of Amelia Lee L’Homme, a sister who passed away during her active membership.
Students can become a part of the Greek system by attending “rush”: a period where the organizations hold open houses to spark interest in their organizations. If students wish to become Greek members, they may then “pledge” to their organization, to be tested on the organization’s history and values. Students who are still unsure about the Greek system can attend advertised, public events such as pub nights, where students can meet other students involved with the fraternities and sororities.
Rush periods often occur at the beginning of the fall and winter semesters.
Students can find out more about each Greek organization through rush events, or by visiting Greek tables at the clubs fair, starting Jan. 18.
U of O Greek organizations:
Fraternities:
Delta Pi Omega Theta Alpha Acacia Alpha Epsilon Sigma Chi Omicron
Sororities:
Delta Delta Delta Sigma Psi Alpha Nu Sigma Pi Alpha Omicron Pi Xi Delta Alpha Pi Beta Phi
