What is Greek Life

Leadership:

A Greek membership is a connection to a larger community. Greek members utilize their network of peers to sharpen their skills as leaders and assume a variety of positions at VU. Greek members can be found in Student Senate, Union Board, Ambassadors in Admissions, and many other campus organizations. Chapters are self-governing bodies in which the members take on the responsibilities and offices of the organization. This hands-on experience helps members develop leadership, organization, and communication skills.

Scholarship:

The sorority and fraternity community at VU strives for academic excellence and improved scholastic achievement. Each chapter has chosen a grade point average requirement, which each member must maintain to be active. Chapters also offer academic assistance for its members providing study areas and peer tutoring. Every chapter understands that its members are students first and provide recognition to those who excel and improve their academic standing. The University requires that students must have a 2.25 cumulative grade point average to join a fraternity or sorority and have at least a second semester freshman status.

Philanthropy:

VU's sorority and fraternity chapters support a strong tradition of service to the campus and Valparaiso community. Each chapter recognizes local and national organizations in need of aid and donate money through their philanthropic and service projects. The members of the Greek community also donate numerous hours to different charities. The Greek community as a whole volunteers their time to local organizations to help the community and build a stronger Greek community.

Social:

VU's sororities and fraternities enable women and men to establish strong friendships, often lasting beyond their collegiate years. Affiliation provides an opportunity to interact with other students of all ages, backgrounds, and interests. Students will meet a wide range of people within the Greek community and other student organizations. Membership offers a network of support while making the transition to college life. Sharing college experiences with a variety of sisters and brothers will provide bonds and friendships that will last a lifetime.

Although Greeks comprise 30% of the undergraduate student population, they provide 75% of the membership for major student organizations. Greeks are consistently selected for major positions on campus such as Orientation Assistance, Student Government, Office of Alcohol and Drug Educators Peer Educators, SAAFE Peer Educators, as well as VOICE.

Did You Know?

That Greeks are more likely to graduate than other collegians.

Seven out of ten people listed in Who’s Who are Greek.

Three-fourths of Congress is Greek.

Greeks rate their college life happier than other collegians.

Greeks are more involved in campus activities and in the community and charity groups after college.

Greeks run 85% of the Fortune 500 companies.

Awards Won…by VU Greeks

2007 Phi Kappa Tau "Jack L. Anson" Interfraternal Award presented to Jennifer Jones-Hall

2006 Phi Kappa Psi National Fraternity "Greek Advisor of the Year Award" presented to Jennifer Jones-Hall at the National Convention

2006 Association of Fraternity Advisors "Robert H. Shaffer Lifetime Achievement Award" presented to Jennifer Jones-Hall at AFA Annual Meeting

2006 Mid-America Greek Council Association "Self Governance and Judicial Affairs Award" presented to the Panhellenic Council

2005 Mid-American Greek Council Association “Self-Governance and Judicial Affairs” presented to the Panhellenic Council

2004 Lambda Chi Alpha International Fraternity “Greek Advisor of the Year Award” presented to Jennifer Jones-Hall at the International Convention.

2003 Mid-American Greek Council Association “Self-Governance and Judicial Affairs Award” presented to the Panhellenic Council.

2002 Association of Fraternity Advisors “Distinguished Service Award” presented to Jennifer Jones-Hall at Annual Meeting.

2002 Mid-American Greek Council Association “Risk Reduction and Management Award” presented to the Panhellenic Council.

2002 Mid-American Greek Council Association “Membership Recruitment Award”

presented to the Panhellenic Council.

2002 Mid –American Greek Council Association “Philanthropy and Community Service Award” presented to the Panhellenic Council.

2002 Mid-American Greek Council Association “Self-Governance and Judicial Affairs Award” presented to the Panhellenic Council.

2002 Mid-American Greek Council Association “Steve Dealph-Outstanding Greek Professional Award” presented to Jennifer Jones-Hall.

2001 National Panhellenic Conference Editors Award for “Excellence in Newsletters” presented to both the Interfraternity Council and Panhellenic Council.

2001 National Panhellenic Conference Editors Award for “Excellence in Recruitment Booklets” presented to both the Interfraternity Council and Panhellenic Council.

2001 Mid-American Greek Council Association “Self-Governance and Judicial Affairs Award” presented to the Interfraternity Council.

2001 Mid-American Greek Council Association “Self-Governance and Judicial Affairs Award” presented to the Panhellenic Council.

1999-2001 National Panhellenic Conference “Overall Excellence Award” presented to the Panhellenic Council

1999 National Panhellenic Conference “Outstanding Greek Advisor Award” presented to Jennifer Jones-Hall.

1999 Association of Fraternity Advisors “Cultural Change Award” presented to the Valparaiso University Greek Community.