The Story
Tribe Vibe: Going Greek
This article is the latest in The DoG Street Journal's weekly series of opinions pieces, "Tribe Vibe." Tribe Vibe discusses the most important aspects of William and Mary, the Tribe and life in Williamsburg.
In 1776, five William and Mary students decided to form a club. A group, a brotherhood, a fraternity. Phi Beta Kappa, the oldest fraternity in the United States, was founded at William and Mary. Since then, the Greek community at the College has grown to include 12 sororities (female only groups) and 18 fraternities (male only).
Before coming to William and Mary, I hadn’t really planned to join a sorority, but I went through formal Recruitment just a few weeks after getting to school. It ended up being a great decision for me, something that I wouldn’t for an instant change or take back. Being in a sorority has enabled me to take on leadership positions, meet a ton of people, and develop a close support system of friends upon whom I can rely.
When I told my friends from home that I had joined a sorority, a lot of them were surprised. I explained, though, that William and Mary Greek life isn’t like a lot of other schools. It’s far from the stereotype that many gather from movies (Animal House), TV shows (ABC Family’s Greek), or any other preconceptions (my brother went to a large Southern school with a big Greek community).
“Going Greek” (joining a sorority or fraternity) isn’t necessarily for everyone: one must consider several things before joining. Still, there are a lot of benefits to Greek life.
No. 1: They’re Involved in Everything
In my opinion, William and Mary Greeks are some of the most involved people on campus. Greeks are members of countless clubs, teams and activities, including the Student Assembly, the Bone Marrow drive, a capella groups and Tribe spirit organizations (cheerleading, dance team and pep band). This doesn’t begin to scratch the surface. No matter the organization in which you choose to involve yourself, chances are there will be at least a couple of Greeks.
No. 2: It Doesn’t Have to be a Solely Social Affair
Though “Greek life” technically refers to only social fraternities and sororities, there are Greek organizations dedicated to other things. Alpha Phi Omega is the national co-ed service fraternity, and William and Mary is home to the largest chapter with over 400 brothers. There are also academic fraternities, including Phi Beta Kappa, one of the most prestigious honors at the College, and Alpha Kappa Psi, the co-ed business fraternity. Additionally, there are organizations like Nu Kappa Epsilon, a female-only music sorority.
If you think that two types of Greek organization may suit you, that’s great! There’s a lot of overlap of members: for example, many people in social Greek organizations are also in Alpha Phi Omega or Alpha Kappa Psi.
No. 3: Where Everybody Knows Your Name
It may seem kind of creepy, but within a few days of joining a Greek organization, all of the older people know your name. They’re super excited to hang out with you, meet you, or even just say hi on campus. They’re well aware that you don’t know their name, but that doesn’t really matter. Especially as a new freshman, it’s really nice to have, essentially, automatic friends. You can always say hi to anyone wearing your letters - and even if you don’t know their name, they’re more than willing to say hi back.
No. 4: Open and Inclusive
That being said, Greeks aren’t limited to friendships solely within their respective organization. At a lot of schools, particularly big Southern schools where Greek life reigns, it’s taboo for a girl to be friends with someone in another sorority. The William and Mary Greek community is extremely open, and members aren’t limited to just their organizations for friends. I have friends in nearly all ten sororities, and that’s encouraged. I also have friends that aren’t involved in Greek life, and there’s nothing wrong with that, either.
The Inter-Sorority Council (ISC) and Council of Fraternity Affairs (CFA) are boards made up of members of almost all chapters. They are active in promoting inter-Greek activities and are responsible for maintaining standards for the Greek community.
No. 5: Lending a Helping Hand
Philanthropy is a key part to all of the Greek organizations at William and Mary. Every national organization has a philanthropy that they support, and nearly every chapter holds an event throughout the year to raise money and awareness for it. These events are open to the Greek community or the entire campus, and they often involve some sort of athletic competition or food. Kappa Delta’s Campus Golf, for instance, is held every spring, and the College is full of costumed teams hitting tennis balls with golf clubs. Lambda Chi Alpha holds another type of philanthropy each April, as they team up with a sorority and host a crab feast. Proceeds from Campus Golf benefit Avalon, a local women’s shelter, and Crab Feast profits support the Lambda Chi Alpha Educational Foundation.
Additionally, the ISC and CFA work closely with ARC of Greater Williamsburg (the Association for Retarded Citizens) community, helping with monthly events and hosting an annual ARC Carnival on campus.
Although it may seem all Greek to you, the William and Mary Greek community is far from overwhelming and exclusive. Being in a sorority or fraternity gives one a sense of community and belonging that is hard to find elsewhere on campus. It isn’t for everyone, but it is for a lot of people. For more information, check out the Greek life website.
Stacey Marin is the Editor in Chief and an opinions contributor for The DSJ. Her views do not necessarily represent those of the entire staff.