Why Go Greek at Carleton University?

During your university/college years, you'll be presented with many new experiences. A number of important decisions will have to be made, and one of them is whether or not to join a fraternity. If you're looking to get the most out of your post-secondary experience, consider the following points about Greek life:

Greeks Value Scholarship

Academic achievement is the first and foremost priority of all University students. Scholastic achievement is also central to the mission of most fraternities, who generally implement various programs designed to assist members in their academic pursuits. Programs include tutoring, time management, awards for good grades, and more. Additionally, most fraternities, including ACACIA, provide financial scholarships supported by their national organizations. These efforts reinforce the belief that academic achievement is an integral part of the Greek experience.

Greek Life Develops Leaders

The Greek community is dedicated to building leaders by providing a wealth of leadership opportunities for Greek members. From social issues to academic, business to philanthropy, the leaders of tomorrow are gaining an edge from their fraternity experiences.

Greeks Help Better the Communities in Which They Live

Greeks have consistently been strong supporters of various charities, promoting a sense of philanthropic giving in members. As part of a Greek organization you will have multiple opportunities, through structured community service programs, to make a difference in the lives of those in need.

Greek Intramurals Promote Fitness

Fraternities generally participate in the intramural system in which athletes of all calibers may find a place where they have fun and find physical challenge.

Greeks Know How to Have Fun

One of the primary goals of every fraternity is to bring together a group of men and teach them values, traditions, and honor, while building everlasting bonds of friendship. Diversified social programs allow students the opportunity to develop such meaningful friendships. For years, Greeks across North America have had to deal with the "Animal House" image of reckless partying and irresponsible behavior. At most schools however, each chapter maintains a fun yet responsible social policy.

Greek Statistics

Sorority and fraternity members are more likely to stay in college than other students. Overall, 71 percent of Greeks graduate college, while only about 50 percent of non-Greeks do.
College graduates who belong to a sorority or fraternity tend to be more successful financially than other college graduates.
Sorority and fraternity alumni donate more gifts and in greater amounts to their alma maters than nonmembers. In fact, 75 percent of all alumni money given to a graduate's alma mater comes from Greek alumni.
Student members tend to participate more often in co-curricular campus activities. Nationally, $7 million is raised for charity by Greek organizations.
Fraternities and sororities provide a viable option for leadership development and extracurricular involvement.
The first general fraternity (Kappa Alpha Society) was organized in 1750.
Forty-three of fifty of the largest North American companies are headed by fraternity men and sorority women.
Eighty-five percent of Fortune 500 executives (past and present) belonged to a fraternity or sorority.
Greeks volunteer 850,000 hours yearly across North America.
All the Apollo 11 astronauts were fraternity members.
More than 7 million men and women in the United States and Canada are Greek, which is only a fraction of the population.

College in a Can (2004) by Sandra and Harry Choron.