Welcome to Washington State University!

 

Should you choose to attend Washington State, your years here will include many exciting experiences, but maybe none so complete, fulfilling, and long-remembered as becoming a member of a Greek organization. The Greek system at WSU has been a vital part of campus life since the University's early days. With the first chapters coming into existence around 1910, the Greek system has a long and rich tradition of excellence. 

So, why go Greek? How about the fact that Greek students are more likely to graduate from college than non-Greek students? Or the fact that Greek students form a close-knit group of lifelong friends and a deep connection to the University? Or how about the fact that chapter house living is an affordable living option with costs comparable to residence halls? Maybe you're interested in being involved and leading organizations across campus. Or perhaps you want a strong emphasis on academic success. Maybe you want to be heavily involved in philanthropic and community service activities, or have a chance to develop life and career leadership experiences. 

Whatever your collegiate goals, going Greek can provide opportunities to enhance them. Washington State University is large and can be a bit overwhelming. Everyone needs to feel like they belong and are not simply student number 17,486 of 18,000. Take your time. Consider carefully. Examine the Greek community with an open mind. Participate in recruitment and decide for yourself. Is going Greek for you? Explore the information on this website to find out .

 

How do I join?

Recruitment is a mutual selection process. The goal is to find the chapter where you have the strongest sense of belonging. This is a time to ask about the chapter’s scholarship program, its social activities, financial obligations, and brotherhood and sisterhood traditions.

 

“I heard that…”

Greek life is a common sight in modern film and TV. Additionally, many of you may have heard all about Greek Life from a friend or relative who joined a chapter. It’s easy to hear rumors or stories about fraternities and sororities, so let’s put it all on the table. Let’s talk about what you’ve heard.

First, you might have heard you are going to be hazed when you join a Greek chapter. Hazing is often represented as a major aspect of fraternities and sororities in popular media. In actuality, the WSU campus has a zero-tolerance policy on hazing and holds chapters accountable to ensure hazing is eliminated from each fraternity or sorority. We want you to have a hazing-free experience at WSU. Hazing should not be a part of the Greek experience and we encourage you to report questionable activities or hazing to the proper authority so we can maintain a hazing-free campus.

Second, who hasn’t seen a movie about a fraternity or sorority where partying was the focus? The reality is that being a member of a fraternity or sorority is about adding value to your college experience. Being a part of a sorority or fraternity should center on making good friends, academic achievement, and giving back to your community. We encourage chapter members to accentuate the work they do with an active social life, but WSU takes a firm stance on irresponsible alcohol use and both the IFC and Panhellenic councils enforce standards governing social functions held by chapters. Many fraternities and sororities on campus have a firm no-alcohol policy in their chapter houses, and all chapters provide education through the university regarding alcohol use. Drinking is a personal choice, but our chapters work hard to help their members make the right decisions. Being a part of a fraternity or sorority at WSU is about more than attending parties, it is about values and lifelong brotherhood/sisterhood.

As you can see, there are many negative rumors that tend to float around about being a fraternity or sorority member. It can be hard for people to understand being a member if they never experienced it first-hand. The best way to answer your questions is to get to know members of our Greek community and figure out what being a Greek at WSU is really about and what it can do for you.

 

Brotherhood and Sisterhood

Greeks at WSU strive to be responsible leaders in our community. We want young men and women who desire excellence in all areas. Potential new members should be aware that irresponsible behavior, whether it is hazing, deficient academic performance, or irresponsible drinking, is not acceptable within the Greek community. Greek students are held to higher standards than other groups on college campuses and individual behavior can reflect a positive or negative image of all Greeks, regardless of the chapter.

If you are serious about becoming Greek at WSU, consider what we really have to offer: brotherhood and sisterhood, academics, community service and philanthropy, future career networking, and a positive social atmosphere. Greeks at WSU are looking for members who will strive to uphold fraternity or sorority principles and values and who seek to improve their chapters, Greek community, and the University.

 

Success at WSU

National studies have shown that Greeks are 10 percent more likely to return to school each year than non-Greeks, and that holds true for Washington State University Greek students. Students who go Greek at WSU are more likely to return to school each year and graduate than students who are not a part of the Greek community.

Why? It’s really quite simple: Greek students are some of the most involved and connected students on campus. Greek involvement in campus clubs and organizations is tremendous; most Greek students belong to at least one club or organization outside of their chapter. When students are tapped into the campus, they have incentive to return each year. This leads to higher graduation rates among Greek students.