Brandeis University - Greek Life

Quick Stats

College Prowler Take

Many years ago, the Brandeis trustees, along with the administration, decided to ban fraternities from campus. The reasoning is that Brandeis was founded with the mission of being open and accepting of everyone, while fraternities and sororities are exclusionary. Brandeis demands openness and acceptance based purely on merit of all the clubs on campus, not just the frats. All of this jargon does not mean that fraternities and sororities don’t exist at Brandeis—they are just unofficial. With four fraternities and two sororities, Brandeis does have some semblance of Greek life, but it is nothing like official Greek life at other universities. The frat houses are small, off-campus houses that have large, dark, sketchy basements for parties, and due to the inconveniences of off-campus housing, only a couple of the frat guys will actually live there.

When the fraternities and sororities throw parties, they are some of the better off-campus parties, especially during “rush period” when new members are recruited. There are certainly other parties, but Greek life definitely helps dictate the party scene—or lack thereof. Aside from the parties, the Greek scene is pretty quiet on campus with frats sponsoring a few community service initiatives and maybe a coffeehouse at Chum’s. Although they are trying to get more recognition by the campus, Greek life seems like it will be underground for many years to come.

Free Profile Tools

Do I Stand A Chance?

Calculate YOUR chances of admission at every school CP covers!

__%

Personality Match

Calculate YOUR personality match with every school CP covers!

__%

What'll It Cost Me?

Estimate your out-of-pocket costs at every school CP covers!

$__,___

Students Speak Out

Brass says: Brandeis University 2013 Philosophy and Religion

The Greek life here is small. I... The Greek life here is small. I used to be in a fraternity, but the quality of kids do not make membership worthwhile. Furthermore, Brandeis looks so down upon Greek life that it's hard to get much accomplished as a fraternity or sorority. 12345 Greek Life: March 16, 2009 Report

BraLW says: Brandeis University 2016 Undecided

Greek Life is close to nonexistent... Greek Life is close to nonexistent at Brandeis, and it really isn't important here except for parties. We only have a few frats and sororities, so the sports teams effectively become like frats or sororities. If you are just looking to join a sorority to have a close group of people to hang out with, it is better to just join a team here instead of going Greek, since the Greek life here often has a very negative connotation. 12345 Greek Life: March 16, 2009 Report

BraHL says: Brandeis University 2016 English Language and Literature

Greek life is not prominent on... Greek life is not prominent on campus because they actually are not even on the campus itself. There are a few frats, and one or two sororities. They throw parties, but there are a lot of smaller, more personal parties happening in the Mods or in Ziv most of the time. 12345 Greek Life: March 16, 2009 Report

drosez says:

There is no official... There is no official Brandeis-sanctioned Greek life, but there is still a Greek presence on campus. Although the frats do community service, they're mostly just known for being the easiest place to get smashed. There isn't pressure to get involved, but if you're interested, it isn't difficult to do so. 12345 Greek Life: March 16, 2009 Report

BraJS says: Brandeis University 2013 History

Frats and sororities are... Frats and sororities are unrecognized because they are exclusive, and by definition, Brandeis doesn't allow groups that discriminate. That said, a small percentage of students are involved with an off-campus frat or sorority. Many student leaders belong to such organizations. Like many things at Brandeis, it's there if you want it, but it's not forced upon you. 12345 Greek Life: March 03, 2009 Report

Did You Know?

According to University policy, fraternities and sororities are prohibited on campus because they do not represent a vital aspect of Brandeis life—that all student organizations be open to all students. Greek life is not considered to have “the principles of openness to which the University is committed.” However, there are underground fraternties and sororities on campus that a small percentage of Brandeis students take part in.

Most Recent Contributing Author

Name: Emily Maskas
Hometown: Sterling, MA
Major: Psychology/Art History

Emily is ambidextrous.

Contributing Author Internship

College Prowler is actively seeking talented students to be "Contributing Authors," and assist with updating the College Prowler guide to their school. This is a great opportunity for a student to gain internship experience, be a part of a nationally recognized company, gain tremendous exposure, utilize new media techniques, and share advice with high school students about what life is really like at your college. Read more about the internship.