Written by Bryan Dupree
The most entrenched aspect of student life on the Millsaps campus, by far, is the Greek social scene. All the frats and sororities host parties, coordinate volunteer programs, and hold most of the student government positions. Habitat for Humanity, the ecumenical volunteer organization, and Up Till Dawn, an awareness and support program, are almost solely run and supported by individual Greek organizations. Members are often “house-cast” and grouped into large anonymous cliques. The drawback, says the independent minority, is that independents are estranged, and members insulated, by this association. Also, there are complaints that the Greek structure unfairly panders to members and excludes outsiders, and some organizations have acknowledged this to a degree.
In the Student Body Association, the student government, two seats must be explicitly reserved for independent representatives. Everyone, nevertheless, enjoys the many benefits of an extremely active Greek scene. Theme parties are always well-organized and all-inclusive. There is heavy participation in intramurals, especially by the Greeks. Greek Week embodies the gentle conflicts, by staging events such as flag football and talent shows. In the spring, each Greek house undertakes building a swimming pool and hosting cookouts, and unofficial competition is often implied.