Ohio Wesleyan University - Greek Life

Quick Stats

College Prowler Take

Greek life is a large part of the social scene and tradition of Ohio Wesleyan. A little under half of the student body are members of a fraternity or a sorority, but a large majority of the public parties are Greek-related. Many students come in saying they will never “go Greek,” but soon find themselves pledging their favorite fraternity or sorority because there seems to be one for everybody. The “mansion-like” fraternity houses are setup near the dorms on a grassy area known as “The Hill.” It is the prime place to find a party. They can also be a spot to find a good meal, as each has their own chef.

Students will mostly agree that Greeks, although sometimes divisive, are a positive influence on the campus. On average, Greeks have a higher GPA, and overall, many of them are the most active in campus organizations and community service, yet they are still not received in such an upbeat light by the University. There have been a few mishaps over the past few years leading to some fraternities being kicked off and losing their houses, but they also have been a source of OWU pride. For most OWU students, “to join or not to join” will be one of their biggest questions. Many will say joining was the greatest decision they have ever made, and others will tell you how wonderful it is to stay “independent.” The best thing to do is keep an open mind about it when you arrive.

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Students Speak Out

Anonymous says:

I am a strong proponent of Greek... I am a strong proponent of Greek life, and I believe that it provides an amazing opportunity for growth, development, and leadership during this pivotal period in your life. It creates lasting and meaningful relationships and has benefits that extend for a lifetime. 12345 Greek Life Report

Anonymous says:

A big portion of students are... A big portion of students are involved in Greek life, but at the same time, a big portion are not. If you want to be a part of it, it’s great, and if you don’t, that’s also great. I am not a part of the Greek life, but I have many friends that are. 12345 Greek Life Report

Anonymous says:

Greek life is pretty dominant in... Greek life is pretty dominant in the social life on campus. Pledging is a big deal on campus. I do resent the influence Greek life has on the social life of the campus, because I think it divides students and prevents people from interacting and socializing with one another unless they’re someone’s ‘brother’ or ‘sister’. 12345 Greek Life Report

Anonymous says:

While most of the parties on... While most of the parties on campus are hosted by frats, you don’t have to be Greek to attend. Frats seem much more involved than sororities since you have to live in the houses. For the most part, the sororities are just members-only service clubs with lots of friendships and T-shirts. 12345 Greek Life Report

Anonymous says:

Greeks have a good reputation on... Greeks have a good reputation on campus as being involved students, but they don’t dominate the social scene. Those who do go Greek can often be seen at non-Greek events. Stereotypes of sororities and fraternities don’t seem to be nearly as strong as they are at other schools. It seems that many students who wouldn’t consider going Greek at a bigger school do end up joining a house at OWU. 12345 Greek Life Report

Facts

Did You Know?

Ohio Wesleyan’s Chapter of Alpha Sigma Phi won the national award for best fraternity chapter in the nation for small colleges in 2004.

The GPA of those involved in Greek life is consistently above those who are not.

The first Greek letter fraternity came to Ohio Wesleyan over 150 years ago in 1853. About 100 years later, in 1954, 86 percent of women and an astounding 97 percent of men were part of a sorority or fraternity.

OWU’s Greek system has created some of the world’s most prominent leaders, including Nick Calio, assistant to President Bush for legislative affairs, Pullitzer Prize-winning writer Susan Headden, Nobel Prize winner Sherwood Roland, and Dean/CEO of Johns Hopkins Medicine, Edward Miller.

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