Pepperdine University - Greek Life

Quick Stats

College Prowler Take

Some college kids join fraternities or sororities and forge lifelong friendships. Others condemn Greek life with notable fervor. Still others remain out of the fray, altogether disinterested. Such is the case with just about any university, but at Pepperdine, the Greek debate seems exaggerated. When many Pepperdine kids already characterize the student body, in general, as arrogant and snobbish, you can just guess how they feel about the fraternity and sorority members on campus. Also, when those same students complain that Pepperdine is too small and too like a country club, it makes one wonder: what’s the point of joining a Greek group? Wouldn’t it be something like joining a fraternity within a fraternity?

One answer to that question is that, yes, many students do want to belong to an exclusive group that distinguishes itself among an already exclusive student body. Cynics are wont to define this behavior as “buying friends.” But the other thing to remember is that Pepperdine’s Greek system is a lot different than other schools’ systems. Several of the frats and sororities place a far greater emphasis on such unglamorous aims as school spirit, community service, and Christian worship than they do on social mixers, beer bongs, and formals. Inter-sorority tensions, which run notoriously high at big southern universities, are practically nonexistent here. Most of Pepperdine’s Greek organizations intermingle and support each others’ philanthropic events. Also, many would say that Pepperdine’s Greek system is practically the only way to remain plugged into campus life for full four years—especially if you move off campus at some point, as most students do.

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Students Speak Out

boone says: Pepperdine University 2009 Other

The Greek life is not typical.... The Greek life is not typical. There are no fraternity or sorority houses on campus. Also, the strictness of the University makes it difficult to have huge parties. My fraternity was kicked off campus permanently, but joining the fraternity was one of the best decisions I made. We had a lot of fun...until we got banished. The sororities are awesome. The Greek scene, along with the athletic teams, dominates the on-campus activities and events (Songfest, painting the rock, philanthropies, homecoming competitions, etc). Each fraternity and sorority had something slightly different to offer, and I'm glad I took part in it. 12345 Greek Life: March 16, 2009 Report

Anonymous says:

The people in the Greek system... The people in the Greek system always have something to do, which is a major bonus. But the whole Greek thing just wasn’t for me. Because the campus is so small, I didn’t feel like I had to join a frat to make friends. 12345 Greek Life Report

Anonymous says:

I’m in a fraternity, Sigma Phi... I’m in a fraternity, Sigma Phi Epsilon—a great move on my part, but not necessary. My best friends at Pepperdine aren’t in my fraternity, they’re guys I met in my dorm. 12345 Greek Life Report

Anonymous says:

Greek life completely dominates... Greek life completely dominates social life. Its only competition is spiritual life, which is huge, but it is often very cliquish. Pepperdine seems like a fashion show. 12345 Greek Life Report

Anonymous says:

Greek life is sort of a big part... Greek life is sort of a big part of the campus. It is not the typical Deep South Greek system. We do not have houses, but there are people who live with their ‘sisters’ in apartments or houses. I’m in a sorority, and it’s the best thing I could have done. It is a great way to meet people and really get involved. It’s also a great way to find out about the social events and parties on the weekends. All of the sororities get along really well, and the frats are really cool, too. It’s definitely not a typical Greek system, though. 12345 Greek Life Report

Facts

Did You Know?

It has become a tradition at Pepperdine for the various Greek chapters to decorate a big rock placed rather incongruously in the middle of campus, usually to promote their rush events. Each chapter takes turns adopting the rock for 24 hours. During the night, they decorate the rock in ways that grow increasingly elaborate with each passing year, and members of the chapter take shifts “guarding” it over the course of the following day. Recent designs have incorporated Astro turf, mirrors, and even a seesaw.
 

Most Recent Contributing Author

Name: Jackie Fetzer
Hometown: Huntersville, NC
Major: English Writing and Rhetoric

Jackie tried out for Pepperdine's water polo team without knowing how to swim first?and made it!

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