Swarthmore CollegeGreek Life Summary

Written by Sudarshan Gopaladesikan

Sudarshan Gopaladesikan

Hometown

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Major

Math and Engineering

View all previous student authors

Greek life is almost non-existent at Swarthmore. The few die-hards who remain in the fraternities throw decent parties throughout the year, but the frats are by no means a major social force at Swarthmore. There are no sororities at Swarthmore, and there are a few complaints about this from a tiny minority of girls on campus. In general, though, Swatties are happy that Greek life is practically invisible on campus. The main reason for this is that many see it as a haven for cliquish behavior and exclusivism.

There are buildings on campus designated for the two fraternities, but members do not live in the houses; the buildings are used for additional party space and events. Pledges do continue to come in from first-year classes, but some students say the fraternities were dealt a death blow after the abolition of football on campus (even though Delta Upsilon mainly comprises baseball players and Phi Psi is mostly lacrosse players). The number of students participating in Greek life has increased over the years, but it still is not a major social driving force on campus. Swarthmore is definitely not the school for students looking to become the next Otter or Bluto.