Syracuse University - Greek Life

Quick Stats

College Prowler Take

Greek life plays a very big role on campus. Whether you make friends with a person in a fraternity or sorority early on and proceed to spend a great deal of time at that house, or simply attend the frat parties on the weekends, students get used to Greek life from an outsider point of view very early on. Those students who choose to rush can only do so during their second semester of freshmen year. At SU, rushing is regulated so that you must go through the process of visiting every house before you make any decisions.

The Greek life for guys and girls differs greatly. First, it starts way back during the rush process. Guys generally are more laid-back about the whole routine. Although the process is the same, girls must go through a vigorous interview procedure and subsequent drama and politics as they choose which houses interest them, and the houses choose which freshmen interest them. After many tears and shouts of elation, the sororities have their pledge class. For guys, a simple “we want you here” is enough to get into the pledge class. But then the real drama begins. Although hazing is not allowed, many more legal, however still unpleasant, means of getting you to join their brotherhood and sisterhood are employed. After approximately eight weeks, you are a full brother or sister if you made it through the pledging, and the fun can really begin. Many Greek houses also participate in philanthropic and charity work that can both be fulfilling and good for your resume.

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Students Speak Out

SUZJ says: Syracuse University 2016 Architecture and Planning

It's really big here, and there... It's really big here, and there are lines of sorority and fraternity houses along the edge of campus. It's not a big deal if your not in Greek life, but it's good to know a few people in it. 12345 Greek Life: April 10, 2009 Report

SUBT says: Syracuse University 2016 Architecture and Planning

It allows people to have an excuse... It allows people to have an excuse to get drunk and party every weekend. Greek life is very prevalent on campus, and a lot of the times people go crazy or define themselves through a sorority or fraternity. 12345 Greek Life: March 25, 2009 Report

Anonymous says:

Syracuse is split down the middle... Syracuse is split down the middle between Greek life and independent life. Most people find themselves pledging when they don’t even think they’re going to rush. Some people really talk it down, but in actuality, you can meet thousands of people by taking part in it. 12345 Greek Life Report

Anonymous says:

Greek life is serious in Syracuse.... Greek life is serious in Syracuse. There are so many fraternities and sororities, it’s disgusting. Greek life is almost like politics, and there are so many deep-seeded problems. 12345 Greek Life Report

Anonymous says:

Almost all of my friends went... Almost all of my friends went Greek freshman year, but then they realized it was cliquey, rich, and very snobby. 12345 Greek Life Report

Facts

Did You Know?

Although many fraternities hold parties sometime during the semester, no sorority can throw a party. That means two things: one, the sorority houses are usually extremely well-kept and clean—as opposed to the frats—and two, the houses are also much more exclusive, as only those involved in the sorority are generally allowed to hang out there.

Most Recent Contributing Author

Name: Marshal Yong
Hometown: New York City
Major: Architecture

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