University of South Dakota - Greek Life

Quick Stats

College Prowler Take

With only eight fraternities and four sororities on campus, one would assume USD Greek life is quiet, but that assumption would be entirely wrong. Our Greek community has some of the most prominent and active students on campus and in the community. A good number of freshmen go through the Greek Week recruiting system each fall, and some end up joining, but you do not need the Greek system in order to enjoy college life at USD. There are plenty of parties and activities outside the system. And if you’re a girl, you can always visit fraternity parties, whether you’re Greek or not. However, not all the frats hold parties, because two are dry houses (meaning they can’t have alcohol) and two other houses have been put on probation for having underage drinking parties. The Phi Delts, which is one of the dry frats, have a number of different events, such as their foam party, that also attract a large sorority crowd. Greek formals are also popular within the system, and several of the frats take the formals out of town to bigger cities where they spend the night in a hotel.

But don’t fear if going Greek isn’t right for you. And don’t feel like you need to hate the Greek system either. While some non-Greeks, better known as GDIs, trash students for being Greek, the majority of USD students see the system as just another organization, neither good nor bad, but just present.

Free Profile Tools

Do I Stand A Chance?

Calculate YOUR chances of admission at every school CP covers!

__%

Personality Match

Calculate YOUR personality match with every school CP covers!

__%

What'll It Cost Me?

Estimate your out-of-pocket costs at every school CP covers!

$__,___

Students Speak Out

brettphall24 says: University of South Dakota 2010 Psychology

USD Greek Life B Although I'm not familiar with the greek life on campus, it would seem that many students are involved. Also, I get the impression that the students are generally satisfied with the greek life offered at USD. 12345 Greek Life: March 15, 2010 Report

Anonymous says:

I went through rush week my... I went through rush week my freshman year, but I never joined. As a senior, I would say the Greek life has a prominent and supportive voice at USD, but it’s not the only voice. Greek students are more likely to be involved in other organizations, but they’re not the only ones involved. Going Greek is a personal decision to make. 12345 Greek Life Report

Anonymous says:

Greek life takes over like aliens... Greek life takes over like aliens on Star Trek. If you feel lost, join a house, but please, don’t feel the need to. GDIs (‘god damn independents’) have much more fun during their college career, and they don’t need new sisters and brothers to do it. 12345 Greek Life Report

Anonymous says:

I think that frats and sororities... I think that frats and sororities are very popular here, but you don’t need to join one to find friends. 12345 Greek Life Report

Anonymous says:

The system forms a tight-knit... The system forms a tight-knit community that is highly involved in USD and the Vermillion community. Going Greek can provide a lot of opportunities, including community service, scholarships, and leadership positions. 12345 Greek Life Report

Facts

Did You Know?

USD’s Greek system has an 85-year-old student organization known as Strollers, a spring Vaudeville show that brings alumni home each year.

The Greek organizations raise more money annually for non-profit organizations, such as Children’s Miracle Network, than most other USD organizations.

The first USD Greek organization appeared in 1897, when 13 women, popularly called “The Baker’s Dozen,” organized a society called TBD.

In 1899, Tridentia, the first fraternity, was formed in order to establish a Greek letter fraternity at USD.

Write for Us!

College Prowler is actively seeking talented students to be "Contributing Authors," and assist with updating the College Prowler guide to their school. This is a great opportunity for a student to gain internship experience, be a part of a nationally recognized company, gain tremendous exposure, utilize new media techniques, and share advice with high school students about what life is really like at your college. Read more >