Greeks are a large part of the inner workings of campus. The numbers indicate that a little over 30 percent of the campus is involved in a Greek organization, but often it can feel like 70 percent. While it is definitely possible to live a full and happy life on campus without being Greek, people involved in Greek life will say that pledging is the best way to make friends and get involved on campus. Valpo has a deferred recruitment, so freshmen are able to get accustomed to campus before deciding whether or not to go through recruitment.
People involved in Greek life also typically get involved with many other organizations on campus such as Student Government and Union Board. This tends to make it seem like Greeks are everywhere, but there are plenty of organizations to get involved in that do not involve the Greeks.
However, if you do decide to go Greek, you would get inolved automatically in many philanthropy and service events. Each sorority and fraternity has a charity that they fundraise for at some point in the year. They try to get all students to participate in their fundraiser through some fun activity like Phi Psi 500, Derby Days, and Kappa Kasino. People also get involved in a variety of service projects, like helping at Café Manna or doing Day of Caring. Either way, Greek life is usually carries a positive image around campus, but there is no pressure to join.
The main downside to Greek life is that sororities on campus live in Scheele Hall in separate wings. This facility is exactly the same as the freshmen residence halls. Most fraternities are able to live off campus in houses, so many students find problems with this system.