Whitman College - Greek Life

Quick Stats

College Prowler Take

Depending on who you ask, the line dividing Greek life and independent life is either one not to be crossed or one easily crossed. Students are generally welcome to most Greek events (and many attend when they are looking for a reliable and satisfying party), but the existence of Greek-only functions, those closed to the rest of campus, creates a troublesome stigma among Greeks and non-Greeks. This provides the source of complaints that Greeks only socialize internally, but others prefer this set-up. Students complain about how Greeks operate, whether it's the themes of their parties or how they segregate themselves, but students certainly cannot deny that the Greeks are always good for social events.

Yes, it can be frustrating to lose touch with friends who go Greek or stay independent, particularly because this does tend to set up how and with whom students socialize after their first year. Overall, Greek life annoys independent students, while independents are, in essence, a group of whiners against the Greeks, creating a campus fissure. However, for every group of students who fit into this stereotype, there are a few who go out and do something about it by socializing with everyone without holding grudges.

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Students Speak Out

qlifer says: Whitman College 2014 English Language and Literature

Greek life's pretty different here... Greek life's pretty different here than at a state school---it's pretty small, and it doesn't fall in to too many of the stereotypes. There are always a few independents who rail against the Greek system pretty publicly in the campus newspaper, but by and large I think Indies and Greeks get along fairly well. Lots of all campus parties that some people frequent, others avoid, and there's tons of philanthropy. 12345 Greek Life: May 28, 2009 Report

Anonymous says:

I’ve noticed that, as I’ve settled... I’ve noticed that, as I’ve settled more into my own place at Whitman, Greek life becomes less and less prominent. It’s a struggle as a freshman to figure out if it’s really right for you, especially since rush is really close to the beginning of the year, so you don’t have much time to think about it. I have friends who are Greek, and most of them like it, but I do have some friends who wish they hadn’t joined, and it’s hard to de-pledge. I think, as an Indy, I have much more social freedom, which is nice. I don’t like people telling me how to dress and who to hang out with! 12345 Greek Life Report

Anonymous says:

I get fed up with all the Greek... I get fed up with all the Greek organizations on campus, especially since we’re a small school and it’s very noticeable. But I do my best to avoid it, and although I dislike the larger group, most of the Greeks I know individually are really cool, nice people. I just don’t like how exclusive their social group is. 12345 Greek Life Report

Anonymous says:

I think it is a much larger deal... I think it is a much larger deal freshman year when people are trying to find their place, and its importance lessens each successive year. 12345 Greek Life Report

Anonymous says:

Greek life is a social scene unto... Greek life is a social scene unto itself. Greeks tend to stick together, as do Indies. 12345 Greek Life Report

Facts

Did You Know?

Contrary to many fraternities and sororities, Whitman’s are very active in community service and sponsor annual events to raise money, ranging from “Most Beautiful Eyes” contest to raising money for breast cancer organizations to blood drives.

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