Whitman College
- Greek Life

Awesome even if you aren't one of them

I'm writing as an independent who never even considered pledging or being part of the Greek system. I have dozens of friends, both guys and girls, who are part of the Greek system and I really can't emphasize enough how non-cliquey the Greek system is. No one is looked down on because he or she is part of a particular house. The parties are great for everyone, Greek or indie. Bottom line, the Greek system is great if you want to take advantage of it and pledge to a frat or sorority but it's equally great just to stay indie and have Greek friends.

Open Greek Life

The Greek Life at Whitman is what any student wants it to be. Some people are very involved in their fraternity or sorority and others choose to stay Indie, or independent of the Greek system. Regardless of involvement, frat functions are open to the whole campus at 11pm and there are always alternatives, such as off-campus parties and dry events put on by the Whitman Events Board. Students don't generally come to Whitman for the Greek life, but when they realize that the Greek system is very different here than at most other schools, they end up really enjoying it.

Greeks and Indies Interming All the Time

At Whitman, Greek life is entirely optional and very non-exclusive. By optional, I mean that whether or not you choose to be Greek-affiliated, you will still be welcome at Frat and Sorority parties and at non-affiliated parties; this is the same within social circles. All students live in first-year residents halls, which is primarily where friends are made, thus Greek organizations exist as more of an extra-curricular than a way of life. The Greek system is a fun way to be involved in philanthropy and socializing with a great group of people but there are absolutely amazing options if you choose not to be Greek as well. And, finally, if money is your hurdle all Greek organizations on campus have honorary members who are chosen by the organization and participate in the fraternity or sorority for free.