College Fraternities Term paper

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College Fraternities

A fraternity, as defined by the The American Heritage Dictionary is "a

chiefly social organization of male college students, usually designated by

Greek letters."(pg. 523) This definition, however, is very limited and leaves

plenty of space for short sighted people to believe the stereotype conveyed by

the popular media, where fraternity members are depicted as drunks who

accomplish nothing either scholastically or socially. Unfortunately, both this

definition and media portrayals fail to mention the fact that membership in a

fraternity is a life-long experience that helps its members develop social,

organizational, and study skills during college, and that teaches true,

everlasting friendship. As a matter of fact, fraternities have a long

tradition of high academic achievement, and most of our nation's presidents

were members of a Greek association.

According to Irving Klepper, the first fraternity (Phi Beta Kappa) was

founded for "social and literary purposes" at the College of William and Mary

in Williamsburg, Virginia on December 5th 1776. After half a century of

existence, it became and has since remained a scholarship honor society.

Throughout the nineteenth century, many new fraternities were founded, but none

of these were permanent. Then, in 1825, the Kappa Alpha Fraternity (now Kappa

Alpha Society) was born at Union College. Two years later, Sigma Phi and Delta

Phi had been founded at the same college, constituting the so-called Union

Triad which was, in a large measure, the pattern for the American Fraternity

system. By the end of the nineteenth century there were over thirty general

fraternities in this country (pg. 18).

Today's fraternities still have all the characteristics and precepts of

the their past fraternities: "the charm and mystery of secrecy, a ritual, oaths

of fidelity, a grip, a motto, a badge, a background of high idealism, a strong

tie of friendship and comradeship, and urge for sharing its values through

nationwide expansion." (Klepper pg. 18) In addition, today's fraternities help

their members develop many skills which are used in and out of college.

During membership in a fraternity, one must learn leadership skills,

because the chapter has to be run in a business-like manner and because it

embraces different offices (President, Vice-President, Treasurer, Scribe,

etc..) which are held by its members. These offices closely resemble the ones

of real business. Additionally, since membership in a fraternity is seen as a

great achievement by other Greek associations' members, every brother must be

able to uphold that office at any time.

Organization is a must for every member of a fraternity. Fund raising

activities and community service always have a high priority in every chapter,

and each member is required to organize and/or take part in many of these

activities as a pledge, a brother and an alumnus. This helps individuals

within the group to develop organization and planning. In addition, since the

fraternity might be located in a house, each brother must learn household

organization for his brothers well being.

Fraternities are famous for their energetic social gatherings (parties)

which require all of their members to be socially active and outspoken when

the occasion calls for it. This helps fraternity members develop very strong

social skills. Since the act of one member reflects over the acts of all the

others, self-control and awareness of actions are mandatory. In addition, when

the brothers live in fraternity houses, this adds to the development of social

skills in the way that a member must be able to deal and live with different

kinds of people in different situations.

Since there are people of different scholastic levels in a fraternity,

the member of the fraternity have access to a great deal of knowledge on many

different school subjects. It is normal for fraternities to organize study

groups regularly during the school year and especially before exams.

In addition, members might also use the opinion and advice of other

members about the faculty in their favor, and most fraternities keep test files

and other such study aids available for the benefit of their members. Most

fraternity members are also eligible to receive a number of different

scholarships and awards based on academic excellence, leadership, and personal

achievement which can contribute to both the resume and the self-esteem of the

person receiving such an honor.

Fraternities are also well known for their support toward their

community. In fact, other than the usual, chapter-run projects, many chapters

require their associate members to organize and participate in their own

community service project before they...

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