Why Join a Fraternity?

A fraternity is much more than just a place to live; it is a place to grow and gain friendships that will last a lifetime. At Indiana University, the men's fraternities offer a unique style of life from which thousands of men benefit. This lifestyle offers great advantages which are derived from a special thing called brotherhood. Philanthropic, scholarship, intramural, and social activities are all integral parts of this lifestyle and help develop a bond which is brotherhood, pure and simple.

All fraternities began on common principles that still apparent today. Your affiliation and adherence to these principles will ensure happy, healthy stay at Indiana University. Above all else, fraternity life involves living and interacting with a closely-knit group of men who share similar ideals, goals, and interests. With many fraternities from which to choose, a man has the opportunity to fit his aspirations with a specific fraternity.
You have taken the first step by deciding to participate in Men's Formal Recruitment. Your biggest step is over, and now all you have to do is find the chapter through which you can develop you character, acquire a sound education, and most of all, make friends!

Brotherhood

When you associate with a fraternity you are not just meeting new friends or acquiring a place to live and have fun. You are becoming part of a brotherhood, and that brother hood is based on intangible, invisible principles. There is a common bond that is unique and very private. You will enjoy the benefits of friendship that will last a lifetime and will actually grow stronger with time. Being part of a fraternity is something that cannot be compared to anything else.

To know of its existence is one thing, but to experience it is another. Be a part of a great segment of university life - be a part of the Greek community.

Scholarship

Scholarship and academic success are two of the most important aspects of a student's life at IU.  The fraternities on campus promote academics in a variety of ways.  Members of the IU Greek Community are honor students, scholarship recipients, and Dean's honor roll members.

Community Service

Besides the focus on scholarship, each semester thousands of fraternity members participate in a wide variety of community service projects.  These projects take many forms and benefit many worthy causes both in the surrounding community and nation wide: Habitat-for-Humanity, Safe Halloween, and Dance Marathon, just to name a few.

Leadership

Fraternities also provide ample opportunities for students to gain leadership skills.  Greek organizations are essentially self-governing, self-running communities.  New members have the opportunity to serve on a number of committees within the chapter.  Committee members and chapter officers are responsible for the operation of their chapter.  In addition to chapter leadership positions, members have many other opportunities within the IU community.  A sampling of the variety of organizations that IU Greeks are typically involved include: Student Government, Student Athletic Board, Union Board, Residence Hall Association, IU Dance Marathon, IU Student Foundation, and many more.

Networking/Friendships

Not only does becoming Greek allow you to start meeting other Greeks on campus, but it brings you closer to a group of people who you will be proud to call your friends all through life.  Beyond friendships, membership in a fraternity can also lead to social networking with past alumni.  Oftentimes these relationships can lead to summer internships, or even job references upon graduation.  Many chapters have very prominent alumni in a wide range of job occupations, and this is yet another way that being Greek can benefit you not only in your college years, but beyond.

Intramurals

Indiana University boasts an intramural program that offers forty-five activities for men throughout the school year. The members of the Greek system are proud of their annual participation in all of these sports.

Intramurals provide a valuable outlet for each chapter to compete in various athletic events ranging from traditional games such as basketball, flag football, and volleyball to unique events such as archery. Every sport carries with it many old rivalries that provide from intense competition. Each year, these sports spur enthusiasm and bring not only the members within each chapter close, but also strengthen the bond between competing fraternities.

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