Benefits of Joining a Fraternity

Students attending Cal have high expectations for academic success so living choices need to support that ultimate personal goal for the student. Despite the social distractions, fraternities provide a network of friendship and advice from other students. Senior members help new students to tackle the challenges of studies and university life.

Some fraternity houses have study hours, libraries of study materials, and often an upper class brother can provide tips on managing the work load. The academic performance of fraternity students are monitored and published by the University office of Student Life, creating an incentive for better grades in fraternities.

Not all fraternities are ‘party houses’—you have a choice. The movie industry has created an image of reckless partying and irresponsible behavior, but most houses at Cal are populated with ordinary students who are focused on their academic output, and their futures. Young men students at dormitories, apartments, houses, and student co-ops all face distractions which can undermine academic success.

The cost of living in a fraternity house is generally lower than at dorms and apartments, especially when you consider that room, food, utilities including internet access, and social activities are all included in the price. Many houses offer single rooms so that you can enjoy privacy not available in dormitories.

Fraternities are self-managed student organizations with opportunities to learn and grow leadership skills. Student leadership positions allow young men to learn important skills and gain experience in managing groups, and in leading teams.

The students manage a budget, plan and execute events and trips, conduct philanthropic activities, procure equipment, and decide the operation of house systems. Although the houses are owned by alumni organizations, the day-to-day management is often in the hands of the students. Students in the Greek community are often actively involved in student government, sports, student clubs, and Greek programming organizations.

These leadership tracts translate directly into skill sets which can be directly applied in business and adult life. Mentoring younger people, and resolving interpersonal conflicts are highly desirable business skills. These leadership positions are also great additions to your resume.

– 85% of Fortune 500 key executives are fraternity or sorority members*

– 76% of Who’s Who in America are fraternity or sorority members*

– All but three of the US Presidents since 1825 have been fraternity members*

– 75% of U.S. Senators are former fraternity or sorority members.*

Employers and hiring managers understand the value of pre-employment experience gained in Greek houses, including philanthropic activities, athletic and competitive programs, and leadership positions. Employers will value the skills you develop as a fraternity member. In fact, many major companies contain former members of the Greek system. The fraternal connections between new graduates and successful alumni (some potential employers) for networking and job search assistance do not exist in dorms or apartments.

As a member of a fraternity you’ll be called upon to participate in house maintenance and repair projects. These projects teach skills like landscaping, carpentry, painting, and more. When you are grown and own your property, these skills will serve you well.

Fraternities offer a social support system which helps students to cope with the demands of attending a challenging University. From the moment you join you’ll be welcomed to participate (and even lead) a group of like-minded men who share the common goal of future success. Within the fraternity you will meet a few men who will be come friends, and then friends for life. These men will be your social group, introduce you to women, and in the future become business connections. It is truly an opportunity to expand your life exponentially into a society of educated, social, successful people.

Parties are part of the fun too. Most fraternities keep a balance between social and academic activities. There are dance parties, formal date functions, football tailgates, skiing trips, road trips, and just sitting around in your room with friends. You will meet guys who have girlfriends, who have friends that need a date. Imagine being at a party with dozens of good friends that you trust—and you don’t need to drive home because you’re already there. When you select a fraternity to join, you can choose to avoid the ‘animal house’.

Leadership skills, friendships for life, memories of special nights, connections in society. When you return to the campus in 30 years with your grand children in tow you can either say “i lived up there on the 5th floor in Unit 3 dorms…or you can say I lived there in that unique fraternity and had great times with a bunch of friends.