Angles: Should Augustana adopt Greek life?
During the Augustana Student Association’s April 6 meeting, current freshman Jefferson Michael addressed the Senate during Public Voice.
Michael wants to bring Greek life to Augustana — not the modeled-after-Greek-life societies that Augustana started in the 1960s and retained until the ‘90s, but real, sponsored-by-national-chapters Greek life.
Michael and other supporters of the idea have drafted a proposal that outlines criteria for potential chapters and members. He maintains that Greek life would be a progressive step for Augustana as a growing university and that the chapters could be established with the school’s core values in mind. Some students agree that the addition would be a positive one for community building and student experience.
However, others have expressed concern about the idea of societies returning to Augustana’s campus; there’s no shortage of related data about sexual assault, substance abuse and hazing. Moreover, some wonder if the establishment of such groups could exacerbate division that already exists along social lines.
Below, two freshman students argue for and against the change that Michael proposes.
Jocelyn Baas, Forum Editor
Yes, diversify student experience
Jose Escobar, freshman government and international affairs major
While the debate surrounding Greek life typically revolves around only the negative aspects of Greek life, consideration must be given to the potential benefits of Greek life on campus. As Augustana plans to expand its undergraduate student population to 3,000 by 2030, Greek life could be a critical component of attracting students to our campus and enhancing their experiences. Augustana previously had societies that were modeled after Greek organizations on campus between the years 1961 and 1996; this historical precedent provides the basis to recreate a healthy Greek system. If Greek life were to come to Augustana, it could revitalize the campus culture, as well as provide opportunities in leadership, fundraising and socialization.
One primary reason for the addition of societies to campus is that they would establish a sense of belonging among students. Greek organizations naturally form a brotherhood or sisterhood that brings individuals from diverse backgrounds and ethnicities together. This sense of belonging can be particularly valuable in a college environment, as young people transition from home to a university, when many students tend to feel lost or alone. Inclusiveness and community-building through Greek life can help students build meaningful connections that enrich their college experience.
The second essential aspect is the emphasis placed by many fraternities and sororities on academic achievement. Institutions like the University of Arizona and the University of South Dakota, for example, have established minimum GPA requirements for membership in Greek organizations. The University of Arizona demands a cumulative GPA of 2.5, while USD requires 2.0. Asking for similar scholarly standards at Augustana would ensure students involved in Greek life remain committed to academics.
By creating these academic expectations, Greek organizations can foster an atmosphere of educational excellence and responsibility. This not only encourages students to stay focused on their studies, but it also serves to alleviate concerns that Greek life encroaches on academic pursuits. In fact, many organizations recognize the importance of education and provide resources for its members such as study groups and tutoring programs. Furthermore, Greek groups can provide students with an important network outside of campus. Alumni associations sometimes offer mentorship, internships and career job placement, which can give current students a level of preferential hiring in the workplace. This career guidance can particularly benefit students who are not given such access otherwise.
While there are valid concerns regarding Greek life, it is critical to consider the potential benefits that it can bring to Augustana University. The arrival of Greek organizations to Augustana could give students a sense of belonging, promote academic excellence and provide students with networking opportunities. As Augustana plans for its future growth, embracing Greek life could be a strategic move that rounds out the overall student experience and introduces a diverse demographic to the college. By taking a cue from other schools and implementing academic standards, Augustana can create a responsible and active Greek life that positively impacts the campus community.
No, prioritize safety, academics
Hussein Kadhim, freshman economics and fintech major
The plan to implement Greek life at Augustana has been highly controversial, especially when it comes to safety and maintaining academic excellence; however, while supporters of Greek life point to its ability to draw students and foster civic involvement, as well as its tradition, the drawbacks of Greek life greatly outweigh the so-called benefits.
Advocates contend that Greek life could draw more students as Augustana grows; however, studies from the Jed Foundation and Grand Valley State University have shown that although some students are drawn to fraternities and sororities, others are deterred by the reputation of these organizations for exclusivity, hazing and a partying culture. Augustana’s well-regarded reputation for maintaining a safe and inclusive college could be undermined by the negative stereotypes surrounding Greek life. Even if the institution of Greek life attracts some new students, Augustana could at the same time alienate others, especially those who value a more inclusive and safe campus climate.
Supporters also claim that fraternity and sorority membership creates strong bonds of brotherhood within a pluralistic group of students. Evidence gathered from studies at multiple universities, including Nova Southeastern University and the University of Memphis, indicates that Greek life is often a means of securing social stratification by maintaining cliques of wealth, physical attractiveness or social status. “Brotherhood” or “sisterhood” can sometimes take the form of exclusion, which could make non-affiliated students feel alienated. Real campus unity is achieved through open organizations that include everyone, as opposed to cliquish clubs.
Despite the efforts of national groups to curtail risky behaviors, hazing and alcohol-related incidents remain common in Greek life on campuses nationwide. These behaviors have resulted in injuries and even deaths on campuses, thus compromising student safety and putting universities at risk of lawsuits and loss of reputation. Augustana should put the safety of its students first and avoid bringing in groups with questionable track records.
Greek organizations often claim to value academic success; however, that’s not always the case. Too often, Greek life can take attention away from academic progress as students decide that social activities and commitments take precedence over academic obligations. If students were to associate the institution with a party scene instead of academic success, the academic status of Augustana would suffer. Already, Augustana offers a diverse array of clubs, service organizations and residence life initiatives that assure connection and leadership without the negative image normally linked to Greek life. Building on these current resources would be a wiser investment than opening up potentially polarizing organizations.
The risks involved in establishing Greek life, particularly exclusion, hazing, negative stereotypes and the negative impact on campus climate, make going forward with the idea inconsistent with Augustana’s values and mission. The university should focus on developing inclusive, safe and educationally sound ways of building community and connecting with potential students.
