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Makeda Harris
Professor Raymond
UWRT 1101-103
19 July 2014
Greek Life History at UNC Charlotte (REVISION)
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte has many exciting and prestigious
programs and organizations to offer including the University Transitions Opportunities Program
(UTOP), Campus Activity Board (CAB), Athletic Programs, and many more. One of the most
interesting, benefiting, and historical organizations is Greek Life. There are currently 5 councils
and an interest group available on campus; the councils include the Diversified Greek Council,
Panhellenic Association, National Panhellenic Council (NPHC), Independent Council, and
Interfraternity Council (Dean of Students). Even though there are many different Greek
organizations floating around on campus constantly catching students attention, everyone who is
interested isnt guaranteed a spot as a member.
Each council has their very own way of inviting and selecting members to join their
organizations. At various times of the year including Spring and Fall semesters, the councils
begin recruiting new members and sorting through the students who are eager to take on the
fascinating task of becoming a member of a Greek Organization. For example, Panhellenic
Association has formal recruitment dates that are held on Labor Day weekend; the days are filled
with Recruitment 101, Sisterhood Day, History Day, Philanthropy Day, Preference Day, and Bid
Night. To join certain fraternities and sororities under the councils of the National Panhellenic
Council and the Independent Council, you must have a grade point average of a 2.5 or better and
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participate in community service activities such as mentoring children in school, serving in the
Food Bank, and holding food and clothing drives (Dean of Students).
When most people hear the words and phrases fraternity, sorority, Greek Life, etc.
they think of stepping, hype parties, specific colors, and cool attire. In reality there is more to
Greek organizations than just the attire and wild step routines. Greek organizations work
revolves around many service activities because they are such service-oriented groups.
According to national statistics, Greek organizations volunteer approximately 10 million hours
annually (Student Involvement). This proves that they not only have a great time during their
step shows, yard shows, and parties but also during their time of serving the community.
Students everywhere seek interest in Greek Organizations for numerous reasons. Some of
those reasons may be because they want to be a part of their familys legacy, they want to step,
or they just want to be the one walking around campus with the cool t-shirts on. Why are
students really interested in being a part of these organizations? According to Mrs. Jodi Turner,
students that are interested cant just join Greek life, for they are invited to join after rigorous
selection process which she wasnt able to tell me about; some are also interested because they
want to be involved in their community (Turner). Another reason why students join is because
they want to a build a firm networking foundation. To me, a network is a connection you form
with people you get to know, and from there you get connected to other important people. A
network is what you create says Mrs. Turner (Turner); many prospecting members are
searching for their own network to create in their own special way. This is important for
freshmen to know because they should start building networks as soon as they get here.
The last few things that incoming freshmen should know is that hazing is not tolerated at
all at UNC Charlotte; if any hazing is suspected then that Greek Organization will be suspended
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(Guobadia). Hazing makes the Greek experience a nightmare for new members. Freshmen
should also know that Greek Life is very expensive. An example of what I mean by expensive is
in order to secure your spot and be financially stable in a NPHC organization, you must pay
about $700 to $1200 in the first semester to secure your spot, and after that you must pay about
$500 per semester after that. Other councils have cheaper fees compared to NPHC, but in any
council you must pay because it is required (Guobadia). In the end, the cost is worth it because in
exchange you are receiving lifetime network connections and brotherhood and sisterhood.
In essence, whether incoming students are interested in serving their communities,
learning how to network, wearing the Greek Life clothing, or stepping and showing off their
stroll moves, there is definitely an organization out there for them according to their personal
interest. Greek organizations provide so many benefits including long-lasting friendships and
bonds of brotherhood/sisterhood and connections to people that could help you out in the
corporate world one day; it is a lifetime commitment.










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Works Cited
"Dean of Students Office." Fraternity and Sorority Life.Unc Charlotte, n.d. Web. 18 July 2014.
Guobardia, Michelle. Greek Life.University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Charlotte. 30 July
2013.
"Student Involvement." Fraternity & Sorority National Statistics.University of Missouri-Kansas
City, n.d.Web. 18 July 2014.
Turner, Jodi. Personal Interview.18 July 2014.