Greek Community
Being a part of our Greek Community is much more than a few years of fun, friends, and personal development. It offers a sense of accomplishment and ways to make the world a better place. Consider joining us in making a difference.
Mission Statement:
In genuine siblinghood, we the Greek Community of UW-Whitewater declare the following: That the Greek system will consist of strong leaders, who demonstrate moral and ethical conduct, as well as promote good scholarship. We are dedicated to building a better sense of community on and off campus that respects and embraces diversity among ourselves and others. We will continue to promote unity within our chapters, with one another, and with faculty, staff, and administration of UW-Whitewater.
What Comes with Greek Life?
Academics
Academics should be a student's number one focus while in college. That's why most Greek organizations require a minimum GPA to become and remain a member. Usually, each individual chapter has an elected official who is responsible for keeping track of members and their academic performance. Furthermore, many fraternities, sororities, and societies have educational programs, such as tutoring and study sessions, which can assist the entire chapters in excelling academically. Most organizations also offer member scholarships on the national or regional levels. Since obtaining a degree is the main reason for attending college, keep in mind that members must keep up their grades if they want to participate in a Greek organization.
Financial Responsibility
Greek life comes with financial responsibilities when first joining, as well as after joining. At most schools, there is a one-time new member/initiation fee as well as semester membership dues. The organization they want to join will determine the amount of dues members will pay each semester. It is recommended to sit down and work out a college budget to determine whether joining Greek life is affordable. On average, dues semesterly for a chapter is equal or less than textbooks would be each semester.
Hazing Prevention
In the past, fraternities, sororities, and societies may have received a bad reputation for participating in hazing, which is any action taken that produces bodily harm or danger, mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, fright, or ridicule. Today, all Greek life policies strictly prohibit any type of hazing activity. In fact, the organizations and UW-Whitewater have taken on a zero-tolerance stance on this issue. If there is suspicion that you or your student may be participating in inappropriate activities associated with hazing, you should contact the Dean of Students or Student Activities & Involvement.
Time Commitment
On average, chapter members can expect to contribute 2-4 hours per week for meetings and mandatory activities. Additional and optional activities include; holding an office, attending social events, helping with various projects, etc. Some organizations require more time than others. It is highly advised to ask questions regarding time commitments before joining.
Activities
Greek members participate in many different activities. The kind of activities will vary depending on which organization a student joins. Possible activities may include fundraising for charities, tutoring elementary school students, conducting environmental and neighborhood cleanups, organizing clothing and book collections, volunteering at shelters, and attending social events.
Families are encouraged to talk about what their student would like to do and then support their decision. If your student decides that joining an organization is the right decision, make sure they thoroughly research the groups on campus to find the organization and people that best aligns with their personal values.
Contact Greek Community Support Staff
262-472-6217
Greek Academic Advisors
UWW employees serve as advisors to Whitewater's 180+ student organizations and clubs. They are full-time employees of the institution that have agreed to serve in this volunteer capacity. Each year confirmation of their position is sent from the Assistant Chancellor for Student Affairs to formalize their commitment and coverage.
Greek Academic Advisors are volunteer UWW faculty and staff. They serve as the primary connector between the academic mission of the University and the Chapter. They assist and advise the Chapter in ways to improve their academic performance and achievement. The Academic Advisor was previously known at the Campus Advisor that every student organization is required to have.
Without the service of these individuals, the quality of the student experience would be much less. Student Activities & Involvement is very thankful for their time and efforts.
Individuals interested in assisting the Greek Community in this role should contact Student Activities & Involvement at (262) 472-6217
Expectations of Greek Academic Advisors
- Provide linkage between University and the Chapter.
- Meet with organizational leadership regularly to create and implement academic assistance efforts.
- Provide general guidance and advisement of students in their efforts.
- Be familiar with University policies, procedures, and resources.
- Empower students to organize and run their chapter and to foster academic progress and achievement.
Resources
The following documents & links are made available for use by chapters, councils, and their leadership.