This mixed methodological study examines the relationship between participation in a residential commons system and sense of belonging in the context of an elite, highly residential liberal arts institution. Students of color, students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, and students who do not participate in Greek letter organizations reported…

This qualitative narrative inquiry examined the professional preparation of sorority and fraternity (SFL) professionals working with culturally-based sororities and fraternities. Using narratives drawn from 15 professionals and guided by our conceptual framework, we unpacked important findings in terms of ways participants referenced their limited…

Commuter students face a number of challenges, yet how they influence the experience of those who join sororities and fraternities is unknown. The purpose of this study is to explore those challenges, the strategies participants used to overcome them, and how policies and practices influenced their experience through interviews with eight alumni…

Fraternity/sorority life is a complex profession with a high turnover rate of professional staff members. In this qualitative study of 11 new fraternity/sorority professionals following their first year in their roles, we examine how new professionals perceive and navigate expertise. We then present implications for practice and research in…

Fraternities and sororities promote the ideals of scholarship, leadership, service, and friendship. Little or no research, however, has demonstrated that college students who join fraternal organizations actually grow in these areas as a result of their fraternal experience. The purpose of this descriptive study was to assess the extent to which…

This study used a nationally representative sample of African American college students to examine the degree to which their affiliation with a Greek-letter organization contributed to engagement in effective educational practices by analyzing National Survey of Student Engagement data at historically Black colleges and universities and…

The relationship between Black Greek-letter organization membership and African American student engagement in almost exclusively White college classrooms was explored in this study. Data were collected through interviews with 131 members from seven undergraduate chapters at a large, predominantly White university in the Midwest. This study…

Analyses of data from a survey of undergraduate students at a research institution were completed to determine whether self-reported experiences with sexual violence varied by gender and Greek affiliation. Significant differences were found by both gender and Greek affiliation for sexual victimization, sexual victimization with alcohol, and sexual…

Compared environmental assessment of three African-American college students and three white college students. Participants, all of whom were affiliated with fraternities or sororities on campus, took photographs that depicted what "state university means to me." Found that African-American photographs reflected frustrating situations. White…

Using student development theory and Robert Kegan's work on the mental demands of modern life, explores new ways to advise college Greek organizations. Encourages advisers to listen closely to how students are interpreting the school's expectations. Outlines a way to foster students' understanding and adherence to risk management policies. (RJM)

Campus environments easily impact the ability of higher education professionals to establish campus community. Campus buildings, settings, and environment are important aspects of the development and maintenance of community. This article provides an introduction to environmental impact and one institution's approach in redesigning their Greek…

Assessed interpersonal values of college student volunteers (n=45) involved in community service activities. Found that students' interpersonal values differed relative to whether they were involved through religious, social Greek, or service organizations. Social Greek group was significantly higher on Recognition; service group was significantly…

Examined fraternity little sister auxiliary group members' perceptions of fraternity-related roles/experiences, and identified personality types of women who join such groups. Subjects (n=49) completed Auxiliary Group Questionnaire and Myers-Briggs Type Inventory. Results revealed that 83% of subjects could be classified as extraverted personality…

Explores whether involvement in Greek organizations enhances student development. Discusses areas of student development, such as academic, social, and moral and ethical development, and reviews studies examining the correlation between Greek organizations and student development. Studies show no conclusive evidence of Greek involvement leading to…