A gentleman does not steal horses, spit food across the table, or pee on peoples' shoes. By that definition, John "Bluto" Blutarsky is not a gentleman, but something more extraordinary. The fictional antihero of "National Lampoon's Animal House," Bluto is a slovenly symbol of irreverence, a bloated personification of the id. Bored by the past and…

Leadership is one of the most underemphasized dimensions of high ability cited in the current federal definition of giftedness. This particular ability area is highlighted here in an effort to offer helpful information and recommendations to administrators, educators, parents, and policymakers who seek plausible solutions to the problem of…

Anniversaries are often a time to reflect on the past. With that in mind, interviews were conducted with early key leaders of Eta Sigma Gamma to explore their perspectives of the organization's growth and development as well as their hopes for the future of ESG. The individuals interviewed included the surviving founders of Eta Sigma Gamma, the…

Objective: To further investigate use and potential misuse of prescription stimulants (e.g., Ritalin, Adderall, Concerta) among a sample of college students and to explore the relationship between psychological variables and nonmedical stimulant use. Method: The sample consisted of 390 college students (71.6% female, 28.4% male). Participants were…

First-year men at a midsized public university either saw a rape prevention program or were in a control group and were asked to complete attitude and behavior surveys at the beginning and end of an academic year. Participants were also asked whether they joined fraternities during that year. With 90% of first-year men participating throughout the…

Researchers have suggested that fraternity membership is the most reliable predictor of gambling and gambling problems on campus. The purpose of this study was to determine if problematic gambling could be linked to specific aspects of fraternity membership. Though the null hypothesis (no enabling environment) failed to be rejected, descriptive…

The "red zone" usually refers to the first few weeks of the first semester at college, when female students are believed to be at greatest risk for experiencing unwanted sex. We tested this notion using data from a survey study of 207 first-and second-year students (121 women, 84 men) at a small, liberal arts university. Results demonstrated only…

Results suggest that fraternity men and women are reacting with intense loyalty to the traditional system and its right to select members on any basis, discussions questioning the right of outsiders to dictate membership policy, and a growing awareness of advantages each member may enjoy with an open membership policy. (Author)

Research on the effects of Greek life on college student moral development has generally concluded that membership in these organizations does little to enhance moral development. However, this qualitative case study of one fraternity found otherwise. A fraternity at a large Midwestern university was studied. The fraternity (given the pseudonym…

The United States experienced a tremendous expansion of higher education after the Second World War. However, this expansion has not led to a substantial reduction to class inequalities at elite universities, where the admissions process is growing even more selective. In his classic studies of French education and society, Pierre Bourdieu…

Objective: Given the high rate of at-risk drinking in college students, the authors examined drinking behaviors and associated factors in students being seen in student health services for primary care visits from October 30, 2004, to February 15, 2007. Methods: Analyses were based on a Health Screening Survey completed by 10,234 college students…

This book takes a broad look at the problems of hazing and binge drinking on college campuses. It includes a history of hazing and suggestions for reform. The chapters are: (1) The Tradition; (2) Greekthink; (3) Alcohol Misuse; (4) A Weed in the Garden of Academe; (5) Greek Traditions and Tragedies; (6) Sororities; (7) The Law and Hazing; (8)…

Describes how the University of Oregon has banned alcohol at fraternity houses, but that some members are continuing to drink. (EV)

Examined attitudes toward fraternities and sororities held by 310 college students, 91.1 percent of whom had never belonged to such organizations. Findings revealed that both members and nonmembers saw certain advantages in belonging to fraternities and sororities. Respondents also mentioned negative aspects of Greek life which focused on…