Attitudes toward pledging among college students were examined to determine if attitudes differed according to race or gender. Participants were surveyed at two locations including attendees from a Greek national convention and students enrolled at a large urban college campus. Results showed a significant main effect for race and gender but…

The development of the Greek system on college campuses as brought about an evolution of a unique student culture within higher education. Most of the research on the Greek experience does not acknowledge the presence of Black fraternities and sororities although these organizations have over 90 years experience on campuses. This paper describes…

The findings in this study that pledges, rushees, and independents differ in their Social Spontaneity Factor Scores and Family Income is not unexpected in view of previous results. These data suggest that not only are independents different from pledges but that rushees are also different from independents. (Author)

Reviews the history of pledging and the recent movements for reform of this practice among historically Black fraternities and sororities. Describes the membership intake process that has been adopted and its resultant problems. Suggests that the national leadership should emphasize founding ideals as a means of overcoming resistance to change.…

Surveyed 140 institutions to assess the drinking behavior of fraternity and sorority members. Found that fraternity and sorority house environments appear to tolerate the hazardous use of alcohol, particularly binge drinking. A disproportionate number of students who were binge drinkers in high school become members of fraternities. (RJM)

Institutional responsibility for hazing injuries was called into question in a Delaware Superior Court in the case of "Furek v. University of Delaware." In ruling in the university's favor, the court signaled that universities may move to eliminate hazing without unreasonable fear of creating institutional liability for hazing incidents.…

A discussion of the single-sex admission policy of college fraternities examines the potential for success of those policies in an era in which society and courts are pressing to abolish gender-based stereotypes and provide equal access to places of public accommodation. Five specific recommendations are made for fraternities wishing to preserve…

Examined the impact of Black Greek-Letter organization (BGO) membership on black students, involvement in campus-related activities, and leadership development. Results from a sample of 1,400 black students show that BGO members demonstrate greater student involvement and have more confidence in their leadership abilities. (SLD)

Considers the problem of social control in educational organizations and some conditions under which relatively homogeneous distributions of school relevant behaviors and attitudes develop. The issue concerns the focus of social control: does the college act as the general unit of normative control or do subunits? (Author)

Recommends steps to eliminate fraternity hazing by developing an institutional policy regarding hazing; developing programs designed to educate alumni, active members, and pledges about the harmful consequences of hazing; requiring prior approval of all pledge activities; and enforcing hazing policies strictly, punishing not only individuals, but…

The persistence of dangerous initiation rituals in student organizations despite administrative and legislative efforts to end them is examined. (MSE)

Surveyed 117 African American males at 10 predominantly white universities to examine the relationship between identity attitudes and student involvement. Results indicate that greater campus activity involvement contributed to higher stages of racial identity development. Findings support the idea that a dialectical interaction exists between…

Examines social host liability doctrines as interpreted by the courts and universities. Makes suggestions based on a study of campus fraternity chapters, the chapters' attitudes and knowledge about social host liability, and their methods of addressing this possible problem so that university administrators can prevent these cases. (Author/RJM)

This study assessed rape supportive attitudes of sorority and fraternity members and evaluated a date rape education program with comparison to a non-Greek group studied earlier. Greek students registered more desirable scores than non-Greeks on an attitudes measure, but the education program did not improve their scores. (Author)

Theories of organizational development and culture used to diagnose problems and institute changes in organizations can be applied to the problem of hazing in black sororities and fraternities. This requires understanding the group culture's underlying values, as illustrated in stories about the organization. Appropriate interventions can then…