The fraternities and sororities on campus organize a new member recruitment period for students to get to know the Greek community. Fraternities refer to it as Rush. Sororites are changing and now call it Recruitment. During this time, and throughout the semester, you are invited to visit the chapters to learn what each group has to offer you. Participating in Rush and Recruitment is free and does not require that you join a sorority or fraternity.
The Greek community at ONU strives for academic excellence and improved scholastic achievement. Each chapter has chosen a grade point average requirement which each member must maintain to be active. Chapters offer academic assistance for their members including study hall areas, peer tutoring, and study sessions. Every chapter understands that its members are students first and provides academic incentives and recognition to those who excel and improve their academic standing. The all-fraternity and all-sorority averages are comparable to the all-men's and all-women's. Additionally, ONU Greek organizations have shown a retention rate for Freshmen members which is higher than the University rate, further demonstrating that membership enhances a student's academic progress.
The financial obligation that accompanies membership differs slightly from
chapter to chapter. Each chapter is self supporting, functioning from dues paid
by its members. The first year of membership is generally higher due to
initiation fees. This covers items such as operating expenses, socials,
insurance, composites, leadership programs, and new member recruitment.
Greek chapter houses offer a "home away from home". Living within a
chapter house furthers student growth and development, and provides much of the
comfort and support of a family environment. The room and board rates in
chapter houses are competitive with and usually equal to or below University
rates. Each chapter will be able to provide you with explicit financial
information during Rush and Recruitment.
Greeks participate in many activities on campus and in the community. Members enjoy social functions, retreats, athletics, mixers, and informal get togethers. Chapters are active in all areas of campus life and activities. Furthermore, members are strongly encouraged to take part in other clubs and organizations. Greeks are the leaders in many campus groups and are especially active in the student government. This helps to make Greeks well rounded students as well as leaders in the many facets of campus life.
To learn more about Greek life at ONU you can do several things. When you come to Summer Orientation or Move in Day just look for the students wearing a shirt with the Greek Letters or the term Go Greek. They can answer your questions and give you more info about Rush and Recruitment. At the beginning of each semester the fraternities and sororities hold informal information nights. You can e-mail us at mailto:d-bollenbacher@onu.edu.