GREEK LIFE | Balancing parties with community service and academics

Whether you come from four generations of Sigma Alpha Epsilon brothers or are exploring the Greek system for the very first time, you can be sure that this year's batch of hopeful pledges have plenty to look forward to.

From New Student Orientation parties to rush events in January, Greek life at Penn never ceases to offer opportunities for meeting new people and trying new things.

But for now, relax and enjoy getting to know the various fraternities and sororities this semester. In the meantime, here are some quick facts about Penn Greek life to get you started:

About 25 percent of Penn's undergraduates are members of the Greek system.

There are 30 fraternities at Penn, which compose the InterFraternity Council. The sorority version, the Panhellenic Council, is made up of eight chapters and may add a ninth this year. The third council is the Multicultural Greek Council, which governs the historically black, Latino and Asian fraternities and sororities. MGC has 13 chapters.

Rush begins in January for both fraternities and sororities. Men can rush any fraternity they wish and are initially enticed to join with free food and other handouts in an "open" process. As the process continues, invitations - which become more and more exclusive with each event - become necessary.

Sorority rush is a completely different process. Women must visit all eight sororities and meet current members of every one. Invitations are issued to specific girls are each round.

MGC chapters have their own rush traditions which vary from chapter to chapter.

Women must register and pay a fee in December to rush Panhellenic sororities. Men do no have to register or pay a fee, and the first rush events are normally open to everyone.

Greek organizations perform a variety of community service work on campus and in the Philadelphia area. Throughout the year, you may see Greek members on Locust Walk advertising events to benefit charities, or around Philadelphia improving the city.

Penn regulates Greek life through the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs.

If you decide that pledging is not for you, be assured non-Greeks can still attend Greek events. Though Greek life provides excellent opportunities for those interested, it is not the sole source of social activity on campus. There are many other interesting groups at Penn. Whatever your religious, political, academic or artistic persuasion, there is probably a student group that will fit you.

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