Exploring sororities and fraternities at York

On your much anticipated first day of university, you spot an ad on your commute to campus that reads in a large, bold typeface, “THIS IS MY TIME!” You beam with optimism because after all, you’re about to embark on the best years of your life.
Fascinating courses by world-renowned professors, dining options that put your high school cafeteria to shame, and an undergrad population thousands of times larger than your old stomping grounds—what could possibly go wrong? The world is your oyster and you’re its pearl!
Fast-forward a month into the semester, your seatmate for the first two classes decided to drop the course and another friend seems to be majoring in sleep rather than his actual major.
Amidst the flocks of bustling undergrads, the mammoth of loneliness might creep up and hold you captive when you least expect it.
That’s where Greek letter organizations come in. That’s right, sororities and fraternities have deep-rooted traditions at York which are geared to make you feel anything but alone.
If your impressions of Greek life come mainly from films, do not worry. “Films often depict the Greek community as being wild, and party crazy, when in fact being Greek encompasses many other values as well,” says Jacqueline Benitah, president of Delta Pi’s Alpha Chapter. “These include philanthropy, sisterhood, and academic excellence.”
Alexander Clark of Phi Delta Theta Ontario Chapter adds, “Unfortunately, members of the Greek community are misrepresented in the media and categorized as upper class snobs, who like to party. However, the emphasis we put on academic excellence, philanthropy, and Brotherhood is very personal to us.”
Though not officially recognized by the university, the Greek organizations that we know of comprised of York undergrads, include sororities Delta Pi Alpha, Delta Psi Delta, and Tau Sigma Phi Gamma, and fraternities Alpha Epsilon Pi, Kappa Sigma, and Phi Delta Theta.
According to the Student Community and Leadership Development branch at York, “Such organizations might deflect students from active participation in the college system and other campus organizations.”
Nonetheless, these organizations are present. Some chapters established at York back in the 1980s and others as recently as 2008.
“AEPi is the largest fraternity worldwide with chapters all over North America and around the globe. The York chapter, Eta Pi, is a smaller organization than those portrayed in the movies, with 20 currently active members,” says Yosef Finkel, president of Alpha Epsilon Pi at York.
Benitah believes that universities should recognize Greek life on campus, “Through Greek life, you become involved in philanthropic endeavours, do charity work, and as you continue your journey through the sorority you become a role model for newer and younger sisters.” For her, sororities and fraternities are just like many other clubs and groups on campus as they have similar goals and values.
Clark adds, “Many students complain about the lack of School Spirit at York, and are looking for a sense of community.”
[su_quote]“Fraternities and Sororities are renowned in the United States for having some of the best School Spirit out of any organisations on their campus’ due largely in part by the way they love their Chapter. If recognized by York, I believe we can have a much larger role on campus, where students can find that community.”[/su_quote]
Campus involvement with various clubs can be fulfilling, however the thin line between extracurricular involvement and study time can be blurred, affecting academic performance.
Though some athletic clubs at York require a certain academic standing in order to participate, many do not. As a result, undergraduates fall through the cracks in pursuit of campus involvement.
In contrast, Greek organizations instill a GPA requirement for their members so rest assured you’ll be kept on your toes. According to Delta Psi Delta Gamma Chapter’s website, “Girls take academics very seriously, this is why the GPA requirement is implemented. All of the sisters try to help each other out as much as possible by lending notes, planning study groups, or even having a sister to sit beside in lecture.”
Unlike the stereotypes portrayed in the movies where partying is priority, these Greek organizations seem to have hit all the green lights towards the path to academic victory.
In fact, the Phi Delta Theta Ontario Chapter website boasts about its commitment of having each member tap into their inner greatness by providing alcohol-free housing.
However, don’t be fooled, the social aspect is not hindered by any means. As the old saying goes, “work hard, play hard” and as such, being part of a sorority or fraternity has its fair share of hobnobbing.
At Delta Psi Delta Gamma at York, “The chapter always has an exciting social calendar to look forward to every semester, with social events including themed mixers, alumni nights, formals, sport activities, date functions, retreats, and girls’ nights.”
Clark adds, “We generally do not hold as many events as we would like on campus, as we are not recognized by the University.”
“However, Lou Gherig was a Phi Delt who suffered from ALS and last year, we decided to form the Sword & Shield foundation as a means of raising money to fight this disease on behalf of Phi Delta Theta.”
While these Greek organizations spend a great deal of time ensuring that excellence is fostered on all fronts, they also focus on philanthropy and “recognize that through volunteer work, the organization and community will be strengthened,” according to Delta Psi Delta Gamma Chapter’s website.
Frequently, members volunteer and fundraise at multiple organizations including the MS walk, the Daily Bread Food Bank, the Battered Women’s Shelter, and towards women’s scholarships to name a few.
Benitah adds, “This year in March will be our 26th year! Though this is our largest charity event, we incorporate philanthropic activities into our events throughout the year such as Zareinu, the Israeli army, and many more.”
Clark says, “We have also done work with FYU Kids a campus club to help young people in the Local Community and organised the Sword and Shield: Fight for ALS charity on Campus to help raise awareness and money for ALS.”
Finally, it’s worth noting that many prominent people belonged to Greek organizations. From Neil Armstrong of Phi Delta Theta to Mark Zuckerberg at Alpha Epsilon Pi to Hillary Clinton at Alpha Kappa Alpha to Shaquille O’Neal at Omega Psi Phi, the list is infinite and the strong alumni networks last a lifetime.
[su_quote]Clark says, “The bond and connection we have with one another is something you can’t put into words, and I urge anyone who is interested in joining a Fraternity or Sorority at York to contact one of these organizations and see what it’s all about.”[/su_quote]
“The security of knowing that there will always be people there for you; through the good and the bad is one the best feelings in the world. Being a part of a Greek Letter Organization isn’t just a four year venture – it follows you throughout life”
“Going to a commuter school like York, it can be hard to make friends and get involved on campus and in the community,” says Benitah. “By joining, you become part of something so much bigger than yourself and are given so many opportunities to grow into yourself as a person.”
Reflecting on her years as a sister, and entering her term as president, Benitah adds, “I have seen so many girls transform into leaders and role models. I encourage all girls to come out and rush and to see for themselves all we have to offer!”
Clark adds, “We have a Big Brother Program, which starts during the pledging process and continues on into active membership and Alumni relationships as well. I have two little Brothers, which have proven to be some of the most rewarding relationships that I’ve had in my life. “
“This is about creating lifelong friendships, impacting our community in a beneficial way through philanthropy, and to have an unforgettable undergraduate experience,” says Finkel.
If this is all unfamiliar territory but you can’t help but think, “where do I sign up?” you’re in luck. Typically, all Greek organizations individually recruit members at the start of each semester during a ritual called “rush”, a series of meet and greet events which allow prospective members to get to know each other and see if the organization is a good fit for them.
Finkel says, “The rush process is roughly two weeks long and is filled with subsidized events such as dinners, bonfires, bowling events, mixers with sororities at York and more.”
Towards the end of rush, each Greek organization offers “bids” to the students they think best fits for membership, just like a university might have you complete a quiz to find the best fit roommate.
Before you know it, you’ll have a family of sorority sisters and fraternity brothers who will stick by your side throughout your time at university and beyond.
All things considered, why not change up your days of sitting at the library sifting from chapter to chapter, and join a Greek chapter at York?
Considering that the five Greek organizations mentioned in this article are independent of York, it’s likely that you’ll have to take that first step to reach out.
To make life a little easier, Excalibur compiled a list of their websites. Remember, you don’t have to be Greek to join. So what are you waiting for?
Sororities
Delta Psi Delta
Tau Sigma Phi Gamma
Delta Pi Alpha
Fraternities 
Alpha Epsilon Pi
Kappa Sigma
Phi Delta Theta 

 
Tatiana Prisiajny, Features Editor
Featured image courtesy of Branavi Balendran