LAWRENCE IOURNAL-WORLD
STUDENT LIFE
17
SATURDAY, AUGUST 17, 1996 5D
Fraternity life focuses on academics, brotherhood
- College men find opportunities for personal growth in the KU fraternity system.
BY AARON BRINKMAN SPECIAL TO THE JOURNAL-WORLD
Just three months removed from his comfortable high school days, KU freshman Jeff Phelps entered his new life as a fraternity man with a great deal of apprehension.
"I heard all the horror stories about hazing and drinking that go around, so I really didn't know what to expect," said Phelps, a Mission native.
Those stereotypes have been associated with the Greek system at every school, but according to Kansas University Interfraternity
Council President Matt Leonard, the KU fraternity system is different.
"The majority of the fraternities here strongly stress academics, community service and brotherhood." Leonard said.
With the focus on academics, the 27 fraternities on campus consistently have grade-point averages that exceed the averages of the non-Greek community. Each fraternity maintains GPA requirements for joining the organization and offers assistance through tutors and academic advising.
"I came out of high school and was really apprehensive about college classes," said Phelps, now a sophomore member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity. "The older
Scholastic achievement is not only individual, but also a part of the chapter's structure.
"Most fraternities put a heavy stress on academic structure with required study hours. In addition to academics, they also require their members to get involved in campus activities," Leonard said.
guys in the house would recommend some classes to take and then help me whenever I had any problems in a class."
Campus involvement is a big part of college life for many men. Members of the Greek community obtain leadership positions in Student Senate, departmental honor societies and Greek developmental organizations.
"I was surprised to find out how many Greek members were
Rush pairs men with right house
BY AARON BRINKMAN
If you are interested in joining the fraternity system, then Jim Sampson plans on seeing you in August for formal rush.
Sampson, Interfraternity Council vice president for membership, said "rush" is a term used in the Greek system to refer to the recruitment of prospective fraternity members. The Kansas University fraternity system has both an informal and formal rush.
The informal rush occurs throughout the year when the fraternities host rush events. In a more relaxed atmosphere, prospective members are provided the opportunity to visit houses and meet members of the 27 houses.
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"The informal process starts very early in the fall semester and its biggest advantage is the man knows a lot more about the chapter he is joining before he first arrives." Sampson said.
"You're automatically thrown in with a pledge class of guys that will be your friends for life. And with the upperclassman for guidance, as far as getting involved with the house and campus, it's something that a dorm life might not provide," he said.
Formal rush is an opportunity for interested students to meet fraternity members, ask questions and tour the houses in a smaller, more intimate setting.
But it is often hard for new students to know if the Greek system is for them.
Leonard agrees with Sampson.
"The overall message is that there's a place for everybody."
Leonard said. "I believe that if a guy is really interested in being involved in a fraternity, he's going to find a house that he will fit into to."
Interfraternity Council vice-president for membership. "In fact, we strive to achieve diversity in the Greek community. I think if you look at the community as a whole, there is a great variety of different ethnic groups and different culture backgrounds."
Leonard sees only positive results from the immediate fraternity life.
(Thursday to Monday), and is run similar to female rush," Sampson said.
The advantages for the individual man are also substantial. At KU, freshmen live in the fraternity houses as opposed to residence halls.
"There's no stereotypical guat at all," said senior Jim Sampson,
Rush is controlled and regulated by the Interfraternity Council.
Leonard agrees with Sampson.
Fraternity men are also actively involved with philanthropic activities. Whether it be helping single-parent families in the Lawrence area or raising money for a national charity, each fraternity donates its time and money to help those less fortunate.
"We set the rushes up in a hotel, and we go over guidelines to what they can and can't do during the week," said Interfraternity Council President Matt Leonard.
actually involved with organizations on campus. Involvement is really stressed." Phelps said.
Sampson and Leonard said there were certain factors students should look for during rush, such as the physical structure of the house, sleeping arrangements, number of people in the pledge class and house fees.
"The formal process lasts from
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"I miss being able to drive down the street and wave to people." Handlin said. "Some of the friendliness is gone."
Student Union Activities offers many programs, with the primary objective of helping new students adjust to the unfamiliar surroundings. One of these is Hawk Week, a weeklong event designed to familiarize students with the KU campus.
In addition to getting involved in campus activities, older students had some other suggestions for incoming freshmen from small towns.
Jordan Crane, a junior from Parsons, arrived in Lawrence about a month early to familiarize herself with the city and the KU campus. She found this eased her nervous tension as the school year began.
"The number of students can be overwhelming," Friedrichs said. "The trick is to develop small groups to depend on, whether it be through a Greek organization or a dormitory or something else."
Eventually students acclimate to the KU atmosphere but they often miss the easy-going lifestyle of back home.
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Matt Friedrichs, admissions representative for KU, said it's important that new students can get involved and meet people. Friedrichs, a KU graduate from Marysville, can relate to the fears associated with being from a small town.
"I knew people who showed up the week of classes and they felt totally lost." Parsons said.
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STUDENT LIFE
LAWRENCE JOURNAL-WORLD
Students can start each day on Mount Oread by reading in the Journal-World all the news fit to print about Kansas University.
Count on detailed coverage of enrollment, tuition and parking woes as well as computer, music, library, fraternity and sorority news.
There will be stories about KU research and teaching. The J-W will keep an eye on officials who set policies affecting the daily life of every student.
Read our reports from Topeka about higher education decisions by the Kansas Board of Regents - which has jurisdiction over KU - and the Kansas Legislature.