The Power of 2%
Since the founding of the American College Fraternity movement in 1776, fraternities have grown to symbolize leadership, independence, scholastic achievement and service to their various campuses and communities. Fraternity men represent a very small percentage, only 2% of the male population in the United States. However, that 2% is a very powerful group of individuals. Fraternity men have gone on to hold many of the top positions in our nation, from the business world to the political arena.
Approximately 80% of the top executives of Fortune 500 companies are fraternity men. 76% of the current United States Senators and Congressmen are fraternity men. 100 out of 158 cabinet members since 1900 have been fraternity men. 40 of 47 Supreme Court Justices since 1910 have been fraternity men. All but two United States Presidents since 1825 have been fraternity men.
It is certainly no surprise that today's college and university students express a keen interest in the Greek system. The opportunities are endless and the benefits speak for themselves. Each year, thousands of young men enter the working world with the competitive advantage of fraternal experiences and alumni contacts.
What is a fraternity?
A fraternity is a group of men (some are coeducational) who adhere to the same ideals and principles, work together toward common goals, and are bound together by rituals and the highest possible level of friendship. Fraternities strive to develop the individual talents of members and each member uses these talents for the benefit of the whole.
What are the benefits of joining a fraternity?
Supportive friends that last for life, leadership opportunities that stand out on a resume, philanthropic projects for an amazing cause, community service that strengthens character, career opportunities that are extremely profitable, and becoming part of an international network. There's a reason why the overwhelming majority of Fortune 500 executives are Greek - it's because as a fraternity man, you engage in an experience that strengthens the interpersonal and leadership skills that make you stand out in a crowd. This only begins the description of how being Greek will positively affect your life; and membership is for life! Our brothers have found very lucrative careers, amazing co-op opportunities, admission into nationally-ranked graduate programs, and more after college thanks to the networking opportunities and skills being a fraternity man gives them.
Can I rush in the Fall as a freshman?
Yes! The Drexel Interfraternity Council organizes a formal recruitment period during the Fall term for all men. Additionally, many fraternities also offer recruitment during Winter, Spring, and Summer terms, depending on the organization. If you are interested in joining a fraternity, check out Drexel's Prospective Member page here, as well as our recruitment page here. If you are interested in learning more about joining Pi Lambda Phi, reach out to our Vice President of Recruitment, Uri Rodriguez, either at vprecruitment@drexelpilam.com or (215) 970-2742.
What does it cost to go Greek?
Each Greek organization, whether an IFC Fraternity, a PHC (Panhellenic Council) Sorority, or a MGC (Multicultural Greek Council) Fraternity or Sorority, is self-supported. Each chapter, and their respective national organization, determine dues and membership fees per quarter. Some chapters also include a one-time association and initiation fee. At Pi Lambda Phi, our dues are among the lowest of all of the fraternities and sororities on campus. The brothers of Pi Lambda Phi also offer payment plans for the brothers to make the organization more affordable for all of the members. If you have questions about finances, reach out to our Vice President of Recruitment, Uri Rodriguez, either at vprecruitment@drexelpilam.com or (215) 970-2742.
Can I live in a Fraternity House at Drexel?
Unfortunately as a freshman, you can not live in a fraternity house at Drexel. However, as a sophomore, pre-junior, junior, or senior, you have the option to live in a fraternity house with an invitation from the organization. The prices for each fraternity house differ depending on the organization. The Pi Lambda Phi house, located at 3914 Spruce Street, is less expensive to live in than other Drexel and private housing options near campus.
Will joining a fraternity or sorority affect my academic success?
The act of joining a fraternity itself will not effect your GPA in any way. Earning good grades in college is our first and foremost priority. We understand that college is not easy. Your academic performance relies on your time management skills as well as sufficient support whenever necessary. At Pi Lambda Phi, we understand that we are all students before we are Brothers - why go to college otherwise? That's why we provide educational sessions, study groups, a tutoring program, resume development sessions, and more, that lead us to be part of the Top 5 Highest GPAs Fraternity on campus.
Being in a fraternity sounds like a lot of time. Is it really?
Participating in any worthwhile activity always require a time commitment. Research has shown that involved college students are more likely to graduate and they report greater satisfaction with their college experience. Through the Greek experience, Pi Lambda Phi specifically, you will learn how to balance academics, work, campus involvement, and social commitments. This is the reason why fraternity alumni are so successful in a wide variety of fields. These men acquire essential soft skills that translate directly to the workforce, resulting in better work, better quality, and better careers.
Will I be hazed?
Drexel defines hazing as, "any action taken or situation crated involving new or returning organization/group members as a part of joining, maintaining membership or holding office in that organization that meets any or all of the following: violates state or federal law, humiliates or degrades an individual or group, or intentionally or unintentionally endangering an individual - mentally, physically or emotionally." Drexel University has a zero-tolerance policy with regard to hazing. Hazing is not permitted by any Greek organization, or any other organization at Drexel.
The Brothers of Pi Lambda Phi take hazing allegations very seriously, and we will never participate in any form of hazing. We pride ourselves in being highly inclusive - we have no need for hazing to separate the new members from the rest. If you suspect that hazing is happening in a Greek fraternity or sorority are urged to speak up immediately and notify the Fraternity and Sorority Life Office at greeklife@drexel.edu or (215) 895-0346, or Public Safety at (215) 895-2822. You can also contact Student Conduct at studentconduct@drexel.edu or (215) 895-6074. You can visit Drexel's Fraternity and Sorority Life's FAQ page here, which discusses hazing.
There are so many fraternities at Drexel, how do I choose one?
The best way to choose a fraternity is to visit each fraternity's website and social media pages to learn more about them. Other than that, the best way is to actually go to the various rush events held by fraternities and meet the Brothers. Joining a fraternity means joining a community that will share and support your beliefs and values for the rest of your college years.
What are "underground", or unrecognized fraternities?
Drexel defines "underground", or unrecognized fraternities as any organization that has not undergone the specific recognition process. Additionally, any organization that loses recognition from either Drexel University, or their national organization, is not recognized by Drexel. Organizations can be kicked off of campus by not following safety guidelines and endangering their own members and/or the Drexel community. These organizations are unable to participate in recruitment, host events with other Greek organizations, and have no support from Drexel or their national organization. With this, they do not receive benefits of being in a fraternity (insurance, career connections, alumni networking, conventions, awards, and much more).
You can view Drexel IFC's Statement on Unrecognized Fraternities at Drexel University here.
What is a bid? If I get a bid, do I have to join?
A bid is a formal invitation to join an organization. Although the majority of students who participate in recruitment decide to accept a bid from a fraternity, you are not required to join. Participating in recruitment and receiving a bid does not obligate you in any way.
Do all of the Drexel fraternities have chapter houses?
No, not all of the fraternities on Drexel's campus have chapter houses.
Do I have to live in the Fraternity chapter house?
Living in the chapter house is up the individual chapter. There is usually never enough space in the house to accommodate all members at once, so each group has their own requirements - some use a live-in requirement for sophomores, some give priority to upperclassmen, and some are first-come first-serve. This is a good thing to find out during the recruitment process. Living in a chapter house is comparable to living in the dorms or in an apartment.
Alright, I'm interested in joining. How do I sign up to rush?
Awesome! More information on Drexel's fraternity rush events will be posted soon. If you are interested in Pi Lambda Phi, feel free to reach out to our Vice President of Recruitment, Uri Rodriguez, for more information on Pilam's events. You can reach him at vprecruitment@drexelpilam.com or at (215) 970-2742.