Written by Thornton Muncher

As a first-year student, I was eager to get involved and meet other students, including upperclassmen. One way I accomplished this goal was through Greek Life. You might be thinking, “Greek Life just isn’t for me” or “I have no idea what Greek Life really involves.” For me, Greek Life has granted me connections on and off campus, provided me with leadership positions, and introduced me to some of my closest friends.

What is rush?

Rush refers to formal Interfraternal Council and Panhellenic Conference recruitment. While rush differs slightly for fraternities and sororities, students are allowed to formally visit each Greek chapter on campus. I pledged Alpha Tau Omega (ATO) because it was the house that shared the same values as I do and made me feel the most comfortable. Of course, it’s okay to go through formal recruitment and not accept a bid. Rush gives you the chance to learn about the Greek system as a whole and get to meet new people!

What happens after rush?

After students pledge themselves to a fraternity or a sorority, the new member education process begins. This is a time where new members (commonly called pledges) learn the history of the national chapter and the chapter at BSC. The new member education process timeline varies between chapters, but it’s typically an eight-week process. Once students have completed the new member education, they will be initiated into the fraternity or sorority.

What is initiation?

Initiation is the ritual process that all Greek men and women go through to be officially affiliated with their organizations. Each fraternity or sorority has a unique and private initiation ceremony, but it’s the same for all chapters. For example, all ATOs experienced the same initiation ceremony as I did. It’s not a form of hazing. BSC and the vast majority of nationally recognized Greek organizations practice a zero-tolerance hazing policy. The initiation ceremony reveals the significance of each of the symbols, mottos, letters, and rituals to the initiates. Once members are initiated into a Greek organization, they are considered active members until graduation.

Why should I go Greek?

Leadership opportunities. I was elected to serve on the executive committee for ATO, and I am held to a high standard. I am expected to attend all meetings and events, promote our philanthropy, and create lasting relationships with other executive Greek officers. Leadership positions are also great ways to increase your networking and showcase how your involvement through Greek life makes you an excellent job candidate.

Academics. Greek men and women at BSC typically have a higher GPA than the campus average. Most chapters offer academic support and tutoring, as well.

Friendships. Greek life at BSC — regardless of which chapter — will allow you to meet countless other students on campus. This might happen through formals, sorority and fraternity mixers, or philanthropy events. Greek life has introduced me to some of my closest friends, some who are in my chapter and some who are in other organizations. We bond over our philanthropies, celebrate our individuality, and respect our diversity. BSC’s Greek community will always be there for support.

The deadline for fraternity recruitment is Friday, September 13, and the deadline for sorority recruitment is next Wednesday, September 18. Find information about both here.

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Thornton Muncher is a sophomore English major from Sumiton, Alabama, a small town just outside of Birmingham. In addition to his role in Greek Life, he is involved in Religious Life, Panthers Serve, Southern Ambassadors, the Orientation Team, the Honor Council, the Harrison Honors Program, and the Writing Center. He was also named the national runner-up for the Alpha Tau Omega National Undergraduate Scholarship. Muncher hopes to teach medieval literature at the college level, where he could further examine the Middle Ages through the lens of pop culture (like the lyrics of Taylor Swifts’ “Reputation.”) Feel free to connect with him over email at [email protected].