Lehigh Greek Life: A Comprehensive Guide to Fraternities and Sororities

Introduction

Lehigh University’s Greek life is a vibrant and diverse component of the campus community, offering both social and professional opportunities to its members. This comprehensive guide delves into the history, values, and offerings of Greek organizations at Lehigh, providing prospective and current students with essential information to make informed decisions.

Historical Overview

Lehigh’s Greek system has a rich and storied past dating back to the establishment of Phi Delta Theta in 1866. Over the years, numerous other fraternities and sororities have joined the Lehigh community, each with its own unique traditions and values. Today, Lehigh boasts over 30 active Greek organizations, serving a significant portion of the student body.

Core Values

At the heart of Greek life at Lehigh lies a shared set of core values that guide the actions and behavior of its members. These values include:

• Scholarship: Greek organizations place a high priority on academic achievement, promoting academic excellence and intellectual growth among their members.
• Leadership: Greek organizations provide leadership development opportunities through various roles and responsibilities, preparing members for leadership roles in their professions and communities.
• Brotherhood/Sisterhood: Greek organizations foster a sense of community and belonging, creating a network of lifelong friends and support systems.
• Service: Greek organizations actively engage in community service and outreach programs, contributing positively to the Lehigh community and beyond.

Fraternities and Sororities at Lehigh

Lehigh’s Greek life is comprised of fraternities for men and sororities for women, each with its own distinct character and offerings.

Fraternities

Lehigh is home to 18 fraternities, which represent a wide range of interests and backgrounds. Some popular fraternities include:

• Alpha Tau Omega
• Beta Theta Pi
• Chi Phi
• Delta Tau Delta
• Phi Kappa Sigma

Sororities

Lehigh is also home to 15 sororities, which embrace a diverse range of women and offer a variety of experiences. Some notable sororities include:

• Alpha Chi Omega
• Alpha Kappa Alpha
• Delta Phi Epsilon
• Kappa Alpha Theta
• Phi Mu

Benefits of Greek Life

Joining a Greek organization at Lehigh offers numerous benefits to its members, including:

Social Opportunities

• Greek organizations provide a built-in social network, offering members a sense of belonging and opportunities to make new friends.
• Social events, such as parties, mixers, and formals, create a lively and engaging social scene for members.

Leadership Development

• Greek organizations offer various leadership positions within their chapters, allowing members to develop their leadership skills and gain practical experience.
• Leadership training and mentorship programs are often provided to support members in their leadership roles.

Academic Support

• Many Greek organizations have academic support programs and resources available to members, such as study sessions, tutoring, and networking with professionals.
• Greek organizations often establish partnerships with professors and academic departments to provide additional support and opportunities.

Career Networking

• Greek organizations have extensive alumni networks that provide career networking opportunities for members.
• Mentorship programs and networking events connect members with professionals in various fields.

Community Involvement

• Greek organizations actively participate in community service and outreach programs, giving members the chance to make a positive impact on the Lehigh community and beyond.
• Greek organizations promote social responsibility and community engagement among their members.

Costs and Time Commitment

Joining a Greek organization at Lehigh involves both financial and time commitments.

Cost

• Fraternity and sorority dues vary depending on the organization, typically ranging from $500 to $2,000 per semester.
• Additional costs may include housing fees, initiation fees, and social event expenses.

Time Commitment

• Greek organizations require members to attend regular chapter meetings, events, and community service activities.
• Time commitments can vary depending on the organization and individual involvement.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Rushing Under Pressure: Avoid making impulsive decisions and take time to explore different organizations to find the best fit.
• Ignoring Values: Consider the values and mission of the organizations you are considering to ensure alignment with your own beliefs.
• Overcommitting: Greek organizations require time and effort, so avoid overcommitting to activities that can interfere with your studies or other responsibilities.
• Failing to Participate: Active participation is key to getting the most out of Greek life. Make an effort to attend events and contribute to the organization.
• Neglecting Academics: Greek life should complement your academic pursuits, not detract from them. Prioritize your coursework and seek academic support when needed.

Conclusion

Lehigh Greek life offers a myriad of opportunities for personal growth, leadership development, social connection, and community involvement. By carefully considering the values, benefits, and costs associated with Greek organizations, prospective and current students can make informed decisions about whether or not to join. Active participation in Greek life at Lehigh can enhance the student experience and provide lifelong benefits.

Additional Resources

• Lehigh University Greek Life Website
• National Panhellenic Council
• North American Interfraternity Conference

Appendices

Table 1: Lehigh Greek Life Statistics

Table 2: Greek Organization Rankings

Table 3: Motivations for Joining Greek Life

Table 4: Pain Points of Greek Life