Why Should I Join?
The University of Montana offers a variety of activities and opportunities,
and we want you to consider making GREEK LIFE part of your college experience.
Being a member of a Greek organization is one of the most rewarding choices
you will ever make. You will find high ideals, lifelong friends, and most
of all, a home away from home.
We Greeks at The University of Montana have done our research! Here is what
we found. The most recent report from the University of California, Los
Angeles indicates that today’s incoming students are looking for four
things in their college experience: success, lifelong friends, personal
development, and fun. We believe that fraternities and sororities provide
students with what they’re looking for and more! So, the question
is: WHY WOULDN'T YOU JOIN?
Success
Did you know:
· 72.9% of students are attending college to get a good job
· 61.9% want to become an authority in their field
· 74.7% are attending college so they can make more money
· 68.3% want training in their specific career of choice
Greeks value their college education and reward those who excel academically.
We want you to achieve academic success and build a strong, well-rounded
resume. Your experience as a Greek will provide you with leadership skills
and campus involvement that will rival that of your peers. Greek leaders
learn skills that are transferable to any work place, and often have the
opportunity to travel and hold positions at a national level. As an involved
student, you will form relationships with advisors, faculty, and staff who
will be great references for you, help you find internships, and introduce
you to people who may hire you after graduation.
Lifelong Friends
Did you know:
· 77.2% of incoming students spend more than six hours per week socializing
with friends
· 82.7% reported studying with a group of people
Being Greek gives you the opportunity to make new friends who you will know
long after graduation. The men and women you meet today will be at your
wedding, provide you guidance when you are struggling, and accompany you
to UM alumni reunions. The bond you share with your Greek brothers and sisters
is like no other relationship you will have in your life. By seizing the
opportunity to become a member of a fraternity or sorority, you will share
common experiences, challenge your thoughts and beliefs, and learn from
others, thus creating the basis for lifelong friendships. Greek organizations
have a foundation of values and standards known as the RITUAL. Through ritual,
you will learn the basic concepts of friendship and values that bring you
closer to your brothers and sisters
Personal Development
Did you know:
· 74.8% of incoming students reported doing volunteer work in the
past year
· 73.2% are attending college to learn more about personal interests
· 64% socialized with someone of another racial/ethnic group
· More than 50% want to help others who are less privileged
· 69% rated themselves above average in drive to achieve
Greek organizations have leadership positions, financial responsibilities,
and policies and procedures to follow, much like most organizations and
companies. There is an executive board of officers and many leadership positions
within each chapter. When you are Greek, the chance to lead is not only
available, it is expected. Our chapters are governed by national organizations
that hold leadership training and development at the chapter, campus, regional,
and national level. You will learn how to plan events, work with people,
hold others accountable, confront inappropriate actions, build relationships,
and give encouragement. Not only are our chapters diverse in nature, we
are sensitive to and educate upon diversity issues in our chapters, on campus,
and in the Missoula area. Lastly, Greek organizations take seriously our
responsibility to give back to our community. Whether this is by donating
our time, working with others, or raising money for a worthy cause, we as
Greeks dedicate ourselves to helping others.
Fun
Did you know:
· 60% of students report spending six or more hours/week exercising
· Stress levels have continuously risen in the past decade to about
30% of students reporting they feel frequently overwhelmed
· The number of students who drink frequently has dropped by 33%
over the past two decades
· The number of freshman that report partying 6 or more hours a week
has decreased by 30%
Our chapters have exciting opportunities for social development. All the
chapters at UM participate in intramural sports, ranging from football to
ultimate Frisbee, and we attend as many Grizzly athletic events as we can.
We also participate in a number of campus events like homecoming, new student
orientation, and other events sponsored by various campus departments and
organizations. As a Greek, you will have the unique opportunity to attend
organized social functions ranging from barn dances to formals, as well
as the chance to participate in even more unplanned social events, such
as movie nights and dinner exchanges. We take trips to other colleges and
universities; we also attend leadership conferences. During these trips,
you will get to see new places, learn great professional and leadership
skills, and meet brothers and sister from other schools!