The history of fraternities and sororities is deeply rooted in performing philanthropic duties to help improve communities through community service and fundraisers. Many large, public colleges boast a sizable amount of Greek organizations for students with all different interests. Pledging and trying to gain admission to one of these communities is an integral part of the college experience for many students.
With their character-enriching mission statements and bond-building atmosphere, students might ask why they are not available at SCAD. “I don’t think that it is consistent with our mission here at SCAD,” said Dean of Students Art Malloy. “There are many ways for students to get involved with their community. They can become peer educators, student ambassadors, or start their own club. As far as frats and sororities, there are financial obligations for not only students, but the college as well. While they do a lot of wonderful things in the community, I don’t see the need for them. SCAD students are very busy. I can only see them as distractions. I don’t think they’ll add anything that we don’t already do.”
“I always hoped to join one,” said Tia Jones, first-year animation student. A lot of the men and women in my family are in the Greek system. The women are all AKAs (Alpha Kappa Alpha).”
Although SCAD does not offer Greek societies, students can become part of the Atlanta Regional Council for Higher Education (ARCHE), a consortium of Atlanta colleges and universities like Georgia Tech, Georgia State and many historically black colleges. Once admitted into the program, a student can take classes at these schools, making them eligible for fraternities and sororities at there.
Greek organizations can be well-organized social outlets for undergraduate students to grow as young adults. However, there are a few stigmas attached to them that can make them appear less than upstanding. For example, fraternities often have a reputation of hard partying.
“From how I see the Greek life portrayed in the media, as an excuse for drinking, I don’t think I like the concept of them,” said third-year sequential art student Trevor Verges.
Along with the binge-drinking, toga-wearing stereotypes, Greek societies are infamous for “hazing,” where pledges and new members are subjected to a rigorous initiation. Most colleges have strict rules against malicious hazing, and in some cases, hazing of any kind.
“It bothers me,” Michael Feifer, first-year sequential art student said. “Humiliating people is something I don’t want to be a part of.”
Students are also afraid of Greek members shunning non-Greek students. “At fraternity parties, I generally don’t feel welcome, because I’m not a member. Or a chick,” said Mark Maynard, a first-year undecided student.
The ultimate question remains, do SCAD Atlanta students want to incorporate the Greek system into their experience here? Some students say yes. Thomas Higgins, third-year illustration student, said that having a fraternity on campus would be fun. “I’ve always been interested in joining one for social and networking purposes. I think having one at SCAD would be fun,” said Higgins.
However, other students believe that there is already a tight bond between like-minded individuals who all have an appreciation for art.
“I think at a larger campus they can be useful for enhancing the college experience, but since we’re so small, it’s like we are a giant sorority already,” said Amanda Herman, fourth-year interior design student.
For students interested in participating in a Greek organization, there is still the ability to pledge chapters of bigger organizations at other schools. But there are no current plans to bring sororities or fraternities to SCAD. “There are no plans to bring Greek life to SCAD Atlanta,” Malloy said. “Not as long as I’m here.”
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