Clemson is the ideal textbook college experience–a big southern football school full of pride and spirit. While Greek life is a noteworthy part of campus life, choosing not to join a sorority does not make you an outsider. In recent years, Greek life has become both a controversial and prominent subject around the University, especially with the Tucker Hipps case in 2014. In reality, fraternities and sororities have always been the talk of Tiger Town. Some of these conversations have questioned whether or not the organizations should continue to be part of Clemson if they just seem to attract negative attention..

First, let me tell you about the history of Clemson’s Greek life. 25% of Clemson’s students are a part of Greek life in one way or the other. In 1959, the first fraternities and sororities arrived on campus but were not recognized as National Fraternities and Sororities until the 1970s. Greek life at Clemson has now increased to 44 chapters on campus, including organizations from the National Panhellenic Conference, the North American Interfraternity Conference, the Multicultural Greek Council, and the National Pan-Hellenic Council. One unique aspect of Greek life at Clemson University is that Greeks do not have houses on campus but instead live in separate residence halls.

Now, let me combat some common stereotypes that sorority girls face. As most often portrayed by Hollywood, sorority girls are dumb. Take this as a PSA; this stereotype is untrue. Sorority girls must maintain a set GPA to stay in their sorority limits. GPA requirements such as 2.75 and 3.00 must be met to remain in good academic standing. Greek-affiliated men and women have been shown to have a higher GPA than those not in Greek life. Another stereotype is that all Greeks are the same. However, just like in majors and cultures, no two people are the same. In each sorority, some girls like to dress up for class, while others wear sweats. There are STEM majors and those in education. Yes, girls share some tendencies, like fashion and personality traits, but everyone is unique on many levels.

  Sororities are often positive experiences because they give the member a  community to belong to and countless events to attend. Sororities host numerous mixers/functions at bars and various locales in the Clemson downtown area. On top of social events, each sorority has a philanthropy that they participate in through in-person activities, like Gamma Phi Beta’s practices with Girls on the Run or fundraisers like Alpha Delta Pi with The Ronald McDonald House. Despite the stereotypes, it is a great community to be part of.