Greek Life at Pitt and where it stands today

Most people think of Greek systems at college and come up with “Animal House” for their… Most people think of Greek systems at college and come up with “Animal House” for their general stereotype. Either that, or they think back to every story they ever read in a newspaper, or saw on television, about hazing or some kid dying from 12 too many keg stands.

While no one can deny that parties are a large part of any college community ? fraternity or otherwise ? those who are familiar with the Greek system at Pitt do not often think immediately in those terms.

The first thing to know about the Greek system is that it’s not very big, proportionally. As active and vocal as members of fraternities and sororities are, they comprise only a little more than 10 percent of the student body, or a little more than 1,500 people. By comparison, many smaller universities, in less urban areas, can be more than 50 percent Greek.

Another thing that you should know about Pitt’s Greek system is that its members are incredibly active, at Pitt and elsewhere. Much of student politics and many of the brightest and most energetic student leaders have come from the Greek system. For example, the Student Government Board President for this year, along with two of the eight board members, is Greek ? and that’s less Greek representation than in recent years past.

Last year, the Greek system also raised more than $100,000 dollars for charity, a number previously unattained at Pitt. Fundraisers and volunteer projects are an eternal source of pride for all sororities and fraternities. Pitt Greeks take community service very seriously, and it shows in the money they raise every year.

Most people pledge a Greek organization for the sense of community. Houses at Pitt can range from Sigma Chi, Pitt’s largest fraternity, with 100-plus members, to Omega Psi Phi, which has inducted 150 members in the past 75 years.

The interests and values of each fraternity also vary from organization to organization. One might have more emphasis on community service, for example, while another might place more stock in academics. A new multicultural sorority, Theta Nu Xi, is devoted to diversity. No matter what size or interest you’re looking for, there is most likely a Greek organization for you.

The fraternities at Pitt are organized into three sub-groups: Interfraternity Council, Panhellenic Association, which oversees the sororities, and National Pan-Hellenic Council, which oversees the traditionally black fraternities. On-campus fraternities are located on the hill above the Petersen Events Center, flanking Sutherland Hall.

The sororities are in Amos Hall, in the Schenley Quad. There are also numerous houses that are not on Pitt’s campus, and several Greek organizations and societies that do not have official residences.

“Yes,” a new student might say, “that’s all well and good, but you aren’t going to tell me that Pitt’s Greek system does not party.” And no, I’m not. While the dorms of Amos do not readily permit in-house partying, the houses on the hill are in an excellent location for it, and parties there that include alcohol for those old enough to drink are certainly not uncommon. And, because 90 percent of students will not join a fraternity or sorority, but many of those will go to parties, it’s worth mentioning a few things.

In general, fraternity parties are similar to the basic house parties that you see elsewhere in Oakland, but better managed. Think about it: how many house parties have a risk management chair? How many South Oakland houses can afford to assign teams of people to keep fights from occurring and keep everyone inside?

Fraternities have many members that do not live in the house, and that’s a valuable resource when it comes to organizing. Of course, it’s probably fair to expect that a party in any house, Greek or otherwise, will be at least somewhat cramped and probably too warm for comfort.

There is one more thing about Pitt’s Greek system that needs to be mentioned, though, and that is the current state of flux that it is in. After the resignation of Greek Life Adviser Sharon Malazich last year, the Office of Student Life asked Public Safety Director Deborah Furka to compile a report on the best practices of Greek systems here and elsewhere.

That report was released in the spring, and its recommendations are now being sent to a committee that will be charged with implementing them. While Student Life has assured the students that their input will be heard, many people are still wary of the report and its suggestions.

Some controversial recommendations concern permanent, live-in housing officers for fraternities, and talks with sororities ? presumably about moving from the quad ? before renovations begin for Amos Hall and McCormick Hall, which houses one sorority.

Student Life is seeking a new adviser this summer. In the meantime, the interim adviser is Terry Milani, who’s doing the job for the fourth time in his more than 30 years at Pitt. As qualified as Milani may be, though, he also has a full-time job in Student Life, running Service Volunteer Outreach, and many leaders feel that Greek life adviser is a full-time job in itself.

Whatever the case, this time of change for Pitt’s Greek system makes it a perfect time to get involved at any level. If you are interested in going Greek, or simply want to learn more, check out the Greek Life website at www.pitt.edu/~greeks or attend any of the Greek rush week events at the beginning of each semester.