They are called “Greek organizations”, because these clubs are named after letters of the Greek alphabet. Very present on American campuses – there are 1,500 across the country – the rest of the world knows them mainly thanks to films and series, which frequently show the excesses that take place there. In London, the Times Higher Education engaged in an explanatory exercise on these often very select groups. “The first Greek organization was founded in 1776 at Appalachian State University, North Carolina, as a place for discussing current affairs, academic issues, and study outside the strict academic environment,” recalls the site.
First essential point: if you study on an American campus, you can apply for a fraternity or a sorority, but nothing obliges you to do so. This may, however, allow you to feel less alone and disoriented, to obtain help in your course, to quickly make friends (even to be housed) and then to be able to rely on a solid network for your future. professional life.
But how do you join a fraternity or a sorority? Things happen in three stages, reports the Times Higher Education.
1. Recruitment
When ? There are two forms of recruitment during the year: formal and informal. One can join a fraternity or a sorority at any time of the year in an informal way. Formal recruitment, which concerns the majority of new members, begins at the start of the academic year.
How ? The various fraternities and sororities present on campus organize events – parties and other open houses – for a week, in order to make themselves known and to meet those who wish to join them.
At the end of this recruitment phase, the organizations issue invitations to certain students for the second stage. Note: you can ask for a letter of recommendation from a former member, as this is valued.
2. L’orientation
Students shortlisted by fraternities and sororities participate in more private events “to become more familiar with the goals and traditions of their future club”. Be careful, this phase is also traditionally that of hazing, an illegal practice in most American states and condemned by universities.
3. L’initiation
Initiation corresponds to the entry of new members into the fraternity or sorority. They usually have to recite texts related to the group and pledge allegiance to it. Once this step is completed, new recruits are informed of the signs of recognition and secrets of their fraternity or sorority. “This can include secret handshakes, mottoes and stories that only other members know about,” Explain Times Higher Education.