Education Commons^™

Restorative Justice For Fraternity/Sorority Life, Kyley Knudson

Culminating Experience Projects

Greek Life organizations were established on the values of friendship, philanthropy, and academic excellence. The way that Greek life has developed, no long exemplifies those values. In recent years, Greek Life has come to the forefront of public attention tragedies like hazing, sexual assault, binge drinking, and student death. In addition, these are the events and qualities that people think of when they think of Greek life. This project explores Geek life culture by analyzing literature on the students who join Greek life, the environment they interact with, and the outcomes that those produce. After identifying those cultural issues within …

"I'M Thankful Every Day I Did It": An Exploration Of Belonging For Commuter Students In Historically White Sororities And Fraternities At Primarily Commuter Public Institutions, Michael D. Giacalone

Journal of Sorority and Fraternity Life Research and Practice

Membership in historically White sororities and fraternities (HWSF) has been connected with sense of belonging (Cohen et al., 2017; McCreary & Schutts, 2015). The experience of commuter students in sororities and fraternities, however, has been largely overlooked, including an understanding of what belonging consists of as members. This phenomenological study sought to close that gap by exploring how commuter students in HWSF experienced belonging at primarily commuter public institutions through interviews with alumni who lived that experience. Three themes emerged from the data: personal connections, feeling welcomed and accepted, and transformation of the college experience.

Nphc And Mgc Sororities And Fraternities As Spaces Of Activism Within Predominantly White Institutions, Crystal E. Garcia, William R. Walker, Ciera A. Dorsey, Zachary W. Werninck, Jessie H. Johns

Journal of Sorority and Fraternity Life Research and Practice

This study explored how Students of Color within National Pan-Hellenic Council and Multicultural Greek Council sororities and fraternities engaged in activism and in what ways this involvement connected to their membership. Using a qualitative critical narrative approach, we examined the journeys of ten participants. Findings unpack ways participants engaged in activism and resistance aimed at educating individuals and increasing awareness of societal injustices, addressing inequities through service, and inciting disruption and cultivating institutional and societal level change.

Sense Of Belonging Of New Members Who Are First-Generation College Students: A Single-Institution Qualitative Case Study, Levi J. Harrel-Hallmark, Jason Castles, Pietro A. Sasso

Journal of Sorority and Fraternity Life Research and Practice

While there is research to suggest that first-generation college students benefit from and have a greater sense of belonging as a result of involvement in student organizations, there is limited research on how first-generation college students develop a sense of belonging specifically through their involvement as new members of a fraternity or sorority. This study, constructed within a single-institution qualitative case study framework, highlighted the unique role that organizational involvement, mentorship, emotional support, and first-generation status and identity can play in the development of sense of belonging for fraternity and sorority new members that are first-generation college students.

Book Review: Pietro A. Sasso, J. Patrick Biddix, & Mónica Lee Miranda. (2020). Supporting Fraternities And Sororities In The Contemporary Era: Advancements In Practice. Myers Education Press., Shanté C. Hearst, Kevin J. Bazner Jr.

Journal of Sorority and Fraternity Life Research and Practice

Anyone serving as a campus-based fraternity/sorority advisor can attest to the complexity of navigating roles as advocate, advisor, change agent, and more. Further, the storied histories and contemporary challenges facing fraternity/ sorority life (FSL) and higher education professionals is increasingly demanding. The authors of Supporting Fraternities and Sororities in the Contemporary Era: Advancements in Practice present a much needed updated reference text examining the multiple facets FSL and other higher education professionals must be attuned to in supporting students involved in FSL organizations. Appropriately, the editors acknowledge FSL is filled with contradictions fostering positive and negative opportunities for student development …

Letter From The Editor: Development As A Pillar Of Oracle, James P. Barber

Journal of Sorority and Fraternity Life Research and Practice

Development as a Pillar of Oracle

James P. Barber, Ph.D.

March 2022

Front Matter & Table Of Contents

Journal of Sorority and Fraternity Life Research and Practice

Front Matter & Table of Contents

Differences In Informal Alcohol Protective Behavior Strategies Between Fraternity & Sorority Members, Jaime L. Myers, Pietro A. Sasso

Journal of Sorority and Fraternity Life Research and Practice

Institutional interventions and formal policies designed to reduce alcohol misuse among fraternity and sorority members have been largely unsuccessful. However, informal policies to address alcohol use concerns can also develop within this subculture. This qualitative multi-case phenomenological study examined the informal policies chapters adopt to reduce risks associated with drinking. Findings suggested considerable informal policy development, which varies between fraternities and sororities. Sorority groups implemented more protective behavior strategies for members’ safety, whereas fraternities often focus on monitoring outside groups. Implications for practice suggest a combination of risk and harm-reduction approaches that facilitate peer-led protective behavioral strategies.

An Analysis Of Bystander Intervention Programs For Sorority Women, Elisabeth Callaghan Logan

Chancellor’s Honors Program Projects

No abstract provided.

Conceptualizing Brotherhood And Sisterhood: Does First-Generation And Or Being The First Greek Affiliating Family Member Matter?, Krista Rosner, Kaitlin Frazier, Alexandria Kennedy

Research Methods in Student Affairs (CNS 594)

The research currently in the field regarding brotherhood and sisterhood does not presently take into account first generation students who belong to greek letter societies and organizations. This lack of information results in the opportunity to raise awareness and understanding for this unique student population. First generation students are disproportionately members from underrepresented groups (Engle, 2007). They are also entering college less academically prepared (Choy, 2001). They are also more likely to work while in college (Saenz et al., 2007). These things in combination show inconsistency in the knowledge we have. While we already know that first-generation college students need …

Sorority Chapter Presidents: The Experience Of Being A Leader In The Greek Community, Kimberly A. Schumacher

Department of Educational Administration: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Research on Greek life is plentiful, but literature on sorority chapter presidents is nearly invisible. Sorority chapter presidents undergo many challenges and responsibilities while still remaining full-time students. Though largely unexplored, the experiences of these women highlight aspects of being a leader within the Greek experience and can give great insight into how these leaders operate on a day-to-day basis.

This qualitative, phenomenological study explores the experiences of three women as they reflect on their role as sorority chapter presidents at Midwestern University. Midwestern University is a large, public, four-year institution in the Midwest region of the United States. This …

Sorority Women’S And Fraternity Men’S Rape Myth Acceptance And Bystander Intervention Attitudes, R Sean Bannon, Matt W. Brosi, John D. Foubert

John D. Foubert

Sorority women and fraternity men are more likely than other students to be survivors and perpetrators of sexual assault, respectively. The present study examined sorority and fraternity members’ rape myth acceptance, bystander efficacy, and bystander willingness to help in potential sexual assault situations. Sorority women were more rejecting of rape myths and were more willing to intervene than fraternity men. However, no difference in bystander efficacy was found. Implications of this contrast are discussed.

Empowering Your Members To Act: Applying Behind Closed Doors Training To Fraternity/Sorority Life, Larry D. Long, Vince Bowhay

Larry D. Long

When a crisis occurs, first reactions can be critical in ensuring a successful resolution. Behind Closed Doors is a program used by many housing professionals to expose staff to potential situations they might face. Students learn best by doing and adoption of BCD in a fraternal setting can aid in the handling of alcohol abuse, domestic disputes, fires, and crisis situations. Participants will be equipped with the necessary knowledge, tools, and resources to incorporate BCD into their community or organization.

Repairing Harm: Using Restorative Justice To Strengthen A Fraternal Community, Larry D. Long, John Disarro

Larry D. Long

No abstract provided.

A Multivariate Analysis Of The Relationship Between Undergraduate Fraternity/Sorority Involvement And Academic Performance, Larry D. Long

Larry D. Long

This study explored the relationship between potential time commitments of fraternity and sorority members and academic performance. A secondary analysis of data collected using the Fraternity/Sorority Experience Survey revealed statistically significant relationships between cumulative grade point average and chapter involvement, engagement in academic activities, part-time work, and alcohol use. Chapter involvement, engagement in academic activities, and part-time work were positively associated with academic performance. Alcohol use was negatively related to academic performance. Implications for practice include establishing a culture of academic achievement in fraternal organizations, minimizing the use of alcohol, identifying and approaching academically at-risk members, and establishing initiatives to …

Unchallenged, Professed Core Values: Do Undergraduate Fraternity/Sorority Members Actually Benefit In The Areas Of Scholarship, Leadership, Service, And Friendship?, Larry D. Long

Larry D. Long

Fraternities and sororities promote the ideals of scholarship, leadership, service, and friendship. Little or no research, however, has demonstrated that college students who join fraternal organizations actually grow in these areas as a result of their fraternal experience. The purpose of this descriptive study was to assess the extent to which fraternity and sorority members experienced gains in the four outcome areas. The researcher analyzed the aggregate results of 15 Southeastern institutions that administered the AFA/EBI Fraternity/Sorority Assessment during the 2008/2009 academic year. The results revealed the respondents did experience gains related to the espoused values of scholarship, leadership, service, …

‘The More You Put Into It, The More You Get Out Of It:’ The Development Of The General Member, Larry D. Long, Alex Snowden

Larry D. Long

A presentation on the experience and growth of fraternity and sorority members who hold and do not hold a position of responsibility in their organization.

“The More You Put Into It, The More You Get Out Of It:” The Educational Gains Of Fraternity/Sorority Officers, Larry D. Long, Alex Snowden

Larry D. Long

The purpose of this study was to determine if undergraduate fraternity and sorority members who serve as chapter officers report different experiences and gains compared to non-officers. The researchers sampled 3,008 fraternity members and 3,745 sorority members from the aggregate results of the institutions that used the AFA/EBI Fraternity/Sorority Assessment during the 2009-2010 academic year. Differences by leadership experience were tested using Cliff’s delta. The researchers found significant differences in the development of chapter officers and non-officers for eight of nine educational gains measures with chapter officers reporting greater gains in these areas. Chapter officers were also more likely to …

Effects Of Women’S Pornography Use On Bystander Intervention In A Sexual Assault Situation And Rape Myth Acceptance, Matt W. Brosi, John D. Foubert, R Sean Bannon, Gabriel Yandell

John D. Foubert

College women’s exposure to pornography is growing nationwide. A limited amount of research exists documenting the negative effects of pornography on women’s attitudes and behavior related to sexual assault. The present study surveyed sorority members at a Midwestern public university on their pornography use, rape myth acceptance, bystander efficacy, and bystander willingness to help in potential sexual assault situations. Results showed that women who view pornography are significantly less likely to intervene as a bystander and are more likely to believe rape myths. Implications for women’s personal safety and for the advisability of consuming pornography are discussed.

Afa/Ebi Fraternity/Sorority Assessment: Summary Report 2010, Larry D. Long

Larry D. Long

Summary report of the 2009/2010 AFA/EBI Fraternity/Sorority Assessment.

Afa/Ebi Fraternity/Sorority Assessment: Summary Report 2009, Larry D. Long

Larry D. Long

Summary report of the 2008/2009 AFA/EBI Fraternity/Sorority Assessment.

Bibliography Of Research On The College Fraternity, 1996-June 2010, Charles G. Eberly

Charles G. Eberly

This is a document I edited with the help of master's level graduate students in college student affairs and counseling at Eastern Illinis University. The bibliography of research on the college fraternity / sorority contains 497 articles published from 1996 to June 1, 2010. Library search terms are included with each entry.

Bibliography Of Research On The College Fraternity, 1996-June 2010, Charles G. Eberly

Faculty Research & Creative Activity

This is a document I edited with the help of master's level graduate students in college student affairs and counseling at Eastern Illinis University. The bibliography of research on the college fraternity / sorority contains 497 articles published from 1996 to June 1, 2010. Library search terms are included with each entry.

Bibliography Of Research On The College Fraternity, 1996-June 2010, Charles Eberly

Faculty Research & Creative Activity

This is a document I edited with the help of master's level graduate students in college student affairs and counseling at Eastern Illinis University. The bibliography of research on the college fraternity / sorority contains 497 articles published from 1996 to June 1, 2010. Library search terms are included with each entry.

Getting To The Good Stuff: A Look At Compelling Outcomes From The Afa/Ebi Assessment, Tanner Marcantel, Diana Fulkerson, Larry D. Long

Larry D. Long

A presentation on the outcomes of the fraternity/sorority experience.

A Formative Evaluation Of A National Sorority's Recruitment Program In Its Inaugural Year, Colleen Elizabeth Coffey, Charles G. Eberly

Charles G. Eberly

A formative evaluation of a national sorority's recruitment program was conducted to determine the effectiveness of selected program elements over the course of the first year's implementation. Primary objectives were to discover perceived needs among undergraduate members and chapters that were not met and to create program improvements based upon the respondent recommendations. A mixed method design employing a survey, the use of focus groups, and a review of available organizational recruitment data was utilized. Results indicated some participants understood and benefitted from the recruitment program, while others felt pressure to recruit, and still others appeared unaware of the program's …

A Formative Evaluation Of A National Sorority's Recruitment Program In Its Inaugural Year, Colleen Coffey, Charles Eberly

Faculty Research & Creative Activity

A formative evaluation of a national sorority's recruitment program was conducted to determine the effectiveness of selected program elements over the course of the first year's implementation. Primary objectives were to discover perceived needs among undergraduate members and chapters that were not met and to create program improvements based upon the respondent recommendations. A mixed method design employing a survey, the use of focus groups, and a review of available organizational recruitment data was utilized. Results indicated some participants understood and benefitted from the recruitment program, while others felt pressure to recruit, and still others appeared unaware of the program's …

A Formative Evaluation Of A National Sorority's Recruitment Program In Its Inaugural Year, Colleen Elizabeth Coffey, Charles G. Eberly

Faculty Research & Creative Activity

A formative evaluation of a national sorority's recruitment program was conducted to determine the effectiveness of selected program elements over the course of the first year's implementation. Primary objectives were to discover perceived needs among undergraduate members and chapters that were not met and to create program improvements based upon the respondent recommendations. A mixed method design employing a survey, the use of focus groups, and a review of available organizational recruitment data was utilized. Results indicated some participants understood and benefitted from the recruitment program, while others felt pressure to recruit, and still others appeared unaware of the program's …

An Exploratory Study Of The Experiences Of Gay, Lesbian, And Bisexual Fraternity And Sorority Members Revisited, Douglas N. Case, Grahaeme A. Hesp, Charles G. Eberly

Charles G. Eberly

The lead author questioned over 500 self-identified gay, lesbian, and bisexual (GLB) fraternity and sorority members to assess their reasons for joining; how their membership affected their sexual identity development and intimate relationships; the degree of homophobia and heterosexism encountered; how sexual orientation affected the quality of their fraternal experiences; and the level of acceptance or rejection they faced. Many respondents were in the early phases of sexual identity development at the time they joined, and most chose to conceal their sexual orientation from their fellow members. This study details the reactions from fellow members, assesses satisfaction with the fraternity …

An Exploratory Study Of The Experiences Of Gay, Lesbian, And Bisexual Fraternity And Sorority Members Revisited, Douglas N. Case, Grahaeme A. Hesp, Charles G. Eberly

Faculty Research & Creative Activity

The lead author questioned over 500 self-identified gay, lesbian, and bisexual (GLB) fraternity and sorority members to assess their reasons for joining; how their membership affected their sexual identity development and intimate relationships; the degree of homophobia and heterosexism encountered; how sexual orientation affected the quality of their fraternal experiences; and the level of acceptance or rejection they faced. Many respondents were in the early phases of sexual identity development at the time they joined, and most chose to conceal their sexual orientation from their fellow members. This study details the reactions from fellow members, assesses satisfaction with the fraternity …