Higher Education Commons^™

From Lived Experiences To Social Activism: Latino Fraternity Brothers Critical Service To The Latinx Community, Regina L. Suriel, James Martinez, Christian Bello Escobar, Jamie L. Workman

Georgia Journal of College Student Affairs

Colleges and universities are seeing growth of Latinx students actively engaged in Greek life. In this study, six Latino participants share their testimonios as members of different Chapters of a Latinx Greek Letter Organization (LGLO) nestled within Predominantly White Institutions located in the state of Georgia, USA. Informed by LatCrit theory, this qualitative study uses member’s testimonios to shed light on their varied and sometimes politically charged and racist lived experiences. The researchers draw on these experiences to show how the LGLO supported these members’ character and leadership development and their desire and commitment to critical service and socially just …

A Descriptive Analysis Of Risk Management Revenue And Expenditure Trends For Historically White Men’S College Social Fraternities, Ashley Tull, Zhan Shi, Dani Myers, Carson Flynn

Journal of Sorority and Fraternity Life Research and Practice

Historically White men’s social fraternities are at the center of college and university life on many campuses. They have also been a place for high-risk activities such as alcohol consumption, hazing, sexual misconduct, and other health, safety, and wellness issues. Current risk management mitigation activities are addressed in the literature review that follows. This descriptive study examined the rising costs associated with insuring against high-risk issues for 32 historically White inter/ national fraternities. Results indicated a 7.2% year-over-year average annual percentage increase for each organization in the study and a 72% average annual percentage increase for the period studied (2010-2018). …

Using Focus Groups To Understand Sorority And Fraternity Life And Inform Survey Design, Pietro Antonio Sasso, Kimberly R. Davis, Cindy Cogswell

New York Journal of Student Affairs

Fraternity and sorority experiences can support or challenge the undergraduate student experience related to student learning and development (Sasso et al., 2020a, 2020b). There are concerns that researchers, advisors, and practitioners can pay attention to in order to enhance healthy chapter cultures or intervene when concerns arise. The article explores the process of revising the Fraternity and Sorority Experience Survey (FSES) using focus group findings to inform survey revision and practice. The FSES is organized around five themes–Learning, Values, Alcohol/Social Issues, Operations, and Community–and measures student perceptions and experiences. Implications for practice are included about instrument revision and how it …

Differences In Nonmedical Use Of Prescription Stimulants Among Fraternity- And Sorority-Afiliated Students, Emily Baker, Molly Downing, Nicole C. Kwiek, Erica Regan, Julia Dionne, Tessa Miracle

Journal of Sorority and Fraternity Life Research and Practice

The current study reviewed data from the 2022 College Prescription Drug Study of 4,967 undergraduate students to examine differences in lifetime and past-year misuse of prescription stimulants, academic motivations and consequences of misuse, and misperceptions of prescription stimulants. Results indicate that fraternity- and sorority-affiliated students are more likely to report misusing a prescription stimulant in their lifetime and within the past year than nonaffiliated students. Fraternity and sorority members are more influenced by academic reasons and social norms than nonaffiliated students, with gender identity further predicting level of risk. Implications for prevention programming for fraternity and sorority members are discussed.

Fraternal New Member Processes: An Alumni Perspective, C J. Gibson

Masters Theses

Hazing has always been an issue in fraternities and sororities. Even though there has been a push to reduce the amount of hazing through research and trainings, it continues to cause harm to the community. The purpose of this study is to gain incite from fraternity alums toward understanding the use of hazing activities while orienting fraternity men to the organization. This study examined the issue from the individuals experience, to their role in inducting new members, and now as alums to gain insight in to why chapters continue to that cycle. Results showed that individuals in groups social construct …

Binge Drinking And Protective Behavioral Strategies Among Greek And Non-Greek College Students, Maria Niitepold

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

One of the most problematic habits of college students, binge drinking, has been of particular interest among researchers as a result of the increased risk of harm experienced by students engaging in this high-risk behavior. Fraternity and sorority students have also come under scrutiny for habitually engaging in binge drinking and experiencing significant levels of negative consequences as a result. Little is currently understood about the differences between Protective Behavioral Strategy (PBS) use of Greek and non-Greek students. The aim of this study was to examine the differences in rates of binge drinking and PBS use among Greek and non-Greek …

Jewish Fraternities And Sororities As Spaces Of Resistance Against Antisemitism, Pietro Antonio Sasso, Kimberly Davis

Georgia Journal of College Student Affairs

There has been a continued increase in antisemitic activities at colleges and universities over the last decade. Media reports and research about perceptions of Jewish college students add face validity that student organizations are often targets of Anti-Jewish rhetoric. In particular, Jewish fraternities and sororities have been targeted by antisemitism as sites of violence but have also been spaces of resistance. Through a literature review of Jewish fraternities and sororities, the authors present their organizational saga to demonstrate a pattern of exclusion and antisemitism and summarize current initiatives by Jewish fraternities and sororities as spaces of resistance in combating antisemitism.

“Not Nearly What It Used To Be”: A Mixed Methods Study On Hazing And Organizational Culture In Historically White Fraternities, Kimberly Rogers Davis

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Hazing is a significant concern on college campuses, especially as students continue to die following hazing incidents in student organizations. Fraternities, particularly historically White fraternities (HWFs), have been the site of many recent hazing deaths. However, fraternity and sorority life leaders and advocates often argue that the chapters where hazing tragedies occur are the minority in a broader system that offers numerous contributions to society. Rather than a fraternity or sorority problem, hazing may result from cultural influences within and around the organization. Thus, the purpose of this study is to understand how organizational culture, such as chapter culture and …

The Leadership Development Of Fraternity And Sorority Life Members, Emmalee Holaday

Theses and Dissertations

This study examines the relationship of perceived leadership development opportunities in fraternities and sororities. The study's main goal was to determine if there was a discrepancy in perceived leadership development opportunities in general members, versus executive board members, whether there was a difference in findings for fraternity members versus sorority members, and suggestions on how to improve opportunities on a university level for students in Fraternity and Sorority Life going forward. The study was distributed to all social Fraternity and Sorority members at Rowan University that were in their respective organization for at least one year prior to the survey. …

"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.

Hazing Prevention: The Advisor Perspective, Gabby Hiller

Masters Theses

There has been extensive research conducted on students’ perceptions and understanding of hazing in fraternities and sororities (Allen & Madden, 2008; Allen & Madden, 2012; Alexander, 2018; Cokley et al., 2020). Despite preventative efforts and existing research, hazing continues to occur and continues to threaten the future of fraternity and sorority life. There is little to no research on chapter advisors’ understanding of hazing and hazing prevention in their roles. The purpose of this qualitative study is to examine the role that fraternity advisors play in the education and prevention of hazing, through interview with the advisors. The study looks …

How Bad Do You Want It?: The Personal Motivation Of Joining A Sorority, Garry Butler

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

College campuses provide students with endless opportunities to become members of various student organizations that provide leadership, accountability, a sense of belonging, personal growth, and development. Many colleges have provided students with the opportunities to join social Greek fraternity and sorority organizations. The foundation of social fraternity and sorority organizations are built on principles such as sisterhood, brotherhood, scholarship, service, philanthropy, and leadership. Many traditional college-age women who desire to become members of a social sorority organization all participate in a formal recruitment process. There are various motivations that traditional college-age women have for joining social sororities on college campuses …

Developing Critical Consciousness In Traditionally White Fraternities In Higher Education, Jason J. Artrip

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this phenomenological study is to explore the experiences of fraternity members within the higher education system in New Jersey. One major goal of this study was to analyze the level of critical consciousness developed through involvement in a fraternity. While research exists on the fraternity experience in relation to race, and whiteness, not much has been examined to understand the experience of fraternity members in relation to these issues. By expanding this research, fraternity and sorority affairs professionals, student affairs professionals and fraternity national office staff can better understand the fraternity experience in relation to racial injustice …

Perceptions Of Role Conflict And Role Ambiguity Among Fraternity And Sorority Advising Professionals, Anthony E. Vukusich

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Campus-based professionals in the area of Fraternity and Sorority Advising Programs (FSAP) have a known and documented high rate of attrition; more than half departing within the first five years of employment. Two recognized role stressors that are associated with high rates of turnover are role conflict and role ambiguity. Studies by Gold & Roth, 2013; Khan, Yusoff, Khan, Yasir, & Khan, 2014; Rizzo, House & Lirtzman, 1970; and Wolverton, Wolverton & Gmelch, 1999 have demonstrated that role conflict and role ambiguity are contributing factors in employee attrition across an array of industries and position types, including nurses, teachers, academic …

Hombres Y Hermandad (Men & Brotherhood): Exploring The Role Of Fraternity Involvement On Latino Masculinity Development In College, Michael Vega

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Despite accounting for the largest increase in higher education enrollment over the last ten years, Latinx students have continued to earn their bachelor’s degrees among the lowest rates of all racial/ethnic groups. Latino men specifically have continued to underperform Latina females, maintaining one of the widest gender gaps in bachelor’s degree completion rates. There are various challenges that all Latinx students face in relation to earning their bachelor’s degree within six years, however there are unique gender norms within the Latinx culture that impact Latino male students in a more significant way. Tenets of their Latino masculinity create expectations where …

Understanding Hazing Perceptions Of Students And Administrators Using A Four Frame Approach, Emily Feuer

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Hazing poses a health and safety risk to many students and campuses in the United States, including students involved in fraternities/sororities. To combat hazing, college campuses have put structures and policies in place in an attempt to better govern, control, or reduce fraternity/sorority activities, but hazing incidents continue to persist. This study examines how students affiliated with fraternities/sororities and administrators who work with these students frame hazing behavior with the intention of creating a foundation for interventions based on common findings and potential gaps in frame utilization.

The Reality And The Perception Of Greek Life At Grand Valley State University, Katherine Smigelski

Honors Projects

This research was conducted in order to determine whether Grand Valley’s Greek life atmosphere is stereotypical of Greek life around the country, as portrayed in the media, or if the reality is better than the perception. 179 responses were collected from current Grand Valley State University members of Interfraternity Council and Panhellenic Association organizations to determine whether their reality of their organizations is accurate compared to the perception of their organizations.

Plazing Inside The Fratriarchal Frame: American College Fraternity Men’S Gender Identity And Hazing, Emily Perlow

Doctoral Dissertations

Hazing is both common and accepted within college fraternity culture. It also annually results in dangerous or destructive behaviors that have long-term consequences for students and organizations. One of the reasons college administrators have been virtually ineffective at addressing hazing is that students do not identify their experiences as hazing. I hypothesize that students are performing accepted gender identities as a mechanism to achieve group acceptance. This performance of gender manifests as plazing, a term I have coined to describe a form of adult play behavior that meets the definition of hazing. Within the play frame, individuals negotiate gendered …

Becoming By Believing: One Fraternity And Sorority Life Professional’S Journey In Finding Her Voice, Kimberlee Monteaux De Freitas

Graduate College Dissertations and Theses

While fraternity and sorority life continues to make headlines and is called upon regularly to validate the purpose it holds to remain on college campuses today, many still believe that when fraternity and sorority are done right, it is one of the best opportunities on college campuses today outside of the classroom. Much of their success is due to the efforts and support of the fraternity and sorority life professionals.

This dissertation will offer the first Scholarly Personal Narrative of a mid-level, seasoned, fraternity and sorority life professional working in higher education. Current research shows the average age of a …

The Final Battle: Constructs Of Hegemonic Masculinity And Hypermasculinity In Fraternity Membership, Alex Zernechel, April L. Perry

College Student Affairs Leadership

This article explores the correlation between membership in a fraternal organization and masculinity identity development. Masculinity is embedded into the very foundation of the American fraternity culture. Fraternal organizations have served as a haven for young men that support the development of hegemonic masculinity and hypermasculinity, while preventing those same students from being exposed to opposing personality traits and challenges to their own idea of masculinity. In this paper, we present literature on hypermasulinity, fraternities, and a synthesis of the two. Based on the information presented, we make a call to action to educators and university administrators to help young …

A Qualitative Case Study Of The Congruence Between Fraternal Organizations' And Members' Values, Principles, And Standards, Joseph P. Lizza

Theses and Dissertations

Fraternal organizations are unique in how their very existence is routed in their espoused values, principles, and standards. These ideals spotlight what their organization was founded upon, and how those who associate themselves with the organization should conduct themselves. There are few instances where an organization is forced to be as altruistic as a fraternity. However, the point that these particular organizations espouse that their values, principles, and standards are the keystone of what they stand for is often the very reason these groups are permitted to have a presence on college and university campuses. The purpose of this inquiry …

A Grounded Theory Of The Influence Of Black Greek-Lettered Organizations On The Persistence Of African Americans At A Predominantly White Institution, Donald Mitchell Jr., Ph.D.

Executives, Administrators, & Staff Publications

For decades, scholars have documented that predominantly White institutions (PWIs) are not fully meeting the needs of African American students, as these students have reported social isolation, discrimination, and low social integration (Feagin, Vera, & Imani, 1996; Fleming, 1984; Harper, 2013). While the experiences of African American students at PWIs have been well documented, further research on best practices to retain and graduate African American students at PWIs is needed. One particular area where further research is merited concerns African Americans’ involvement in Black Greek-lettered organizations (BGLOs).

Racial And Cultural Awareness In White Fraternity Men: Contributors To Misunderstanding, Kyle S. Martin

College Student Affairs Leadership

When thinking about fraternity life on a national level, many stereotypes come into play. Many cases of alcohol abuse, hazing, and sexual assault have been well documented amongst fraternities and college students in general. There have also been a number of incidents where fraternities have events that were culturally insensitive or outright racist. However, there is not a solid understanding of where their cultural awareness, or lack thereof, may come from and how it can lead to misunderstandings. This article will examine this trait further, particularly in white fraternity men, and develops a framework through which student affairs practitioners can …

Beyond Bad Behaving Brothers: Productive Performances Of Masculinities Among College Fraternity Men, Frank Harris Iii, Ed.D., Shaun R. Harper, Ph.D.

Shaun R. Harper, Ph.D.

Research on fraternity men focuses almost exclusively on problematic behaviors such as homophobia and sexism, alcohol abuse, violence against women, sexual promiscuity, and the overrepresentation of members among campus judicial offenders. Consequently, little is known about those who perform masculinities in healthy and productive ways. Presented in this article are findings from a qualitative study of productive masculinities and behaviors among 50 undergraduate fraternity men from 44 chapters across the U.S. and Canada. Findings offer insights into participants’ steadfast commitments to the fraternity’s espoused values; their acceptance and appreciation of members from a range of diverse backgrounds; strategies they employed …