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.

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 …

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 …

Attitudes Toward Volunteerism By Fraternity Men, Jennifer Serrano

Masters Theses

Many student organizations, such as fraternities and sororities, require members to engage in some type of civic engagement activity as a component of membership. This study focused on the motivations of fraternity men to engage in volunteerism, community service, and philanthropic work. Using a qualitative approach, the researcher conducted semi-constructed one-on-one interviews with four undergraduate fraternity men. The significance of brotherhood, the implications of mandated service, and the impact of completed service explain the various attitudes fraternity men have toward civic engagement. Recommendations for fraternity and sorority life personnel were provided to improve the quality and deepen the breadth of …

The Role Of Leadership Experience In Self-Authorship Development: A Qualitative Case Study, Anna Pressler

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

Marcia Baxter Magolda’s research showed development of self-authorship typically occurred around 30 years of age. However, some programming and experiential learning presented opportunities to accelerate self-authorship development in college. Baxter Magolda emphasized the importance of self-authorship in the formative years of college and post-graduation with significant life decisions of academic major, career choice, and relationships. Therefore, the purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore the role leadership experience played in development of self-authorship in college. Previous research touted multicultural programming, developmental advising, challenging classroom environments, and living-learning community models as ways to promote self-authorship development, but little research …

Gay And Greek: Supporting Lgbq Fraternity And Sorority Members, Larry D. Long, Monica Crissman

Larry D. Long

No abstract provided.

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.

An Exploration Of The Sexual Orientation And Educational Outcomes Of Undergraduate Fraternity Members, Larry D. Long

Larry D. Long

Previous research found an unwelcoming environment may hinder the identity development of college students. Furthermore, studies revealed gay, bisexual, and questioning (GBQ) students may encounter a hostile environment in college fraternities. This influenced the researcher to question if fraternities are as effective in producing educational gains for GBQ members as for heterosexual members. In the present study, the researcher sampled 286 GBQ and 286 heterosexual fraternity members from the aggregate results of the campuses that used the AFA/EBI Fraternity/Sorority Assessment in 2009 or 2010. The researcher conducted rank-based analyses of variance to assess the differences in personal gains, alcohol use, …

“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 …

A Hero Of A Different Sort, Charles G. Eberly

Charles G. Eberly

A student reflects on his experiences with a college professor whose values are focused on teaching and trust rather than on monetary rewards.

Pornography Viewing Among Fraternity Men: Effects On Bystander Intervention, Rape Myth Acceptance And Behavioral Intent To Commit Sexual Assault., John D. Foubert, Matt W. Brosi, R Sean Bannon

John D. Foubert

College men’s exposure to pornography is nearly universal, with growing viewing rates nationwide. Substantial research documents the harmful effects of mainstream, sadomasochistic, and rape pornography on men’s attitudes and behavior related to sexual assault. The present study surveyed 62% of the fraternity population at a Midwestern public university on their pornography viewing habits, bystander efficacy, and bystander willingness to help in potential rape situations. Results showed that men who view pornography are significantly less likely to intervene as a bystander, report an increased behavioral intent to rape, and are more likely to believe rape myths.

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.

Bystander Intervention: From Small Steps To Large, Charles G. Eberly

Charles G. Eberly

This short article was prepared for the 2008 National Hazing Prevention Week Resource Guide. The intent was to demonstrate to readers that even the smallest microaggressions have an impact on one's life, and resisting the temptations to tease a naive person for their lack of awareness or sensitivity is a good step on the way to confident bystander intervention when the consequences of hazing are far more damaging.