The first few weeks of school can be quite confusing and hectic, so why should you set aside time to find out about a fraternity? Simple. You want to fit in and succeed academically. Fraternities help you find your niche on campus, offer academic assistance, encourage you to be active in student organizations, open doors of opportunity, and give you a chance to make friends who have similar interests. Over 100 undergraduates are members of NSU's five fraternities and sororities. What are the benefits of joining? The drawbacks? The cost? Here are some straightforward answers to questions often asked about Greek Life.
 

 Why do people join?

Superior social life? Support from others when you need it? Respect? Tradition? Leadership opportunities? Networking? All valid reasons, but the one cited most by members is a sense of community. Joining is one way to make a college campus seem smaller, friendlier, and easier to handle. It gives you a place and people to count on.

Are all Greeks alike?

Fraternity men come from all academic majors, from Business to Zoology, from undecided freshmen to graduating seniors. Each fraternity on campus takes pride in their diversity. Each has its own personality; some stress partying, some are more sports-minded, others are proudest of volunteer work. The members of Sigma Alpha Mu strike a balance between academics, social life, service, and athletics.

Would joining affect my grades?

Getting good grades in college can be quite challenging. Sigma Alpha Mu was originally founded to further scholastic achievement for all members. Not surprisingly, grade point averages for fraternity members are equal to and in most cases exceed those of all students.

What about cost?

Fraternity costs are only about 2.5% of a student's total expense. This investment covers national dues and organized functions within the fraternity. The friendships and lifetime of experiences formed far outweigh the minor expense of being in a fraternity.

What about hazing?

Hazing is against the law, and prohibited at NSU. While hazing can be a secretive event, Sigma Alpha Mu members are extremely open when it comes to our Anti-Hazing policy. Ask any member about our position on hazing and you'll see that membership in our organization comes with "no strings attached."

How "active" do you have to be?

That's up to you. Some plan an active leadership role; others just participate. Yet as most members notice- "Having a good time is contagious" -and you may find yourself making time for you brothers, because they will make time for you.

Do Greeks really have a better social life?

Most members think so because so much opportunity is built in. And that goes beyond parties to include such activities as intramurals, alumni events, conventions, and weekend getaways. In addition, NSU often sponsors "Greek Only" events which are a great opportunity to form friendships with other Greeks.

Does the system breed elitism or conformity?

The issue of elitism is probably a throwback to days when there were fewer choices and the costs were higher. Most of NSU's Greeks are a socio-economic mix. As for conformity, you can make that decision during rush. If members of other groups dress and sound alike, draw your own conclusion; but Sigma Alpha Mu is merely a group of friends, to which diversity is inherent.

Membership in a fraternity can include so much more. For example, Sigma Alpha Mu is an established and respected National Fraternity. Being a member of Sigma Alpha Mu does not limit your participation to your undergraduate years. Sigma Alpha Mu offers Lifetime Membership to more than 50,000 Sammies living all over the world. You never know when you'll meet a fratre, or need to seek out the help of someone that you trust because he is the member of the same national fraternity. Furthermore, Sigma Alpha Mu sponsors an annual Leadership Conference and other educational activities at regional Conclaves, which offer training in leadership and management skills.

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