Greek system gives students social outlet

One of the things that makes the University stand out among urban colleges is its diverse and vibrant Greek system. Each of the University's forty-some Greek organizations falls under one of three umbrella organizations. The InterFraternity Council coordinates the efforts of fraternities, the Pan Hellenic Council addresses sorority concerns, and the Bicultural InterGreek Council handles the affairs of minority Greek organizations. In addition to coordinating such activities as rush and pledging, the councils also serve as liaisons to the administration, voicing the concerns of Greek students. The University's own Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs in turn mediates relations between the councils and the administration. OFSA also organizes retreats where fraternity and sorority leaders can discuss Greek issues and coordinates Greek Week, the University's annual celebration of the Greek system. A fraternity or sorority can offer everything from a social get-together on a Friday night to an afternoon spent working with disadvantaged children. Many of the chapters have distinguished themselves on a national level, winning awards for community service, fundraising and leadership and the system is growing, having added several fraternities and sororities in the last few years.