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September 26, 2006

Hangin’ at the House

Greek organizations agree: The on-campus homes are a group perk

Story by: Alexandra Crosby

The Shorthorn staff

One year removed from living in a fraternity house, business management senior Craig Allen now splits his time between the house and his home.

He describes the Phi Gamma Delta house where he stayed as a common place for the guys to hang out.

“I live off campus now, and I can go and hang out there in between classes instead of having to drive back home,” he said.

There are four Greek councils on campus: the Interfraternity Council, Panhellenic Council, National Pan-Hellenic Council and Multicultural Greek Council. These organizations govern the 26 fraternities and sororities recognized on campus, but not every Greek organization has a house.

There are a total of 11 fraternities and sororities who have a Greek house, seven are fraternities governed by IFC and the remaining four are the sororities governed by the PHC.

Interdisciplinary studies senior Tova Charles, a member of Sigma Gamma Rho sorority, said she believes that in order for a Greek organization to thrive, it needs a house close to campus.

“Having a house is having a stamp on the campus,” she said. “With a house, you would get to have a place for shared camaraderie.”

Charles said a house would eliminate one obstacle for Greeks.

“You wouldn’t have to find different places to meet,” she said. “It would be a good recruitment tool and a good place to do different activities within or outside of the chapter.”

Allen doesn’t consider not having a fraternity house on campus a disadvantage.

“You can overcome anything and not just dwell on that,” he said.

Allen does, however, recognize the advantage of living in a Greek house. For example, the low rent.

“It’s definitely very cheap to live in the house,” he said. “I’m not sure what it costs this year because I lived there last year. But then it wasn’t that bad. It was $220 if you shared a room with someone, and there are no bills.”

Advertising senior Ryan Hoopes’ fraternity, Beta Theta Pi, has the smallest fraternity house. Hoopes, who lived there for a year, said the rent in the fraternity house is low because there are no extra bills.

“It’s almost like a dorm but with the people you’re closest with,” he said. “You’re like a family, but they don’t tell you what to do, and it’s a central location for everyone to get together at once.”

Allen said the best part of living in a fraternity house is the life lessons.

“Before I joined, I didn’t know how to tie a tie, and now I do,” he said. “You’re around people who you wouldn’t otherwise be around. It gives you an education. More than just knowledge, it teaches you life skills and life lessons.”