Fraternities

[Sterling4Cy]

I was in a fraternity at ISU late 90's. Depending on the house you might have to do dinner waitings, house cleanups etc. on top of the pledge program which can be anything from learning the history of the fraternity to doing philanthropic events. Overall I thought it was a great experience. Very time consuming but a great way to network.

 

[Cyched]

Hey, guys let's leave the attacks at the door, ok? The OP said he's already joined a frat, and is looking for info on what he can expect. Let's not make this a debate on the merits of the greek system.

Thanks.

Can we debate what merits he can expect?:wink:

 

[2020cy]

Dude, have you ever seen Animal House? That's exactly what it will be like.

 

[Cyched]

Dude, have you ever seen Animal House? That's exactly what it will be like.

Seven years of college down the drain. Might as well join the ******* Peace Corps.

 

[dmb341]

Expect at least 6 hours/week of time committed to yell like hell until homecoming. IIrc, practice is 8-10 p.m. or 9-11 pm Tues, Thurs, and Sun. All your time practicing yell like hell will be well worth it if you get to paint up for semis and finals (especially when helping to paint up the sorority girls you're paired with.) Chances are you'll also have at least an hour chapter meeting every week and at least an hour of new member/pledge education, as well as time for household chores (which could be more for new members than associate members.) Most houses also have required study hours, so that would probably qualify as fraternity time, but will also be time you are studying.

You can put a lot of time into Greek stuff if you want to, or you can spend the majority of your time playing halo in your room chowing on cheetos and slurping mountain dew, same as wanting to/not wanting to get involved with the majority of social groups/clubs at ISU.

 

[CyDude16]

It really depends on the house and what part of the year honestly. They are usually pretty flexible with academics and try to help anyway they can besides stuff you cant always get out of. Good luck.

 

[ornryactor]

I wasn't in a fraternity, but since I was a music major, I had plenty of friends who were. Music (despite what all the science geeks expect) is an incredibly demanding degree program, so it takes up a LOT of time. Most of my friends were able to balance that with a very solid level of involvement in their chapter, but only through very good time management.

Bottom line: if you are careful to manage your time well, and stay on top of your responsibilities (both academic and for your chapter), then you can certainly do both and still have time left over. If you let either one slide, you'll be in deep poop before you know it.

 

[drmwevr08]

What I want to know if whether those cool SAE guys have a secret handshake. I was wearing an SAE shirt to an outdoor concert way back when (I got it during rush and wore it because I figured it'd get trashed that day) and some dude came up to me about it. I thought it was just easier to say, yeah, I'm in then explain why I wore the shirt otherwise. Went fine except for this odd handshake he had, like I was supposed to reciprocate this finger wiggle deal. Or was he just a perv and coming on to me? :biglaugh:

 

[isuno1fan]

What I want to know if whether those cool SAE guys have a secret handshake. I was wearing an SAE shirt to an outdoor concert way back when (I got it during rush and wore it because I figured it'd get trashed that day) and some dude came up to me about it. I thought it was just easier to say, yeah, I'm in then explain why I wore the shirt otherwise. Went fine except for this odd handshake he had, like I was supposed to reciprocate this finger wiggle deal. Or was he just a perv and coming on to me? :biglaugh:

All fraternities have a handshake.

 

[CykoAGR]

As most have said expect a significant time committment in the first semester and then a little less by second semester but still more than the older active memebers. When I was a new initiate we had to do Yell like Hell, and we had required study hours which are actually kinda nice. expect to have household duties (cleaning etc) during the week.

The time spent with other newbies is what forms the life long bonds, you learn about them and their families. You will think that the chores suck at the time but make it about getting to know the bothers more than doing some stupid chore.

Remember every one of the actives has already done what you are doing so dont act like its unfair or they will make it worse. Keep your head up do what the older guys say and get through the first semester and then its all good times after that!!

 

[ddisu]

Depends on how good of a squid, puke, whatever SAE calls freshman you are. If you mind the rules you won't get hazed as much. Not that big a deal on time commitment. You are expected to do certain things, sometimes at certain times, get them done and no problems.

 

[Clone5]

While we're at it can somebody explain the point of Yell Like Hell to Me? I'm not knocking it but I don't understand why that is fun and why people get so worked up about it. Is there something I'm missing?

 

[Cyclone1985]

While we're at it can somebody explain the point of Yell Like Hell to Me? I'm not knocking it but I don't understand why that is fun and why people get so worked up about it. Is there something I'm missing?

Nope, not missing anything. You get painted up and go do cheers... exciting

 

[colbycheese]

Dude, have you ever seen Animal House? That's exactly what it will be like.

Yes, because Hollywood has never exaggerated anything... ever.

The time commitment of a Greek house is kind of like being really really involved in an on-campus club - only a lot more fun and more parties.

 

[J-Diggy]

I was in a fraternity back in the old days (88-92). Best decision I made. Not gonna knock the dorm life or living off campus because I didn't go that route, but for me it was a great choice.

As stated earlier, talk to guys at your specific fraternity. Each one is different. I don't recall feeling like I had a big time obligation to my house, but rather lots of opportunities to do stuff if I chose to. Still have lots of good friends from there 20 years later.

 

[IcSyU]

The time commitment of a Greek house is kind of like being really really involved in an on-campus club - only a lot more fun and more parties.

This is a really, really crappy comparison. Ignore this.

(coming from somebody very involved in a few on campus clubs)

 

[4429 mcc]

I'm pretty sure SAE was one of the teams I reffed in intramurals and you guys were a bunch of complete douchebags. Greeks are BY FAR the worst people to referee.

Oh poor ref, not athletic enough or doesnt have 4 friends to form a team...gets revenge by getting behind the whistle.:wink:

 

[MoreCowbell]

While we're at it can somebody explain the point of Yell Like Hell to Me? I'm not knocking it but I don't understand why that is fun and why people get so worked up about it. Is there something I'm missing?

Tradition and school spirit. I can't find anything on the Homecoming website, but I thought we were told that it's been around since the 50s, or even earlier. I'm pretty sure it's open to any group who wants to submit a skit (I think a dorm floor did it my freshman year) but it's just more well-known within the Greek community.

 

[cycopath25]

Did my comment get deleted? If so makes no sense.

 

[CloneInColorado]

Did my comment get deleted? If so makes no sense.

seriously these moderators are way to pc. wouldnt want to hurt anyones feelings.