Many college students ask this same question. The concerns that you have are common. Fraternities offer the opportunity to come in contact with new people who share similar interests and values and who will become your friend for life. Fraternities bring out the best in their members through strong friendships and common goals. Greek organizations have an impact on their member's lives in many ways, offering them learning and life experiences through community service, friendship, leadership, rush, scholarship, and social activities
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Each Greek organization at UMKC actively supports a national philanthropy and participates in several community service projects. The projects are one of the most rewarding aspects of being a member of a Greek organization. The philanthropies are service projects that provide sorority and fraternity members with the opportunity to help others who are less fortunate than them. Working together on these projects benefit all those involved and fosters a greater unity among chapter members.
FRIENDSHIP
Greek life is a time when friendships are cemented and closed ties are woven between members through living, studying, working, and competing together. These relationships go beyond ordinary friendship and become like those of a family…often lasting a lifetime.
LEADERSHIP
You will learn important skills and get a chance to practice them as a chapter officer or committee member. Membership in a Greek organization provides an excellent place to gain experience and knowledge, which is necessary for successful leadership. As a student at UMKC you will have many opportunities through your involvement, you will find that many fraternity members are the driving force in Student Government and also hold positions in honorary societies, campus organizations, and athletics. Your college career will involve more than textbooks, classrooms, athletics, and social functions. As a Greek, you will have the opportunity to serve your chapter as an officer of committee member, and you will be able to develop skills in all areas such as organization, responsibility, communication, and decision making. If you are the type of person who likes to make decisions and be part of the action, then becoming a member of a Greek organization is for you. Through membership, you can develop your potential as a leader not only at UMKC but also throughout the rest of your life.
RUSH
As a rushee, you should remember that fraternity life offers you the opportunity to grow and develop. Be careful in selecting the group to which you belong. As a rushee you should seek to pledge the organization tha you will benefit from and contribute too most easily. It should be clear that there is no such thing as “best fraternity on campus.” Every rushee will have their own “best chapter-” one that represents their own individual interests and needs.
SCHOLARSHIP
The primary reason for attending college is to receive a good education, and Lambda Chi Alpha at UMKC has a strong tradition of high academic standards. Students who go greek typically have a We promote education through scholarship programs and study hours. Our chapter devotes many hours to helping members achieve academic excellence. All members are required to maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA to remain in good standing. Our chapter gives an annual award to the member with the highest GPA and to one Associate Member each year. Not only are academics promoted at the university level, but also at the national level. Our organization’s headquarters highly promotes scholarship, taking time to recognize those who have achieved academic excellence. Three scholarships offered by our chapter are:
- Scott Thompson Outstanding Undergraduate Award $500
- Eagle Award for Academic Excellence $500
- Associate Member Scholarship $500
SOCIAL LIFE
For many students, the Greek social life helps to make college a more fulfilling experience. The Greek social life includes sports intramurals, date functions, football games, Greek Week, and other organized social activities. Social activities are definitely one of the fun parts of being in a fraternity or sorority but remember there is a lot more that makes up a chapter than the social life.