The impact of Greek affiliation on student involvement patterns

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Christopher O'Connor (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
Advisor
Colleen Fairbanks

Abstract: Fraternities and sororities are facing ever-increasing scrutiny from the public and campus leaders as reports of serious policy violations dominate current headlines (Clay, 2018; Reilly, 2018; Spencer, 2018). However, there are many redeeming qualities of the Greek system that often get overlooked in the news. This dissertation investigates some of the potential positive outcomes of Greek life by examining how Greek-affiliated students’ involvement changes after they have become a member of a chapter. Through a qualitative approach, this study shows that students who become involved in Greek Life become more deeply involved on their campus and forge stronger bonds with the campus community. This dissertation explores how students initially make connections, and become involved in campus activities, and how this involvement changes over time as they become more deeply involved in their chapters. Through the relationships these students build with their chapter members, they experience new connections to other students, events, and activities in which they otherwise would not have participated. Research (Astin, 1984; Tinto, 1986; Kuh, 1991) has shown that students who build these deep connections to their campus are more likely to be successful and persist to graduation.

Additional Information

Publication
Dissertation
Language: English
Date: 2018
Keywords
Fraternity, Sorority, Student Involvement
Subjects
Greek letter societies
Student activities

Email this document to