Go Greek or Social on Campus

AMY STEL | FEATURES COLUMNIST

School may not be the only thing on students’ minds as they become more accustomed to life on campus: what about fun?

Classes and work can definitely become overwhelming as the semester unfolds, but luckily there are many ways to get a breath of fresh air. St. Norbert College is known for its great example of “communio,” and this concept is reflected in the college’s independent social groups, sororities and fraternities. There are four sororities, four fraternities, two male social groups and five female social groups. Many students go Greek or social and create lifelong friends.

“It’s a great way to branch out of your comfort zone and meet new people” said Untouchables member Sophia Ellsworth ’20.

First-year students are probably looking for all kinds of ways to get involved on campus, and going social is a great way to meet new people and be philanthropic. Each fraternity, sorority and social group is different, but there is a group for everyone on campus.

For example, the social group Untouchables is one of the most well-known groups on campus because they were the first social group at St. Norbert. Untouchables is well known among most alumni because of this legacy. In fact, President Bruess’ wife was an Untouchables member. Untouchables got the ball rolling with social life here at St. Norbert way back in 1979. Due to their foundation, the campus now also has BUD, ADMAR, BIG, CCHAMS, No Nonsense and Electric Company as social groups.

All of the fraternities, sororities and independent social organizations welcome new members each year. Some recruit both spring and fall, others one or the other semester.

Sororities and fraternities usually have a more intense and in-depth initiation process than independent social organizations. A bit stricter than social groups, they still offer the same amount of fun. Those who plan to be active on campus through one or more organizations and have the opportunity to devote all their time definitely should consider a fraternity or sorority.

For those who are looking for a more relaxed environment and pledge process or maybe do not have as much time, independent social organizations are probably the better option. Both Greek and independent organizations have different policies regarding commitment, and pledge processes definitely differ between all of the groups.

Members of Greek or independent organizations also have the opportunity to be a part of either the Panhellenic, Interfraternity or Independent Councils. These are boards that bring together all of the different organizations within their category to exchange ideas and keep updated with new changes and regulations among the organizations. For example, the Panhellenic Council includes members from the sororities here at St. Norbert, and they meet to discuss how the sororities are functioning as a whole on campus.

Going Greek or joining an independent social organization is a fantastic way to settle into campus and make St. Norbert a home away from home.