|
The best known kind of fraternity is the general or social fraternity. Professional fraternities are made of people preparing for, or working in, such professions as Education, Law, Medicine, and Science. Fraternities called honor societies select their members for exceptional academic records. Recognition societies are for people with superior achievement in specific area. A student may join only one general fraternity. But a general fraternity member may also joina professional fraternity, an honor society, or both.
Many fraternities admit both men and women, but most general fraternities are for men. Women's organizations for college students and alumnae are called Sororities.
Fraternities began in the United States. PHI BETA KAPPA was the first fraternity. It was founded in 1776 at William and Mary College as a general fraternity. It even became an honor society. The KAPPA ALPHA SOCIETY was founded in 1825 at Union College in Schenectady, New York. It is the oldest continuing general fraternity. THETA XI, the first professional fratenity was founded in 1864 at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. It became a general fraternity in 1926. PHI DELTA PHI, founded in 1869 at the University of Michigan for law students, is the oldest continuing professional fraternity. ALPHA PHI OMEGA, founded in 1925 at Lafayette College is the largest recognition society to date.
To join a social fraternity, a student must be invited by its members. The invitiation to join, called a 'bid', must be approved by the chapter members. Bids are made following a period called 'rush.' During rush, students who are interested in joining a fraternity attend events to learn about various fraternities and meet their members. Students who accept bids are called "pledges or associates." They must prove their ability to live, study, and work with fraternity members before they are finally accepted for membership. A pledge or associate who fills all requirements is initiated and receive the fraternity pin.
Fraternities are known for their social activities such as dances and parties. But they also play an important role in other aspects of college life. Fraternities encourage members to work for good grades, and they stress participation in athletic, cultural, political, social, and other activities. Most fraternities maintain a fraternity course (house), where their members live. Fraternity life provides experience in self-government and develop skills in occupation, leadership, and relations with other people. Fraternities aid charity programs, extend hospitality to students from other countries, and provide funds for scholarship to fellow students and for summer camps for children. Most fraternities have alumni chapters and associations that advise chapters in financial affairs.
Professional fraternities are similar to general fraternities in many ways. But professional fraternities are made up of persons with a common academic or occupational interest. Some professional groups require higher academic standing than general fraternities. Members may not pledge other fraternities in the same profession, but they may pledge a general fraternity.
Honor societies are either departmental or general. A departmental honor society selects men and women who have excellent academic records in a specific area of study. A general honor society selects members from all fields of study. A recognition society selects those who have done outstanding work in an area such as retailing or community service.
|
Add Article
Back