An Inside Look at Saint Leo University’s Greek Life Organizations
Learn all about the numerous Greek Life organizations at Saint Leo University and the many benefits of being involved in them for students.
Greek Life is an empowering part of the college experience for many undergraduate students at schools offering fraternities and sororities. Saint Leo University is proud to be the home of multiple Greek Life organizations based at its University Campus.
We recently caught up with Brandee Greaves, the assistant director of Greek Life and community service at Saint Leo, to learn all about the numerous organizations on campus in which students can get involved, make friends and connections, and develop themselves in so many ways.
Q: How would you define the term Greek Life?
A: I view Greek Life as an opportunity for undergraduate students to develop interpersonal, professional, and social skills so they can lead a productive and inclusive life as leaders within their community.
I also want to clarify that Greek Life encompasses social fraternities and sororities. Saint Leo does have honor societies and other chapters with Greek names, but those are focused on academics.
Q: What does your role with Saint Leo University entail in terms of Greek Life?
A: I’m responsible for overseeing the 14 Greek Life organizations on campus. I assist with everything from programming to management to helping students develop career and leadership skills through these organizations. I also coordinate community service opportunities and partnerships for our entire Saint Leo community.
Q: What are the specific organizations at Saint Leo University?
A: The 14 Greek Life organizations are as follows:
- Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
- Alpha Sigma Tau
- Gamma Upsilon
- Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
- Kappa Sigma
- Latinas Promoviendo Comunidad/Lambda Pi Chi Sorority, Inc.
- Sigma Alpha Epsilon
- Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
- Sigma Lambda
- Sigma Lambda Beta Fraternity, Inc.
- Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority, Inc.
- Sigma Sigma Sigma
- Tau Kappa Epsilon
- Theta Phi Alpha
Q: Who is eligible to join these Greek organizations?
A: Undergraduate campus students enrolled in at least 12 credit hours are eligible. Students must complete at least one semester of coursework prior to joining one of these organizations. The main reason for this is to help them get accustomed to college life and academics. During their second semester, they can join one of these chapters. Some chapters require an application while others host “intake” or recruitment events.
In addition, I should mention that both residential students living on campus and those who commute to campus are eligible to join these organizations. Students are required to maintain a certain GPA and fulfill community service hours to remain as members as well.
Q: Does each Greek Life organization have an advisor?
A: Yes. All 14 Greek Life organizations have either a faculty or staff advisor. The main reason for this is to have a designated individual and point of contact for each one. Plus, it allows our faculty and staff to engage with students outside of the classroom and gives students opportunities for networking and developing their leadership skills by closely working with these individuals.
Q: What types of events do these organizations put on?
A: Many of their events are focused on community service. Some work on specific projects that are more important to the organization.
They also host educational events on a variety of topics relevant to college students. These include:
- Leadership
- Sexual harassment prevention and vulnerability
- Healthy relationships
- Boundary setting
- Dressing and presenting yourself professionally
Plus, members assist with broader university events like Mass, carnivals, and athletic events. They put on fun events to boost member morale like attending a basketball game on campus or going bowling.
Q: What are the general benefits for students of joining one of these organizations?
A: The main benefit of us offering these Greek Life organizations is to help cultivate servant leaders in our students. We want students to gain a wide range of skills and explore unique opportunities by being a member of one of these groups. Being involved in them is a fantastic supplement to a student’s academic career in the classroom.
Q: How can a student’s involvement in Greek Life benefit them in their career?
A: Students get lots of opportunities to work with different types of people and personalities. This is a huge skill to be able to work and communicate with a variety of people. They also learn conflict resolution, managing a budget and other financial practices, time management, organization, and teamwork. Ultimately, these organizations help students find their identity, enabling them to build more confidence in everything they do in their lives.
Q: How can students learn more about these Greek Life organizations?
A: Check out Saint Leo University’s Greek Life page. You can also email me directly at brandee.greaves@saintleo.edu with any questions.