Scholarship
WCU is a nationally ranked academic institution, and our Greek community reflects the university's high level of scholastic achievement. Our students take pride in their achievements and are supported through chapter and national programs and services beyond those offered by the university.
Greeks get personal guidance in planning their curriculum and choosing classes and instructors, and even get assistance with registration and financial aid. Chapter study sessions, educational programs, tutoring, and study partners and teams offer support for developing and maintaining study skills.
Greeks are recognized for their academic successes through Greek scholarship and awards programs and honor societies such as Order of Omega.
Chapters adhere very closely to their grade cutoff, and exceptions to this are very rare. WCU and the Greek affairs office have a policy requiring you to be at least a second-semester freshman with at least a 2.5 cumulative college GPA in order to participate in recruitment.
Leadership
Greeks are some of the most involved and connected students on campus. Greek involvement in campus clubs, activities, and other organizations is tremendous. Many of our Greek students belong to at least one other organization or club outside of their own chapters.
The Greek community at WCU is known for producing student leaders for campus organizations, community groups and events, and chapters.
Chapters encourage all their members to be leaders on campus and in the community. There also are opportunities for leadership in chapter governance and in the greater Greek community as chapter representatives or officers for councils groups.
Community Service
Part of being a Greek at WCU is dedicating time and energy to others. Our Greek community is constantly giving back to the local Jackson County community and the surrounding region. Throughout the academic year the combined Greek community at Western Carolina University contributed more community service and philanthropy hours than any other organization on campus. They have participated in such events as:
- Relay for Life
- Habitat for Humanity
- Children's Miracle Network
- March of Dimes
- TUCK River Clean-Up
- Community Table Soup Kitchen
- Project FIRE
- Breast Cancer Awareness
- And many more ...
These community service and philanthropic projects not only benefit worthy causes, they also foster a sense of unity and pride among our Greek chapters and members and provide opportunities for personal growth.
Brother/Sisterhood
Our Western Carolina Greek students strive to be responsible leaders and learners in our community. We want students—dedicated men and women—who strive for excellence in all areas and who continually expand their horizons. Potential new members should be aware that irresponsible behavior, whether it be deficient academic performance, hazing, irresponsible drinking or partying, or other misconduct, is not acceptable in this community. The bonds that are created here can be some of the most fruitful relationships that an undergraduate experiences during his/her time at Western Carolina.
Being Greek involves maintaining a good balance between academics and an active social life. To develop as a whole person, you’ll need to connect with people both inside and outside the classroom. The Greek community offers many social opportunities to enrich your college life and our chapters are committed to developing a responsible and safe environment for all their members. Above all, friendship continues to be one of the most important social values of the Greek community. By choosing to become a part of the Greek community, you’ll learn to combine your individuality with mutual cooperation, collaboration, and teamwork.
Ritual
Ritual is the most important aspect of a Greek man or woman's experience in their respective organization. This bond that is formed through that particular chapters' ceremonies creates those bonds that will last a lifetime. Along those lines, ritual is the set of guidelines that each chapter has for its members. In essence, each member of a Greek Letter Organization should strive to live their ritual not only every day that they are here at Western Carolina University but for the rest of their life. Over 85 percent of student leaders on more than 700 campuses are involved in a Greek Letter Organization.
Networking
Fraternities and sororities maintain active alumni relations locally, regionally, and nationally, which can afford many opportunities for caree networking. Events such as Homecoming, dinners, chapter anniversaries, and founder's days can put you in touch with alumni in similar career paths and fields.