Wesleying Unofficial Orientation Series: Greek Life at the Tech

DISCLAIMER: I’m an active participant in Greek Life at Wesleyan. All of the information herein therefore stems from my own experiences. While I intend to be objective, most of the information here is just one giant generalized perspective that’s far too broad to have any relevance at the individual member level.

In the time that you may have spent perusing websites about Greek life or college life, you may have encountered some of the following memes (Am I even using that right?): TFM, TSM, GDI, etc. Well, forget them. People will likely scoff at their use or just have absolutely no idea what you’re talking about. Or you can always use them ironically. But, be careful. College Prowler might have you believe that Greek life doesn’t mesh with the Wesleyan mentality. In my opinion, the Greek societies might exemplify the most Wesleyan ideology. Yeah, I went there.

In all seriousness though, the rift between Greeks and non-Greeks is largely the derivative of over-active imaginations. In general, play by the rule that most students don’t enjoy being stereotyped or judged only by their membership in a campus organization. Not to mention that most things at Wesleyan draw a uniquely Wesleyan feel. So leave the ignorance at home, and get to know as many people as you can. Okay, I’ll hop off my soapbox now.

So, in this post, I’ll chronicle each society at Wesleyan, and let you know any information that I personally deem relevant for the incoming freshman student. But, if you don’t really care about what I have to say or are simply too lazy (completely acceptable), then just watch this video — my personal favorite YouTube video about all things Wesleyan. Here they are though: Alpha Delta Phi, Alpha Epsilon Pi, Beta Theta Pi, Delta Kappa Epsilon, Eclectic, Phi Beta Sigma, Psi Upsilon, Rho Epsilon Pi. Too much information after the jump.

First, some general information that all freshmen should know. A large portion of the underclassmen social scene revolves around parties or concerts or gatherings at fraternities, so you’ll likely spend more time there than you care to admit to your indie hipster friends back home. But seriously, there’s nothing better than a great dance party at Beta or Psi U, a concert at Eclectic, or some porn and milkshakes at Alpha Delt. Despite all that and the wonderful contributions that Greek societies make to campus, some of our beloved administrators are not the biggest fans. In fact, two years ago, the administration even drew the ire of Fox News and thefire.org.

Alpha Delta Phi (Alpha Delt): home to the Star & Crescent, some seriously amazing lounge space, the Grotto, porn and milkshakes; the list continues. Do not make the mistake that I made during my freshman year though. Every LARP-er is not a member of Alpha Delt, and every Alpha Delt member does not necessarily care about LARPing. Alpha Delt is one of only two co-ed societies on campus. Stereotype: nerdy frat

Alpha Epsilon Pi (AEPi) : a chapter of a global Jewish fraternity, new on Wesleyan’s campus as of Fall 2009, largely populated by current or former residents of the Bayit, and known for their dance parties and charitable work. Stereotype: the Jewish frat. Sorry, was that one too obvious?

Beta Theta Pi (Beta): known for their dance parties, devilish charm, disgusting bathrooms (Wait, sorry, that’s every frat.), front balcony, unjustified and unconstitutional administrative crackdowns, Hell Week. Stereotype: ladykiller Lax Bros.

Delta Kappa Epsilon (DKE, pronounced Deek): Home to a gorgeous backyard, sordid, albeit misguidedly assigned, reputation, Top 40 Concerts, as well as host to campus lectures and basement concerts. It should also be noted that Deltas, in fact, never die. Stereotype: Hockey and baseball Bros.

Phi Nu Theta (Eclectic): A beautiful mansion that’s hosted Best Coast, Big Freedia, and The Dodos in the last year or so. Generally, this house is known for its concerts, indie aura, initiation nights, and occasional home to non-members. Incites the following response from visitors to campus: “Oh my gosh, that’s where MGMT lived!” Represents the second co-ed society. Stereotype: hipster frat or hilariously not regarded as a frat.

Phi Beta Sigma (Sigmas): A traditionally black fraternity without official university housing that’s known for their blood drives, hip-hop showcase, Sigma Week, and great gear. Stereotype: the Black frat.

Psi Upsilon (Psi U or The U): Generally regarded as the nice guy frat, despite hosting Xi Male showcases. Typically houses between zero and two females in the basement. Home to great weekend dance parties and concerts, apparent claim to host of all toga parties, and high representation on the Squash team. Stereotype: nice guys.

Rho Epsilon Pi (Rho Ep): Founded in Spring 2011, the only active sorority on campus. Known for dominating Relay for Life 2012 and generally being the only sorority on campus. But seriously, these ladies have made a habit of selling tanks for Spring Fling and partnering with frats to host parties. Perhaps regarded as bringing all the supposed cattiness of sororities that Wesleyan students apparently so desperately sought to flee from in their college experience. Stereotype: sorority girls.

So, there you have it, your most basic guide to all things Greek. I’ve left most of the information out because I’m busy playing with my new Corgi pups and watching the Atlanta Braves play some baseball. Not that any of you care. Feel free to offer your own opinions in the comments that I may or may not read.