National Pan-Hellenic Council-affiliated Greek organizations held an open forum titled “The Real Greek World” Wednesday to dispel myths about campus Greeks.
The council is the association of historically black Greek organizations.
Council President Travis Johnson said the purpose of the forum was to improve relations between the Greek and non-Greek communities.
“There were a lot of people with misconceptions of the Greek system,” Johnson said. “We felt this was a way to clear up many of these misconceptions and to show what we really do for the community.”
During the program, the Greek representatives each gave brief explanations of how and where their organization was originally founded and when the local chapters were established at MSU.
Johnson and Vice President Tameika Cooper moderated the event.
Questions from the audience concerned costs, benefits and chances of becoming fully initiated into a Greek organization.
Most representatives said membership dues varied, but costs are typically $400 to $600.
Every panelist stressed the importance of community service in their organizations.
Most said a minimum 2.5 G.P.A., community service and being a full-time student were requirements to join.
Representatives said membership created connections throughout the world with other Greek individuals and provided connections for future employment.
Several representatives also stressed their organization’s importance in bringing people with differing backgrounds to becoming close together despite their differences.
Johnson said the event took two weeks to organize. The delegates were selected voluntarily from all fraternities and sororities that chose to participate.
“I found the program to be extremely informative. This program showed unity on the part of the NPHC members and that is something which may influence those interested in joining a certain organization,” said Nicki Allen, a junior in political science major.
Phi Beta Sigma, Zeta Phi Beta, Alpha Phi Alpha, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, Iota Phi Theta and Sigma Gamma Rho participated in the event.
Johnson referred to possible future coordinated activities with the non-Greek community, including a planned inter-Greek basketball tournament. Teams would be sponsored by non-Greek organizations in a community effort to raise funds for the Boys and Girls club.