The Effects of Fraternity/Sorority Membership on College Experiences and Outcomes: A Portrait of Complexity

Educating future leaders in fraternities: Outcomes from participation in a national fraternity emerging leaders program

“…Huang and Chang (2004) found that an increase in co-curricular (student) involvement is positively correlated with an increase in academic involvement. The premise of Astin's theory of involvement (1984) is the more engaged a student is in their experience, the greater opportunity for both cognitive as well as affective growth (Asel et al, 2009). Previous studies support that when students immerse themselves in their college career and engage in student involvement activities and student engagement programs, they are found to be more successful in educational gains and academic achievements (Hoffman et al, 2002;Pike, 2020).…”

“…Student engagement with university-facilitated fraternity and sorority programs leads to leadership development, and involvement in fraternity leadership positions is related to significant developmental gains. Participation in a sorority or fraternity is also connected to increases in community engagement and community service (Asel et al, 2009;Bureau & Koepsell, 2017). Sorority and fraternity members who have higher levels of involvement also report being more engaged on campus, have a higher sense of purpose, and benefit by practicing and developing leadership skills (DiChiara, 2009;Long, 2012;Pike, 2020).…”

“…Notably, interpersonal skills are among the most salient gains with regard to collaborative work and learning measures (Martin et al, 2012;Pike, 2000Pike, , 2003. There are significant gains among fraternity members, which include the ability to influence others by the senior year (Asel et al, 2009;Hevel et al, 2014;Kezar & Moriarty, 2000;Pike, 2003;Sasso et al, 2020a). Fraternity/sorority members demonstrate outcomes related to leadership, service, and friendship (Long, 2012).…”

Curricular and co-curricular activities associated with organizational values as identified by members of men's college social fraternities

“…Membership in fraternities has been found to positively impact engagement and performance in curricular and co-curricular activities (Asel, Seifert, & Pascarella, 2009;Hayek, et al, 2002;Tull & Cavins-Tull, 2017;Whipple & Sullivan, 1998). A descriptive qualitative study with 15 universities in the Southeast, "revealed the respondents did experience gains related to the espoused values of scholarship, leadership, service, and friendship" (Long, 2012, p. 15).…”