Butler University

So I was just wondering if anyone could give me some information, like a personal account, of what it's like being in a sorority at Butler. When I visited, all the students kept saying how the Greek system wasn't like that of any other university. I'm considering pledging when I'm a freshman, because it seems like a great way to make new friends and the Butler sororities seemed really interested in community service so I would definantly like that. So if anyone could give me more info, I would really appreciate it Thanks!

Hey! I'm currently in a sorority at Butler - Kappa Alpha Theta - and I absolutely love it! The greek system is definitely a great way to meet people, both those in your house and those in the other houses on campus. At Butler, recruitment is at the beginning of the spring semester, so it gives you time to visit all of the sorority houses and get to know a bit about them beforehand. Since joining Theta, my life has been so much busier -- but in a good way! We always have events going on, such as formals, fraternity exchanges, philanthropy events, etc. Greek life at Butler really is different from any other school because each house is so supportive of one another. After being a part of this system, I honestly couldn't imagine my life any other way. Hope this helps to answer your question, and if you want to know anything else just let me know!

Sarah

Sounds like fun!

How does recruitment work?

Hi Sarah!!  Greek life at Butler is a lot different than most universities.  A lot of times you can watch tv shows or hear rumors about the pledge process and everything bad that goes on within the system.  BUT at Butler it is just so much fun!  The campus is very heavily Greek and each house has approximately 100 active members, give or take.  Each house puts on philanthopy events and there are always different formals, bashes, everything in between to attend.  It's a blast!  There is no hazing process whatsoever within each sorority.  Actually during my recruitment week I just had to show up at the house every day to pick up a different present!  Basically it just a way to get very involved and meet a lot of people.  Everyone has a sort of bond together within the system and most get along very well.  There are basic rivalries but you'll get that everywhere.  Overall, I have friends in every house.  You are required to live in the house (most are two years) and it's such a blast!!  I have made some of my best friends within my sorority and some of my best memories are all of us getting ready together or running around the house being crazy.  There is so much more I could get into but overall it's just so much fun.  I have friends that aren't in Greek houses and friends that are and it's just a personal decision.  I love it and have been able to get so involved.  This year I'm actually a recruitment counselor which means that I am not allowed to say what house I'm in right now and I'll be one of the women to help take freshmen around to all of the houses during formal recruitment.  I'm so excited for it!  People really go wind up where they fit in the best and even though the process can be nerve-racking it is really a great time.  There are so many more things I could say but I think I'll stop here for now...  If you have any specific questions let me know! 

don't you have to pledge? what is the pledge?

Thanks for all the info Allison and Sarah!

I understand basic information about the pledging process but if someone could please detail it, that would be most appreciated thanks!

And what are the houses like? I saw them when I visited and they were absolutely gorgeous but I didn't get to see inside so what's it like living in one of those?

Now where's the fun in giving away all of the details of recruitment? It's a really unique time, and everyone responds to it in different ways. I enjoyed the opportunity to go around to all of the houses to meet as many girls as possible. It can be a bit overwhelming at times, I'm not going to lie, but in the end it all works out!

The houses are all awesome in their own ways... If you're interested you should come to the open houses on Sunday, November 9th! (And that's parents weekend, so you can show your mom and dad around as well!) As for actually living in a house - it's amazing. Not only has my wardrobe expanded x70, but I've become so much closer with all of my sisters. It's hard to try to explain it from my perspective, but once you've had the experience for yourself, you truly learn to love it!

they sounds like they would be pretty fun to live in. thanks.

Sounds like fun! I heard that the sororities get involved with community service projects. What kinda projects do you work on? I enjoy community service so I think it would be great to continue when I get to college.

Greek life is definitely a great way to get involved in community service projects! Each house has its own philanthropy for which they raise and donate money. For Theta, our philanthropy is Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA). In the fall we hold two events, the first of which is Theta Grill-Off. I recently posted a blog about this event, so you should definitely go check it out! :) For our other event we pair up with another sorority, Kappa Kappa Gamma, and raise money for the Make-a-Wish Foundation. The event is called Mr. Butler, and it's basically a beauty pageant for men from different organizations on campus, haha! Not only is it extremely entertaining, but all of the guys help to raise money for the kids as part of their requirements for judging! We had a lot of fun putting on these events this year, and it's great to know that we're actually making a difference!