Greek societies are common at all major universities, founded and intended to uphold principles such as scholarship, leadership, and fellowship. Greek life at CU-Boulder encourages the pursuit of excellence in leadership and scholarship, as well as friendship and community service. The Greek system at CU-Boulder student organizations consists of 10 Panhellenic sororities and nine multicultural Greek organizations.
As a way to support the development of a healthy and unified Greek community, the Coalition for a Responsible Community (CRC) was formed during spring 2005, acting as a forum for Greek students, the university, faculty, staff, and community members. The CRC meets once a month to discuss issues pertinent to the Greek community and the Boulder community.
In spring 2005, all Greek organizations were encouraged by the university to sign the registered fraternal organization agreement. The 10 Panhellenic sororities and nine multicultural Greek organizations chose to sign their agreements and the 14 Interfraternity Council fraternities elected not to. Because of this, the sororities and multicultural Greek organizations are officially recognized by the university as independent student groups and are entitled to all services afforded to such groups. However, the 14 fraternities are not.
Sororities and fraternities are rooted in founding principles that foster academic achievement, student involvement, community service, and life-long friendships. Advantages of participating in these organizations can include having a support group to help ease the adjustment to college, scholastic resources to help students achieve their academic goals, leadership skills acquired through hands-on experience, encouragement to get involved, stay involved, and maximize their potential on campus, and opportunities for active participation in community service projects.
National studies consistently indicate that students who choose to join Greek-letter organizations are more likely to stay in college than non-Greek students, tend to be more financially successful than other college graduates, give both more money and more frequently to their alma maters than non-Greek alumni, are more active on campus and in community activities. Upon graduation, these members are also more likely to get involved in volunteer and charitable organizations.
