Dispelling myths about Latino Greeks

As Latinos become the largest minority in the United States, more Latino students enter college—In 2006, 11 percent of all college students were Latino (National Center for Education Statistics).  —Latino Greeks are becoming a larger presence on campus. Jeffrey Vargas of the National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations estimates that as many as 30,000 Latino students and graduates are Greeks, a fourfold increase since the mid-'90s. The groups provide moral support and useful academic scuttlebutt—crucial, since the retention rate among Latino students is lower than that of the overall college population.

Latino Greek Organizations have touched thousands of women & men in American higher education since their inception. They have given these students a sense of belonging, and have helped to create well rounded individuals through the development of interpersonal skills, learning self-control, and through the principles of teamwork. While undergraduates are most directly affected by their involvement at their respective chapters; the relationships built within the framework of the overall Latino Greek experience are still fostered and held dear by many people throughout their lives.

As Latino Greeks continue to gain increased visibility, more and more fraternities and sororities are placed in the spotlight and publicly criticized for various social problems. While the public outcry against binge drinking, drug use, and hazing is certainly justified it is important to note that a large majority of this scrutiny is not directed towards Latino Greeks. 

This list answers many of the stereotypes about Greek life and will help you to better understand what Chi Upsilon Sigma's governing boards and undergraduate chapters are doing to create a more rewarding and educational experience for your child. 

Stereotype #1: Joining a Greek organization inhibits academic performance

Not only is academic performance encouraged and required in order to maintain good standings with the National board, but students who join Greek-Lettered Organizations tend to excel in academia in comparison to their non-Greek counter-parts. There is a strong link between student involvement and student success. The more a student becomes involved and engaged on campus, the more the student begins to feel a part of the university community which is vital to a successful student. (Astin, 1984). All undergraduates are required to meet a minimum requirement of a 2.5 GPA in order to maintain active status. In Chi Upsilon Sigma, we firmly believe in our motto "Wisdom through Education," and for this reason we have established the Academic Improvement Mentorship Program (A.I.M.).   Whenever an undergraduate falls below GPA expectations, she is partnered with an alumna who can provide guidance and support in order to improve the undergraduate's GPA.    

Prospective members are required to complete a certain amount of library hours. Many times prospective members cross into the sisterhood and are on the Dean's List for the first time in their undergraduate careers.

Stereotype #2: Chapters are irresponsible because they do not answer to a higher authority

Chi Upsilon Sigma has established a chain of command to ensure the success and safety of undergraduate members.

Each chapter is assigned an Alumna Advisor who is responsible for providing information, conflict resolution, encourage responsibility, support creativity, challenge chapter membership and develop them as leaders. Our Alumna Advisors report to the Director of Undergraduate Relations who sits on the Grand Chapter Board overseen by the President. In addition, all chapters must meet certain guidelines in order to remain in good standing.

The final and most stringent set of policies that Greek chapters must abide by is state and federal laws. There are many guidelines in place to help maintain a safe and appropriate environment for members of the Greek community.

Stereotype #3: Being a member of a sorority takes up an unreasonable amount of time

It’s true that joining a sorority requires a certain amount of time and dedication. However, the time and effort required is by no means enough to interfere with other professional commitments, or most importantly, academic success. During the educational process, prospective members learn about Chi Upsilon Sigma's history and values. This serves a dual purpose: it gives the women enough information about Chi Upsilon Sigma to make an informed decision about whether or not to continue their participation, and it allows Chi Upsilon Sigma to make informed decisions about whether or not to initiate the prospective members.

It’s a common misconception that joining a sorority takes so much time that academic performance suffers and participation in other extracurricular activities is impossible. We understand that your child is in college for the pursuit of academic excellence, therefore, we always work with your child's academic and social calendar, rather than against it.

Most importantly, joining a sorority teaches your child time management, public speaking, budgeting, networking and leadership skills that will be critical in the "real world." 

Stereotype #4: Sororities do not foster leadership skills

There’s no shortage of leadership opportunities in Chi Upsilon Sigma! Each individual chapter has between 5-8 officer positions available at any given time. There are also National and Regional Board positions, National Performance Team positions and over 5 internal committees which members may be involved in. Many Chi Upsilon Sigma sisters not only serve on boards & committees within CUS, they also serve on Greek lettered boards on their local campuses, and in NALFO, our national umbrella organization.