The decision was a unanimous one to bring Greek Life to Campbell for the Board of Trustees; however, with this news, came mixed reactions. Some students are concerned about the addition to the Creek, while others are ecstatic! Even alumni have chimed in their mixed opinions. We asked two students from opposing view points what they thought about the matter.
For Greek Life– Sierra Smith:
Expanding Greek Life on campus by adding undergraduate social fraternities and sororities is a great idea. Such a move is an advantageous step toward improvement as it poses many various benefits for both the university and its students. Greek organizations are vastly philanthropic. It is an integral part of Greek life for a fraternity or sorority to serve the community, raise and donate money to charities, and, in general, help others. What’s more, any given fraternity or sorority will go far beyond Campbell University. Being a part of a fraternity or sorority gives members a connection with people in other chapters across the country. Greek life is an exemplary networking tool because members will have countless connections to alums. As an example, imagine having successful role model Carrie Underwood, a Tri Sigma, as a connection when applying for a job in the music industry. Aside from the obvious benefits to students, Greek life can also be a positive addition for the university by gaining more students that will use the absence or presence of Greek life as a deciding factor in their college decision. Additionally, fraternities and sororities are likely to keep more students on campus over the weekends, a problem evident to the university. Although all the aforementioned concepts are exceptional reasons that Greek life will be good for Campbell University, for me the greatest thing about Greek life is the sense of unity and camaraderie that one gets from joining a fraternity or sorority. You share common interests, values, goals and hobbies with your fellow members, and they quickly become your family. Even as you’re older, as alum of a Greek organization, you’ll always know that you have an amazing and ever-growing group of people who you’ll always love, cherish and identify with. Such a concept is undeniably inviting and endearing to me, which is the most important reason that I think expanding Greek life is such an outstanding improvement and I look forward to having the opportunity to rush in Fall 2013.
Against Greek Life–Lindsey White
Whenever any organization is created at Campbell University, we must be cautious. We must ask, “What need does this organization serve that is not already being served by other organizations on campus?” I cannot pretend to know what it is like to be involved in Greek Life. I recognize my perception is colored by the cultural caricatures created by college movies like “Animal House” and news reports. But to state that Greek Life is often associated with alcohol consumption is to state the obvious. But why has the obvious been ignored by university officials? To jump to conclusions and assume wild parties, hazing and rampant sexual assault will occur at Campbell as a result of Greek Life is utterly ridiculous. But, an administration that both assures its students that every precaution of safety and allows Greek Life on its campus is liable to recognize these caricatures, although often untrue, exist on other campuses. The university must not only be aware of these realities, but also must take action to actively protect students through the education of these realities. We were told that the intentions of the university for Greek life was to bolster freshman assimilation into university life and to increase alumni giving. But is this in line with the purpose of our university? It is too soon to judge the intentions of Greek life—but are there not countless ways (eg: improved living, studying, and social spaces) that this purpose could be accomplished without the need for Greek Life? What purpose does it serve that CAB, SGA, and Campus Ministries does not already serve? Does the inclusive nature of Greek Life serve to bolster community or further divide the campus into more groups? My concern is not the altering of the campus culture but the ambiguity and seeming lack of thought of the details, perception, and consequences of Greek Life at Campbell University.
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There you have two opposite sides. Below are quotes from other students voicing their opinions. Let Pineburr know your thoughts!
Hunter Smith: ” I don’t really think it makes sense on a dry campus. My expectation for next year is alot more people getting in trouble for being in possession of alcohol.”
Bridget Purser: “I think Greek life will attract more students in the upcoming years. It’s a great opportunity to develop lifelong friendships while simultaneously serving the community.”
Edited by: Marisa Linton
PineBurr Blog 
Before I begin, let me remind everyone that there are already Greek co-ed fraternities available for pharmacy and law school students, and they have been around for quite some time. Has Campbell become complete bedlam as a result? No
I agree with the former of the argument. As an alumni, it saddens me that I will not be around to take part in Greek life. The main advantages of introducing Greek life to the Creek (Creek life? Gotta love a good pun) would be (first) an increased number of students who decide to stay on campus over the weekends and (second) the networking advantages that Greek life offers.
Let’s be honest here. As great as Campbell is in many ways, its student turnover rate is an absolute joke. It’s sad how over the years, I would see so many faces come and go without ever walking across the stage and receiving their diploma. Yes, there were plenty of those who just didn’t make the cut when it came to grades, but many left as a followup to the #1 complaint that I have heard over the years: “THERE’S NOTHING TO DO HERE!” “IT’S COMPLETELY EMPTY ON WEEKENDS!” As someone who stayed on campus on most weekends because I worked in the local area, I can agree to this. Sure the Campus Activities Board, Student Government, and other clubs offered special outings a few times per semester, but it was never enough, and those groups always seemed to to attract a certain ‘clique’ of campbell students instead of a more diverse group of students. My first couple of years, I attended most of the events of CAB, but it was always the same (often boring) people there every single time, so naturally I phased out of it. Introduction of Greek life to the undergraduates will bring fraternities and sororities that will encourage brotherhood/sisterhood by routinely planning various events (some optional while many mandatory) that will keep it’s members on campus over the weekends. For example, if four fraternities/sororities are introduced, each with roughly 100 members, then each could hold an event one week out of the month for themselves or for the entire student body. These planned events will give students something to consider before they pack up and head home for the weekend. In addition, students who have memorable experiences at Campbell (the more the better!) besides reading textbooks will wish to stick around for their remaining years and enjoy every last day possible. This will improve CU’s turnover rate.