How Fraternal Organizations Can Lead the Way in Supporting New College Students
Starting college is an exciting yet challenging time for many students. The transition from high school to higher education brings a host of new experiences, responsibilities, and expectations. New students often seek guidance to navigate unfamiliar academic and social landscapes, and peer groups play a crucial role in this process. However, student organizations—particularly those with a service element in their mission—often overlook the significant value they hold within the student community. Peer tutoring offers students the opportunity to receive frontline academic support, while student organizations build goodwill and credibility within their community.
With this in mind, how can we energize students involved in organizations like fraternities and sororities to become leaders who have the knowledge, skills, and abilities to build stronger connections on campus? How can they support students who are grappling with academic preparation and acclimating to a new environment where they may feel disconnected?
Supporting peers through student organizations offers a unique opportunity to generate strong and compelling publicity for what they offer the student population. With the abundance of student organizations on campus, differentiation is critical. From social organizations like fraternities and sororities to academic-specific clubs, any group can create an opportunity to provide something truly transformative to the student community and highlight the value they provide.