On today’s campuses, fraternity and sorority housing strives to keep up with the times while expanding on its history and traditions.
This image of Greek housing – residential buildings constructed in the Queen Anne Revival, Greek Revival, neo-Colonial, and other stately styles, with Greek letters on their façades and parties on the front lawn – still holds true. Fraternity and sorority housing remains a draw for many students who desire the community, camaraderie, and rich traditions that they can provide. Many of the houses are still maintained and funded by chapter alumni and their national fraternal organizations. However, spurred by changes in economics, expectations, and higher education culture, more of this type of housing has been falling at least partially within the primary campus housing department’s portfolio. That, along with the need to renovate these historical buildings, has led to a modernization of fraternity and sorority housing on several campuses. Doing so has allowed these student groups – notably smaller sororities and fraternities not connected with national organizations – to enjoy the amenities they desire to grow and succeed, such as chapter meeting rooms, secure storage, specific branding, outdoor green space, separate entrances, kitchens, and even meal plans. At the same time, college and university administrators have more influence over the behavior of residents in these buildings when they can provide a safe, healthy, and inclusive environment.
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