It is that time of year again: the fraternities and sororities are looking for people to join their respective organizations, also known as “rush week”. 

For you non-Greeks out there, there are two rush weeks during the year one at the beginning of the year and one during the winter. Oakland University currently has a total of 17 Greek letter organizations on campus, a number that continues to grow.

Thinking about joining? Like any org, joining Greek life has its pros and cons.

Pros include networking and learning leaderships skills, not to mention meeting friends you will have for the rest of your life and, of course, parties. Philanthropy such as fundraising and volunteering is a big part of being in a Greek org – hello, resume booster.

“When you go to Kresge, you are actually able to say ‘Hey, I know this person’ instead sitting by yourself or with somebody from high school. It’s a chance to get to know more people,” Frank O’Brien of Sigma Alpha Epsilon said.

“Everyone joins fraternities for different reasons. I did it for the relationships and the networking. The relationships I’ve gotten out of it have made it well worth it,” Walter Lashar (Tau Kappa Epsilon) said.

The downsides of going Greek?  It’s not cheap. Members are expected to pay dues, which go toward funding events like formals or socials with sororities.

“I think it’s cool, but I can’t afford it. I would if I could and I had the time,” Emma Charen, junior, said.

It’s also a time commitment as members are expected to set aside time for weekly mandatory meetings, not to mention the negative stereotypes that accompany Greek lifestyle, thanks to movies like Animal House.

Despite its questionable portrayal, since 1825, Greek life has attracted all but three U.S. presidents and 85 percent of Fortune 500 executives, not to mention the nine million current Americans a part of a Greek letter organization.  

Rush week is underway and ends Sunday, Jan. 18.