For Interfraternity Council (IFC) President Max Pipman, it was the student philanthropy, the community, and the opportunities that attracted him.

For Panhellenic Council (PHC) President Ali Lipsett, it was something she had always wanted to do. And for about 4,000 other students at Penn State, greek life was the choice for them.

At Penn State, there are 86 fraternities and sororities, including those that are a part of the National Pan-Hellenic Council. The greek community is also developing a new order, the Multicultural Greek Council (MGC), which Scott Phelan, director of fraternity and sorority life, said represents Latino/a and Asian fraternities and sororities.

Phelan said there are many reasons to get involved in the Penn State greek system.

"I believe that all students should get involved in something while at Penn State," Phelan said. "Being involved helps incoming students adjust to college life, lets them explore interests that they may have, provide good friendships and networking opportunities, and develop leadership skills that will help them while at Penn State and beyond.

"Fraternities and sororities are no different -- they provide the opportunity for a group of students with similar values and beliefs to form together and share common experiences."

Pipman felt similarly and cited some advantages
he felt he obtained from becoming part of the greek system.

"Being in a fraternity or sorority can develop a great sense of friendship and brotherhood. It offers a great chance to be involved in philanthropy and community service, has a greater stress on scholarship and academic involvement, and is a fantastic vehicle for leaders. Here at Penn State we have a tight knit greek community that can help people better enjoy not only their undergraduate years, but the rest of their lives."

However, while many students are enticed by the positives of joining a fraternity or sorority, there are aspects of greek life that deter some people.

"Unfortunately there are negative stereotypes against members of fraternities," Pipman said. "These are usually gross exaggerations that may or may not contain some truth ... All fraternities promote the responsible use of alcohol, respect of women, and have ideals that only want to strengthen the community and university. However, there are incidents that can set back that vision."

Phelan said anyone considering joining a fraternity or sorority should "take a closer look."

"The stereotypes that are commonly associated with fraternities and sororities are just that -- stereotypes."

Phelan said stereotypes about greeks being alcoholics are not true.

"Alcohol is not just a fraternity or sorority problem. It is a university problem ... Because fraternities and sororities are identifiable populations, I believe that when incidents do occur in fraternities or sororities they are publicized more often than incidents that occur in unidentifiable populations."

Phelan added that fraternities and sororities have programs in place to educate about high-risk drinking, drug use, and sexual abuse.

Another aspect of greek life that deters some students is a process called "hazing." Hazing is defined by Pennsylvania law as: "Any action or situation which recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student or which willfully destroys or removes public or private property for the purpose of initiation or admission into or affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in, any organization operating under the sanction of or recognized as an organization by an institution of higher education..."

Although Pennsylvania law prohibits hazing in any college organization, some fear the process still exists.

"While I would like to believe that our fraternities and sororities do not participate in hazing activities, it is unfortunate that these activities continue," Phelan said, adding that every fraternity and sorority at Penn State, as well as the governing councils, have their own policies that prohibit hazing.

But even when one decides to join a fraternity or sorority, choosing the best one can be difficult. In order to get to know the different chapters, both fraternities and sororities hold information sessions sometime around the first week of class. There are also mixers, where potential pledges can meet and interact with members from fraternities and sororities.

Next, usually sometime in early September, fraternities and sororities hold open houses, where potential pledges can see the houses or dorms of a fraternity or sorority and get additional time with the members. Pledges can make a list of fraternities or sororities they prefer, and the fraternities and sororities make lists of pledges they like. If the list matches up, a student can officially rush for that organization.

Lipsett said the recruitment experience is a diverse one.

"I think that every woman who goes through recruitment has a different experience. I chose a sorority that made me feel comfortable and had women that had similar interests as myself."

Pipman said that when looking for a fraternity, he, like many students, chose to visit a lot of fraternities.

"...[I] met their members, asked questions, and found a place where I was comfortable."

He added that anyone interested in joining a fraternity should register for recruitment either online at www.greeks.psu.edu or in 217 HUB-Robeson Center. Overall, Pipman has found advantages to becoming part of the greek system.

"The main reasons people become brothers are to enjoy the privileges that it entails. In greek organizations it is often participating in a ritual or tradition, and enjoying the bonds of brotherhood."

Lipsett also cited some positives to joining a sorority.

"I believe that everyone should get involved in something they are interested in and the greek community provides a great way to get involved in the campus and local communities."