Sorority Life. SHU is home to eight sororities on campus, and students can choose whether or not to join one. Some students see it as the bonding experience of a lifetime, while others are not so sure.
“To me, sororities on campus seemed clicky and cliché,” said senior Julia Simoneau. “Though I am aware they have a philanthropic side to them, this does not make up for what they can be associated with. I have seen people spend too much money on dues to look the same and on outfits they might never wear again.”
Anastasia Colagreco, a senior and the risk manager of Delta Zeta, has had a different experience.
“The sorority culture at Sacred Heart University is very different,” said Colagreco. “I always thought finding your tribe on campus was so important. Being in a sorority has given me the opportunity to rejoice in making lifelong friendships, taking on leadership positions and giving back to the world through our philanthropic efforts.”
Some students on campus see sororities in a positive light despite not being involved in one, such as senior and student athlete Chelsea Thakker.
“I like that on this campus every sorority is so passionate about their sisterhood and philanthropy,” said Thakkar. “I personally would still never join a sorority because as an athlete it just seems too time consuming and would not benefit me. I have an incredibly close group of friends and I did not have to join a sorority to find my people.”
Junior Briella Novello joined a sorority her second year at Sacred Heart after contemplating the process.
“I gave it a try and am now thankful as I have been able to branch out and make lots of new friends through Kappa Alpha Theta,” said Novello. “My favorite part is the constant sisterhoods. Through these, I get to create everlasting bonds with so many people.”
Fraternity and Sorority Life announced that in the spring of 2022, the cumulative GPA of their community was 3.27. Academics and Greek Life tie together, as one must maintain a certain GPA to be considered an active member of a sorority or fraternity. For some students on campus, this came too late or is still a barrier in focusing on academics.
“To me, sororities are not the right environment for my school mindset. Coming to this university, I wanted to focus solely on my grades and I do not know if academics is something sororities on this campus take into consideration,” said senior Abrianna Hasipi.
Students take into consideration different viewpoints when deciding if joining a sorority is the right fit for them on this campus. It can work out differently for anyone that decides to take a chance at it or for those who refuse.
“Coming from California was a nerve wracking transition for me,” said sophomore Kaitlyn Dyer. “I took a chance and joined a sorority which has now given me my greatest friends and newfound passions. It is an honor being a part of a group of beautiful, unique and kind women who truly make differences.”