Western Front: Would you like to see a greek system at WWU?

YES.  AWESOME.  TUBULAR.

But only if I get to rush with Will Ferrell.  Otherwise, what exactly is the point? 

I already drink enough as is.

But I don't think it would work well in Bellingham. We don't have a street with a bunch of mansions right next to campus. And considering we are already cutting the budget, I don't see where we could ever possibly get the money to implement a good, operational greek system. The dorms at WWU are also outrageously expensive so I can't imagine how much more they would want for people interested in the greek system. If we did have greek life at WWU, it would probably be the type where you are a member of  a fraternity (or sorority) but you do not live in a house, it is more like a club you belong to. Personally, I do not think that is worth it and does not really serve the purpose of a greek system. 

My friend at UW called the frat house there the "rape house."

Unfair stereotype, maybe, but I still buy into it.

What is the point of fraternities and sororities anymore? Sounds like practice for being in a cult. Whenever someone tells me they're in one of those, I don't think "wow, they must be smart and successful." I think "wow, what a CREEPY ALCOHOLIC WEIRDO."

There are enough douchebag guys on campus disturbing the general peace. Let's not encourage their behavior by giving them a frat.

 One of the reasons I like Western was because there is no greek system. I do not have a problem with the system it's just not for me. 

We are just talking about how it would affect our campus life, but how would it affect the city of bellingham? We have to remember that we are the only group of people in this great community that exsists.

Western students particpiate in over 1,000,000 hours of community service every year.  I don't think we need to worry about that too much.  The greek system would distract from the chill vibe that most people come here for.  We are a teaching school, not a party school. The financial crisis is showing the true colors of washington's school.  WSU cut its entire theatre department, among others, while keeping all of its sports teams.  Western cut its football team and focused on sustainability, allowing for all the progams here to remain in tact, if minimized in some places.  Western's focus on academics is something wonderful, and it is my belief that a greek system would do nothing but detract from that atmosphere.

I like this idea in theory. Thing is, as a current WEAVE member, it feels like WEAVE already exhibits the positive aspects of a sorority-- bonding, community service, sisterhood, etc. We're exclusive only in the respects that we can only take so many members and we're highly trained. I know that MVPP (and WMAV, minus the cap on members) is the same. But for it to become an actual sorority, what would change? A house, maybe more members? 

I do think it would increase the much-needed public awareness that each individual group even exists, but I don't know if a greek system (even a progressive greek system) is the answer.

I transferred from a university with a Greek system and it is highly over stereo-typed. Although at large campuses like UW there maybe the "rape house" there are still houses that are not frats that could be considered rape houses. I am not a big partier but I met all of my friends though the Greek system and it is a great way to get involved in your school, community, and stay up on your academics. Television and movies do not do justics for the Greek system and basing your school choice off of that decision should be the last of your worries. To be involved in the Greek system you have to have a high GPA while still keeping involved in numerous other community and school activities.