Local Perceptions of Fraternities
Despite a wide national and past dissaproval of both fraternities and sororities in America, they still seem to be largely popular at schools and particularly Santa Clara. It is estimated that over 25% of Santa Clara students are involved in Greek life. So where is the change of heart? What are the representations of fraternity houses to the students of Santa Clara?
To the left, there is a collection of past articles from the Santa Clara Review regarding Greek life. The Santa Clara review was student ran and largely informational, but also very much in support of fraternities and sororities throughout its years. It often just reported on the boring updates between the institutions and the city or school, but also praised their philanthropy activities, rush events, and parties.
These articles make up past student representations of fraternities.
Herd, a popular new social media app that has taken the school by storm and has already accumulated north of a thousand student accounts, represents a solid medium for anonymous communication and representation for the student body. I took the liberty to create a couple polls and forums surrounding student representations of fraternity homes and Greek life.
The student body sees fraternities for the better and also as a social place to 'party'.
The fraternity will often advertise its events through facebook events and shirt designs. One of Pi Kappa Alpha's philanthropy events, The Concrete Classic, is exhibited through the texts on the left.
Pi Kappa Alpha scrimmages another fraternity in a set of three on three basketball games to raise money for the charity of the winners' choice. Afterwards, there is a party with food and drink. This is a great representation of what your average college student probably thinks about fraternities.
Link to video of the event: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YaHob9dOUqs
In all and for the most part, the students of Santa Clara see fraternity homes as social spaces where anything goes. Drinking, screaming, dancing or just about anything can fly within the confines of the house or backyard. Afterall, it is a fraternity house, right?