Want to join Greek life?

You may be curious about what Greek life entails and if it is possible to manage everything with your T1D. Good news - plenty of CDN students have been there and have advice for you!

Let’s get something straight - Greek Life isn't all about beer pong and Toga parties. There are a ton of positives about being involved in Greek life. Greek life often has a heavy focus on volunteerism, advocacy work, and community involvement, not to mention a network of peers and alumni to connect with in college (and for the rest of your life). Also, 85% of fortune 500 CEOs were involved in Greek Life and graduation rates among students in Greek Life is 20% higher.

Do Your Research

Every school is unique and has different Greek life culture. Many schools do not have Greek housing or a Greek life party culture, and focus their Greek system more on community service and engagement, while some schools require a dry rush. For those schools that do have a more traditional Greek system, make sure you ask about the pledging process. If it makes you uncomfortable or worried, trust your gut. Greek life may not be for you and that is ok!
Reach out to a current member of the fraternities/sororities you are interested in joining to ask them what their experience has been like. This will help you to learn more about that specific fraternity or sorority’s culture.
Learn how to drink safely with T1D. Talk to a doctor or clinical provider who you trust, ask your diabesties, and check out our friends at Drinking with Diabetes. Knowledge is power.

Learn about drinking and T1D

from a fellow CDN student

Drinking and T1D 101

Download a letter to give to fraternities

or sororities before you pledge.

Letter for Recruitment

“My fraternity brothers support me immensely as a T1D. I have brothers who constantly joke around with me about it, but in the end, they all have my back. Anytime I have gone low and did not have any fruit snacks, my brothers always help me out. They even carry some for me once in a while. Being in a fraternity is one of the best decisions I have made in my college career. Since I joined Greek Life, I have had more accomplishments than I have in my entire life. I ended last semester with a 3.85 GPA, and won the Vice-Presidents leadership award for my school. Greek life helped me to become the man I am today. Without the motivation and constant support from gentlemen I have the honor of calling “brothers”, I don’t believe I would have succeeded in the ways that I have.”

Aaron Sherman

Florida Atlantic University

“Being in a sorority is like any other day. Diabetes does not get in the way of me having fun with my sisters. I am under aged, so I have not yet experienced getting drunk yet (no really, I haven’t!). And the Greek community at my school isn’t known for their partying. When I do get drunk, I want to do it in a controlled environment. I know that my sisters will look out for me, too. My advice to parents is that the Greek community is very supportive, so your student is in good hands. Greek is a great way to network and meet new people. T1D should not keep you from rushing. In the short time that I’ve been a part of Delta Zeta, I have found a great group of women who will support me."

Maddie

CSU-San Marcos