fraternity and sorority life naspa consortium survey · urban areas. except where otherwise...

Fraternity and Sorority Life Consortium Study 2017 1

Fraternity and Sorority Life NASPA Consortium Survey:

Key Findings from Spring 2017

Prepared by Judd Harbin, Ph.D., Director for Campus Life Assessment

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY PURPOSE: The NASPA Assessment and Knowledge Consortium provides a set of studies related to

key areas within Student Affairs. Campus Labs administers these studies nationally. For no additional charge, institutions subscribing to the Baseline product may administer any of the nine studies each year in accordance with their own campus priorities. Universities that do not subscribe to Baseline may participate in the studies on a fee per study basis. NASPA developed each benchmark study in collaboration with the specialty professional association for that area of Student Affairs. NASPA, Campus Labs, and the Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors designed the NASPA Consortium Study for Fraternity and Sorority Life to assess the use, satisfaction, and student-learning outcomes associated with fraternity and sorority programs.

BENCHMARK: National benchmark data is available from 7 participating institutions. Of those 7, six

were doctoral research universities: 4 with higher activity and 2 with highest activity. One of the campuses with higher research activity was a private university with fewer than 10,000 students and a highly residential student body. The remaining public universities ranged in enrollment from low 20,000s to high 30,000s. The largest, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, was also a highly residential campus, but the others—including UNLV—were predominantly non-residential. Other than UNLV, they included Auburn University, University of Memphis, the University of Texas at Arlington.

RESPONSE RATE: The survey was distributed electronically to 8,421 students between March 14 and April

3, 2017 and received 1,058 responses. The overall response rate was 12.6%. The survey was sent to 1,988 members (current and former) of social fraternities and sororities, and 497 responded (25.0%). Of the 497, 482 responded to a follow up question to identify if they were currently active. Of those 482, 403 identified as active members; and 79, as past members. The survey was also sent to 6,423 randomly selected undergraduate UNLV students who did not appear on the membership rosters, and 561 (8.7%) responded. The first 800 students to complete the survey received $5 in RebelCash; the first 400 from the member group and the first 400 from the non-member group.


CAVEAT: Due to a technical error, respondents who identified as members of a fraternity or sorority skipped one page of items related to illicit drug use, hazing, and administrative and advising support for their chapters. The error was discovered during data analysis and reported to Campus Labs, where the error was traced to skip-logic that originated in the template of the survey but which was overlooked when adjusting item and page sequence to insert some institution-specific items. Campus Labs personnel administered a follow-up survey consisting of 8-items; they distributed it to the 403 respondents who should have seen the page but did not. Of those 403, merely 123 responded. Of those 123, only 120 completed the supplemental survey. Because of the low participation count, great caution should be exercised to avoid generalizing the findings of those eight skipped items.

ABSTRACT: Among the 1,058 responses, 561 indicated they were not members of a fraternity or

sorority, and 497 indicated they were either current or former members of a fraternity or sorority. Results were compared with UNLV outcomes in the past, and doctoral research universities, pubic, large and urban (DRUPLU), with at least higher research activity. Overall non-member students do not know how chapters contribute to their campuses. With a decline in campus visibility of chapters, students see fraternities and sororities as the national media portrays them. However, never-member students’ perceptions of chapters’ involvement in multicultural events, and the promoting of academic achievements, increased. Positively, members reported less of an emphasis on drinking, as well as less consumption of alcohol. Unfortunately, members also expressed a decline in support from administration and staff. Fraternity & Sorority Life (FSL) as well as the councils and individual chapters could challenge national portrayals by highlighting visibly the ways that members and chapters contribute to campus and community as well as by celebrating the successes of local chapters and members. In addition, FSL may consider developing standards which councils and/or chapters must meet to qualify for departmental recognitions, certifications, and/or supplemental support services while developing a process that may include administration and staff in publicly highlighting these successes. Finally, FSL may consider reviewing the results and recommendations more fully with council leaders and chapter leaders for their additional insights and suggestions.


FINDINGS NEVER MEMBER

The respondents appeared to be a good fit to represent the never-Greek undergraduates on campus. Goodness of Fit Chi-Square tests were used to compare respondents to eligible undergraduates with regard to classification, binary gender, race/ethnicity, and college(s) of enrollment. Where chi-square tests indicated statistical significance, Cramer’s V was calculated to estimate the size of the effect, and in each case, the effect size was weak (binary gender) or very weak (classification, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, Multiracial, College of Business, or College of Sciences). UNLV DRUPLU

Respondents Undergraduates Respondents Class Freshman 22% 20% 21%

Sophomore 22% 22% 22% Junior 27% 25% 26% Senior 28% 34% 25%

Gender Male 36% 44% 35% Female 64% 56% 62%

Transgender* -- -- 1%

Race/ Indigenous / Native 3% 2% 1%

Ethnicity Asian 30% 28% Native Hawaiian / Other Pacific Islander 8% 6% 21%

Latino(a)/Hispanic 30% 29% 16% Black / African American 11% 12% 16% White 50% 51% 34% Middle Eastern -- -- 1% Multiracial 31% 27% 6% Blank / No Answer <1% 1% 3%

Other Full-time 90% -- 88% International 3% -- 3% LBGTIQ 14% -- 12% Veterans 4% -- 4% First Generation 36% -- 33% Transfer to UNLV 35% -- 35% Relative in a F/S 18% -- 22%

* Figures displayed for UNLV respondents and undergraduates in class, gender, and race/ethnicity reflect data from enrollment records rather than survey responses. Survey responses indicated that 36% of respondents identified as men; 61%, as women; and 1% as transgender. Another 2% indicated that they preferred not to respond. For Race/Ethnicity, the consortium study combines Asian with Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander. It also provides a response for Middle Eastern.


UNLV Respondents Only Primary College Respondents Undergraduate Primary College Respondents Undergraduate Business 10% 14% Liberal Arts 15% 14% Education 4% 5% Law 0% 0% Engineering 11% 10% Sciences 14% 11% Fine Arts 7% 8% Urban Affairs 12% 10% Health Sciences 16% 15% Undecided 5% 5% Hotel Administration 9% 9% Non-Degree 0% 0%

UNLV DRUPLU Respondents Undergraduates Respondents Club or Organization 38% -- 43%

Involvement Intramurals 14% -- 15% Intercollegiate Athletics 1% -- 2% Fraternity/Sorority 0% -- 0% - currently active -- -- -- - former member -- -- --

Age Average (years) 21.6 22.4 22.6 18 11% -- 10% 19 18% -- 16% 20 15% -- 15% 21 15% -- 14%

22+ 40% -- 44%

Studying/ 0 hours 1% -- 1% Week 1-15 hours 74% -- 74%

16 - 30 hours 21% -- 22%

More than 30 hours 4% -- 4%

Working/ None 33% -- 33% Week 1 - 10 hours 9% -- 9%

11 - 20 hours 27% -- 27%

21 - 40 hours 27% -- 26%

41+ hours 4% -- 6%

Average (cumulative) 3.06 2.93 -- Expected 3.5 to 4.0 35% -- 39% semester 3.0 to 3.4 38% -- 33%

GPA 2.5 to 2.9 20% -- 21% 2.0 to 2.4 6% -- 5% Below 2. 1% -- 1%

Residence Residence Hall 11% -- 15% Off Campus -- - Alone or with friends 16% -- 19% - Parent/Guardian 61% -- 53%

-Spouse, Partner, Children

10% -- 12%

Studying Abroad 1% -- 1% Other <1% -- <1%


For respondents, their average age and average GPA both differed significantly from the eligible UNLV undergraduates. Cohen’s d was calculated for each variable. For age, the size of the difference was trivial (0.18); and for GPA, small (0.20). Students who have never been a member of a fraternity or sorority answered the following questions. For historical comparisons, responses for 217 students enrolled at UNLV during Spring 2014 appear in the UNLV-2014 column, and responses from the 424 UNLV students during Spring 2011 appear in the UNLV-2011 column. For national comparison, the DRUPLU column shows responses from students enrolled at doctoral research universities with higher or highest activity that were also large institutions in the public sector and located in more urban areas. Except where otherwise indicated, the percent figures reflect the portion of respondents endorsing one of the two options on the agreement side of the neutral rating—i.e., moderately agree or strongly agree. Highlighted figures in a row indicate that the mean underlying the highlighted figure differs significantly from the mean underlying the UNLV-2017 figure on that row. Because the significance testing was based on differences in mean ratings, differences in percentage agreement may be highlighted for one item and not another item with an equal or larger difference. Where differences between UNLV-2017 and the highlighted cell are small, the underlying mean has changed largely due to a shift in endorsements from moderately to strongly agree. UNLV-2017 UNLV-2014 UNLV-2011 DRUPLU Ever considered joining fraternity or sorority (yes) 48% 51% 42% 52% Have you participated in recruitment? (yes) 34% 29% 19% 32% Did not participate in recruitment For which reason did you not participate

Too busy with academics 59% 53% 55% 51% Too expensive 58% 54% 53% 52% Did not know anyone else participating 39% 32% 35% 34% Work schedule does not permit 28% 36% 38% 25% Not sure how to sign up 28% 35% 37% 33% Did not have good impression 26% 34% 37% 24% Did not know about it 20% 23% 19% 21% Concerns about hazing 17% 28% 22% 16% Concerns about alcohol 13% 18% 21% 10% Not interested in joining a chapter 10% 14% 13% 9% Family not supportive 7% 1% 9% 7% Desired organization does not have chapter here 2% 3% 2% 8%

Completely or greatly regret decision to not participate 6% 5% 7% 12% Participated in Recruitment Respondents participating (N) 91 31 31 164 Academic classification when participated in recruitment

Freshman 34% 47% 48% 36% Sophomore 32% 27% 31% 29% Junior 24% 23% 17% 23% Senior 10% 3% 3% 10%


UNLV-2017 UNLV-2014 UNLV-2011 DRUPLU How did you hear about recruitment / intake

Friends 66% 53% 69% 63% Campus event 45% 0% 48% 38% Fraternity/sorority members 38% 53% 59% 42% Orientation events or programs 32% 0% 24% 36% Fraternity/sorority alumni 15% 7% 14% 15% Email after arriving on campus 14% 7% 28% 18% Residence hall fellow residents 13% 20% 17% 12% Email prior to arriving on campus 13% 0% 7% 11% Facebook 12% 17% 34% 11% Orientation leader 12% 0% 7% 11% Mail prior to arriving on campus 8% 0% 3% 8% Family members 7% 3% 7% 7% Residence hall staff 5% 3% 0% 4% Website 5% 0% 7% 7% Faculty 2% 0% 0% 2% Other Campus Staff 0% 7% 3% 1%

Why did you participate in recruitment / intake

Join an organization 61% 50% 66% 56% Meet new people 60% 80% 79% 60% Learn more about fraternities/sororities 57% 57% 90% 61% Explore leadership opportunities 31% 37% 45% 32% Because my friends were participating 26% 30% 34% 27% One or more family member is Greek 13% 7% 14% 14% See chapter housing options 6% 0% 0% 6%

Agreed moderately or strongly about recruitment / intake

Good introduction to various chapters 76% 85% 72% 79% Good way to meet people 72% 80% 86% 76% Increased knowledge of fraternities/sororities 73% 62% 83% 75% Increased sense of belonging 42% 45% 55% 43% Increased knowledge how FSL contributes campus 55% 47% 76% 58%

Recruitment/Intake led to more positive impression 56% 60% 55% 57% Did you receive a bid? (yes) 38% 30% 41% 40% If not, did you stop or withdraw from recruitment? (yes) 65% 62% 65% 62%

Count of students who stopped or withdrew 34 13 11 54 For what reasons did you choose not to stop or withdraw

o Did not understand requirements 3% 15% 0% 6% o Needed to focus on academics 56% 69% 64% 51% o Financial concerns 65% 46% 36% 58% o Did not get a good impression 26% 15% 36% 26% o Did not feel a connection 35% 8% 27% 38% o Did not meet the requirements to join 6% 0% 36% 11% o Did not feel comfortable with recruitment 29% 0% 18% 28%


UNLV-2017 UNLV-2014 UNLV-2011 DRUPLU CONTINUED: For what reasons did you choose not to stop or withdraw

o Too much focus on alcohol or partying 20% 8% 9% 21% o Concerns about hazing 20% 15% 0% 23% o Family was not supportive 3% 8% 9% 6% o Focus on job responsibilities 44% 54% 45% 36%

To what extent do you regret the decision not to finish membership recruitment

o Complete or greatly 18% 0% 45% 15% o Not at all 32% 38% 0% 40%

How many times per week interact with F/S members 3.98 3.86 3.96 3.94 Fraternities/Sororities extremely/very involved on campus 32% 34% 26% 33% Perceive fraternities and sororities positively 28% 31% 24% 33% Students perceive chapters positively 26% 29% 22% 30% Students perceive chapters negatively 43% 34% 34% 38% Upon which do you base your perception of fraternities and sororities

Interactions with individual f/s members 68% 60% 62% 67% On campus events sponsored by f/s 45% 42% 41% 46% Interactions with groups of f/s members 46% 49% 39% 46% Second hand info from f/s members 43% 36% 35% 45% Social networking sites 46% 36% 30% 48% Local/national media 18% 18% 14% 19% Television / movies 23% 24% 27% 22% Fraternity/sorority life website 9% 12% 6% 10% Off campus event sponsored by f/s 19% 20% 17% 22% Information from faculty 5% 4% 6% 5% Information from staff 4% 2% 5% 4% Information from family 8% 7% 9% 9%

How much to fraternities and sororities contribute to the following types of activities on campus

Academic / educational 17% 16% 14% 58% Multicultural 33% 31% 23% 33% Philanthropic 33% 26% 29% 37% Social events with alcohol 59% 57% 60% 56% Social events without alcohol 29% 29% 26% 32% Recreational events 30% 28% 47% 39%

Attends at least 1 structured event sponsored by F/S /sem 18% 22% 23% 24% Attends at least 1 social event sponsored by F/S per sem 24% 24% 23% 27% Satisfied with social life on campus 49% 48% 52% 50%


UNLV-2017 UNLV-2014 UNLV-2011 DRUPLU Fraternities and sororities…

value academics 39% 39% 30% 45% improve campus life 35% 34% 32% 39% value community service 48% 42% 39% 52% are worth the financial cost to join 14% 12% 11% 18% provide meaningful leadership experiences 44% 45% 36% 51% provide networking opportunities for job placement 51% 47% 44% 58% provide positive social opportunities for students 58% 58% 51% 61% provide skills needed to succeed in the workforce 30% 32% 25% 35% encourage members to drink alcohol 42% 40% 43% 39% place emphasis on drinking alcohol 38% 36% 42% 35%

Fraternity and sorority life is celebrated on campus 58% 64% 50% 58% Students are discouraged from joining 12% 13% 9% 11% Members study more than non-members 8% 11% 3% 7% Fraternities and sororities promote academic achievement 26% 19% 15% 30% Hazing is a problem in fraternities & sororities here 24% 22% 18% 23% A majority of my friends are…

Same gender as me 45% 38% 36% 44% Same ethnicity as me 32% 34% 31% 35% Same religion as me 12% 10% 16% 18% Same socio-economic status as me 35% 34% 34% 33% Same sexual orientation as me 34% 25% 42% 36% None of the above 26% 31% 29% 26%

F/S life was extremely or very important in decision to attend UNLV 5% 4% 4% 7% If you could start over again, you would go to UNLV 69% 66% -- 72% Will enroll next semester (or graduate) 93% 95% -- 94%


CURRENT MEMBERS The respondents appeared to be a good fit to represent the current Greek undergraduates on campus. Goodness of Fit Chi-Square tests were used to compare respondents to 1,301 undergraduate members of fraternities and sororities with regard to classification, binary gender, race/ethnicity, and college(s) of enrollment. Where chi-square tests indicated statistical significance, Cramer’s V was calculated to estimate the size of the effect. For binary gender, female-identified members responded moderately more than male-identified members. For classification, the chi-square test was significant, but the size of the effect was weak. In other regards, the respondents were a good fit.

UNLV DRUPLU Respondents Undergraduates Respondents (n=403) (n=1,301) (n=2,130)

Class Freshman 23% 18% 22% Sophomore 22% 27% 27% Junior 29% 28% 29% Senior 26% 26% 22%

Gender Male 28% 39% 29% Female 72% 61% 70% Transgender * -- -- 0%

Race/ Indigenous / Native 3% 3% <1%

Ethnicity Asian 18% 19%

Native Hawaiian / Other Pacific Islander

6% 6% 8%

Latino(a)/Hispanic 25% 26% 9% Black / African American 8% 7% 4% White 68% 67% 74% Middle Eastern <1% Multiracial 28% 28% 2% Blank / No Answer 1% 1% 1%

Other Full-time 89% -- 95% International 1% -- 1% LBGTIQ 5% -- 3% Veterans <1% -- 1% First Generation 33% -- 15% Transfer to UNLV 23% -- 11% Relative in a F/S 30% -- 55%

* Figures displayed for UNLV respondents and undergraduates in class, gender, and race/ethnicity reflect data from enrollment records rather than survey responses. Survey responses indicated that 27% of respondents identified as men; 73%, as women; and 0% as transgender. No one indicated that they preferred not to respond. For Race/Ethnicity, the consortium study combines Asian with Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander. It also provides a response for Middle Eastern.


UNLV Respondents Only

Primary College Respondents Undergraduate Primary College Respondents Undergraduate Business 14% 17% Liberal Arts 13% 11% Education 4% 6% Law 0% 0% Engineering 4% 4% Sciences 7% 5% Fine Arts 6% 5% Urban Affairs 14% 16% Health Sciences 16% 15% Undecided 6% 6% Hotel Administration 19% 18% Non-Degree 0% 0%

UNLV L4NR Respondents Undergraduates Respondents

Involvement Club or Organization 80% -- 87% Intramurals 40% -- 48% Intercollegiate Athletics 1% -- 1% Fraternity/Sorority - currently active 100% -- 100% - former member 0% -- 0%

Age Average (years) 20.2 20.5 20.3 18 12% -- 6% 19 20% -- 27% 20 20% -- 28% 21 24% -- 22%

22+ 24% -- 16%

Studying/ 0 hours <1% -- <1% Week 1-15 hours 71% -- 70%

16 - 30 hours 26% -- 26% More than 30 hours 3% -- 3%

Working/ None 20% -- 46% Week 1 - 10 hours 7% -- 17%

11 - 20 hours 33% -- 22% 21 - 40 hours 35% -- 13% 41+ hours 5% -- 2%

Expected Average (cumulative) 2.97 2.88 -- semester 3.5 to 4.0 18% -- 36%

GPA 3.0 to 3.4 43% -- 40% 2.5 to 2.9 29% -- 20% 2.0 to 2.4 6% -- 3% Below 2. 4% -- 1%

Residence Residence Hall 23% -- 27% Off Campus - Alone or with friends 25% -- 42% - Parent/Guardian 48% -- 13% -Spouse, Partner, Children

3% -- 1%

Studying Abroad <1% -- <1% Other <1% -- <1%


For members who responded, their average age and average GPA both differed significantly from the 1,301 members. Cohen’s d was calculated for each variable, and in both cases, the effect size was trivial (0.15). Students who indicated they were currently active members of a fraternity or sorority answered the following questions. For historical comparisons, responses for 560 students enrolled at UNLV during Spring 2014 appear in the UNLV-2014 column, and responses from the 341 UNLV students during Spring 2011 appear in the UNLV-2011 column. UNLV-2017 UNLV-2014 UNLV-2011 DRUPLU F/S life was extremely or very important in decision to attend UNLV 39% 40% 34% 42% How did you hear about recruitment / intake

Friends 62% 61% 65% 73% Campus event 39% 0% 41% 18% Fraternity/sorority members 35% 44% 52% 46% Orientation events or programs 32% 0% 9% 35% Fraternity/sorority alumni 16% 11% 17% 25% Email after arriving on campus 10% 8% 7% 11% Residence hall fellow residents 12% 10% 12% 10% Email prior to arriving on campus 7% 0% 2% 17% Facebook 7% 14% 18% 15% Orientation leader 7% 0% 4% 10% Mail prior to arriving on campus 3% 0% 4% 8% Family members 15% 13% 17% 30% Residence hall staff 4% 2% 1% 2% Website 12% 11% 18% 18% Faculty 1% <1% 2% 1% Other Campus Staff 1% <1% 2% 1%

Why did you participate in recruitment / intake

Join an organization 78% 72% 78% 79% Meet new people 90% 89% 90% 91% Learn more about fraternities/sororities 40% 43% 47% 35% Explore leadership opportunities 66% 66% 68% 58% Because my friends were participating 23% 26% 27% 34% One or more family member is Greek 17% 17% 20% 34% See chapter housing options 7% 6% 0% 9%

Agreed moderately or strongly about recruitment / intake

Good introduction to various chapters 88% 89% 87% 83% Good way to meet people 95% 96% 94% 94% Increased knowledge of fraternities/sororities 92% 95% 92% 90% Increased sense of belonging 90% 92% 91% 84% Increased knowledge how FSL contributes campus 90% 94% 90% 88%

Recruitment led to more positive impression of chapters 93% 93% 91% 84% Received a bid as a result of participating in recruitment/intake 98% 96% 96% 98% How confident were you in decision to join 82% 84% 85% 78%


UNLV-2017 UNLV-2014 UNLV-2011 DRUPLU Why did you choose to join a fraternity / sorority?

Social experiences 85% 86% 90% 91% Connect with students with similar interests 82% 85% 81% 87% Wanted to be involved on campus 81% 84% 84% 81% Networking opportunities 76% 74% 77% 73% Leadership opportunities 74% 73% 75% 68% Service opportunities 72% 68% 67% 62% Experience different types of learning 60% 65% 58% 45% Resume builder 54% 56% 58% 48% Scholarship opportunities 49% 44% 51% 33% Assist me academically 42% 42% 38% 33% Continue family legacy 6% 7% 8% 11% Housing 3% 0% 5% 18%

Class standing when you joined your chapter

First year / Freshman 58% 60% 56% 76% Sophomore 26% 24% 28% 16% Junior 14% 13% 12% 6% Senior 2% 2% 4% 1%

Engagement in Chapter Extremely or very involved in your chapter? 70% 74% 78% 63% Always or often attend chapter meetings? 89% 92% 97% 89% How many events attend per week 2.80 2.71 2.52 3.03 How many events attend per month 2.22 2.12 1.85 2.03 Hold (or ever held) leadership position 63% 56% 65% 62% Hold (or ever held) executive or board position 59% 32% 63% 56% A majority of my friends are…

Same gender as me 50% 53% 53% 66% Same ethnicity as me 18% 26% 21% 54% Same religion as me 8% 12% 11% 36% Same socio-economic status as me 20% 24% 21% 42% Same sexual orientation as me 32% 36% 42% 62% None of the above 32% 29% 30% 13%

Satisfied with social life 87% 90% 88% 90%


UNLV-2017 UNLV-2014 UNLV-2011 DRUPLU Outcomes as a result of membership Meet individuals with different interests 97% 98% 99% 96% Connect with other students 97% 97% 98% 97% Connect with faculty 51% 51% 46% 43% Connect with staff / administrators 50% 53% 46% 44% Connect with alumni 83% 85% 79% 75% Feel part of campus community 90% 92% 94% 89% Feel part of local community 80% 83% 80% 80% Been able to make a difference on campus 78% 79% 79% 75% Better able to articulate values and beliefs 93% 95% 95% 86% Ability to work in team improved 92% 94% 94% 88% Communication skills improved 92% 94% 93% 90% Leadership skills improved 93% 93% 92% 86% Better able to delegate 88% 92% 90% 82% Learned to balance social and academic 91% 92% 90% 91% Better able to manage conflict 88% 90% 90% 86% Understanding of difference perspectives changed 91% 89% 89% 81% Time management skills improved 88% 90% 85% 83% Critical thinking skills improved 86% 88% 83% 75% Study skills have improved 79% 81% 74% 71% Academic achievement and grades improved 63% 62% 53% 52% Health (fitness, eating habits, etc) improved 59% 65% 63% 50% UNLV-specific outcomes as a result of membership Greater sense of personal responsibility 94% 96% 93% - - Better able to plan and organize -- 95% 92% - - More likely to be civically engaged after grad 89% 90% 91% - - Greater sense of civic responsibility -- 92% 90% - - As a result of fraternity/sorority membership, I learned more about or became more aware of diversity issues:

Age 46% 46% 58% - - Disability 36% 35% 31% - - Gender 41% 37% 7% - - Race/ethnicity/culture 72% 66% 67% - - Geographic 47% 46% 51% - - Political views 60% 37% 50% - - Religion/spirituality 40% 37% 48% - - Sexual orientation 39% 36% 38% - - Social-economic status 47% 41% 53% - - Social justice 35% 29% 34% - - Life experiences 72% 73% 80% - - Not learned about diversity 3% 4% 3% - -

Anticipated Outcomes More likely to donate to institution 64% 73% 66% 61% More likely to complete degree 89% 92% 86% 78% Developed skills and abilities I will use after college 94% 95% 95% 92% Participate in institution alumni events 78% 85% 79% 77%


UNLV-2017 UNLV-2014 UNLV-2011 DRUPLU If you could start over again, you would go to UNLV 76% 73% -- 88% Will enroll next semester (or graduate) 98% 97% -- 98% Perceptions: Fraternity and sorority life is celebrated on campus 50% 72% 58% 56% Students are discouraged from joining 32% 26% 30% 21% Members study more than non-members 39% 45% 35% 30% Fraternities and sororities promote academic achievement 88% 87% 84% 86% Fraternities and sororities are somewhat or very positively perceived by…

Alumni 79% 82% 71% 80% Administrators 26% 37% 28% 30% Local community 46% 53% 41% 42% Parents 52% 55% 51% 61% Students NOT in fraternities or sororities 21% 26% 22% 21% Fraternity and sorority students 93% 96% 95% 93% Staff 28% 36% 25% 27% Faculty 26% 35% 25% 26% You yourself (respondent) 40% 25%

Fraternities and sororities…

Greatly or considerably accept the seeking of professional mental health services 74% -- -- --

value academics 93% 94% 92% 91% improve campus life 90% 95% 96% 90% value community service 96% 96% 94% 91% are worth the financial cost to join 85% 86% 88% 78% provide meaningful leadership experiences 97% 97% 97% 94% provide networking opportunities for job placement 95% 93% 92% 87% provide positive social opportunities for students 96% 96% 96% 95% provide skills needed to succeed in the workforce 94% 94% 94% 88%

Hazing and Alcohol1

Fraternities and sororities… encourage members to drink alcohol 8% 15% 15% 14% place emphasis on drinking alcohol 10% 16% 14% 13%

Members in chapter who drink alcohol Drink often (about 1 – 4 times per month) 34% 41% 46% 57% Drink very often (more than 3 times per week) 6% 6% 8% 11%

Illicit drugs are accepted completely or quite a bit by members 3% 2% - - - - You are very or extremely knowledgeable about hazing 92% 94% 96% 88% Hazing prevention discussed at least monthly 75% 67% 61% 48% How often do hazing activities take place in your chapter

I don’t know 6% 3% 3% 3% Never 86% 93% 94% 91% About once a semester (or more) 8% 3% 3% 5%

Hazing is a problem in chapters on this campus2 11% 16% 10% 17%


Council Members Chapter General and Chapter Exec Leaders Members N 138 94 139 Satisfied with support of university administration for F / S 26% 41% 32% Satisfied with support of OCED FSL staff for your chapter 66% 62% 54% Satisfied with advisors for your chapter 55% 31% 49% Attending 1 to 5 events per month (up to 1/week) 34% 36% 41% Attending 6 to 9 events per month (up to 2/week) 27% 28% 23% Attending 10 to 14 events per month (one every 3 days) 22% 22% 18% Attending more than 15 events per month (one every other day) 17% 12% 13% Attending 1 event per week 20% 19% 25% Attending 2 events per week 38% 38% 35% Attending 3 events per week 19% 16% 25% Attending more than 4 events per week 18% 19% 10%


Of which chapter are / were you a member NPHC 7 1.7% Alpha Kappa Alpha 0 Alpha Phi Alpha 0 Delta Sigma Theta 4 Iota Phi Theta 0 Kappa Alpha Psi 0 Omega Psi Phi Phi Beta Sigma 0 Sigma Gamma Rho 1 Zeta Phi Beta 2 Multicultural Greek Council 40 9.9% Alpha Phi Gamma 12 Alpha Psi Rho 4 Epsilon Alpha Sigma 3 Kappa Delta Chi 4 Lambda Theta Nu 1 Nu Alpha Kappa * 2 Omega Delta Phi 5 Pi Alpha Phi 0 Sigma Omega Nu 3 Sigma Theta Psi 6

Panhellenic Council 253 62.8% Alpha Delta Pi 41 Alpha Gamma Delta 43 Alpha Xi Delta 37 Delta Zeta 32 Gamma Phi Beta 26 Sigma Kappa 31 Sigma Sigma Sigma 24 Zeta Tau Alpha 19 Interfraternity Council 98 24.3% Alpha Epsilon Pi 8 Alpha Tau Omega 7 Delta Chi 14 Kappa Sigma 17 Lambda Chi Alpha 14 Nu Alpha Kappa * 2 Phi Delta Theta 2 Pi Kappa Alpha 10 Pi Kappa Phi 8 Sigma Alpha Epsilon 7 Sigma Alpha Mu 4 Tau Kappa Epsilon 5

Other: 7 1.7% Total respondents identifying their chapters of membership: 403 * Nu Alpha Kappa is a member of more than one council. Those five respondents count only once each in the total respondents, but their respondents count for the percent total for both councils. Sum of council percentages, therefore, exceeds 100.


Council Chapter Chapter Chapter Council Council

Accept Underage Drinking*

Accept Illicit Drug Use*

Accept Underage Drinking*

Accept Illicit Drug Use*

NPHC Alpha Kappa Alpha -- -- -- -- Alpha Phi Alpha -- -- Delta Sigma Theta -- -- Iota Phi Theta -- -- Kappa Alpha Psi -- -- Omega Psi Phi -- -- Phi Beta Sigma -- -- Sigma Gamma Rho -- -- Zeta Phi Beta -- --

MGC Alpha Phi Gamma -- -- 11% 3% Alpha Psi Rho -- -- Kappa Delta Chi -- -- Lambda Theta Nu -- -- Nu Alpha Kappa -- -- Omega Delta Phi -- -- Pi Alpha Phi -- -- Sigma Omega Nu -- -- Sigma Theta Psi -- --

PHC Alpha Delta Pi 20% 3% 24% 6% Alpha Gamma Delta 8% 5% Alpha Xi Delta 43% 3% Delta Zeta 17% 3% Gamma Phi Beta 38% 4% Sigma Kappa 31% 8% Sigma Sigma Sigma 28% 24% Zeta Tau Alpha 7% 0%

IFC Alpha Epsilon Pi -- -- 8% 7% Alpha Tau Omega -- -- Delta Chi -- -- Kappa Sigma 0% 0% Lambda Chi Alpha -- -- Nu Alpha Kappa -- -- Phi Delta Theta -- -- Pi Kappa Alpha -- -- Pi Kappa Phi -- -- Sigma Alpha Epsilon -- -- Sigma Alpha Mu -- -- Tau Kappa Epsilon -- -- * Percent of respondents indicating moderate, quite a bit, or complete acceptance of use. Where a chapter or council had 15 or fewer respondents, group-level results are omitted (--).


FORMER MEMBERS Seventy-five (75) students who indicated they were once members of a fraternity or sorority but no longer active answered the following questions. For historical comparisons, responses for 48 students enrolled at UNLV during Spring 2014 appear in the UNLV-2014 column. For point of reference, responses from the 31 UNLV students during Spring 2011 appear in the UNLV-2011 column. The DRUPLU column includes 155 respondents, including 75 from UNLV. UNLV-2017 UNLV-2014 UNLV-2011 DRUPLU For which of the following reasons did you leave after you joined?

I was asked to leave the organization 4% 8% 0% 3% I resigned / deactivated 60% 46% 64% 70% Organization disbanded 16% 2% 3% 10% Other 20% 44% 32% 17%

Was an initiated member (yes) 73% 75% 74% 80% Did hold a leadership positions 40% 50% 45% 40% Reasons why one left one’s organization

Academic reasons 30% 50% 25% 26% Financial reason 49% 59% 40% 49% Housing preference 5% 0% 0% 6% Did not agree with organization policies 12% 13% 25% 30% Health reasons (either physical, mental, or both) 7% 0% 10% 14% Too much focus on alcohol 16% 4% 10% 21% Hazing concerns 2% 4% 10% 6% Work/job responsibilities 46% 36% 40% 41% Concerns of my family/friends 16% 14% 25% 14% Other 21% 18% 30% 31%

Approximately when did you leave

Within the first week of joining 5% 0% 15% 3% Within the first month of joining 16% 14% 15% 10% Just before initiation 14% 18% 10% 12% Within 1 year of initiation 23% 32% 30% 36% Within 2 years of initiation 16% 18% 10% 17% More than 2 years after initiation 26% 18% 20% 22%

Completely or greatly regret the decision to leave 21% 18% 15% 18% Participate in any activities with former chapter 14% 36% 15% 17%


COMPARING CURRENT MEMBERS AND NEVER MEMBERS Member Non-Member A majority of my friends are

Same gender as me 50% 45% Same ethnicity as me 18% 32% Same religion as me 8% 12% Same socio-economic class as me 20% 35% Same sexual orientation as me 32% 34% None of the above 32% 26%

Satisfied with social life on campus 87% 49% Importance of FSL on decision to attend 39% 5% Fraternities and sororities…

Value academics 93% 39% Improve campus life 90% 35% Value community service 96% 48% Are worth the financial costs to join 85% 14% Provide meaningful leadership experiences 97% 44% Provide professional networking 95% 51% Provide positive social opportunities 96% 58% Provide skills for success in today’s workforce 94% 30% Encourage their members to drink alcohol 8% 42% Emphasize alcohol 10% 38%

Promote academic achievement 88% 26% Hazing is a problem in f/s on this campus 11% 24% Students are discouraged to join f/s by the campus 32% 12% F/S members study more than non f/s members 39% 8% Fraternity/sorority life is celebrated on campus 50% 58% Students on campus have a negative perception of f/s 61% 43% Students on campus have a positive perception of f/s 32% 26% If you could start over again, you would go to UNLV 76% 69% Will enroll next semester (or graduate) 98% 93%


NATIONALANDHISTORICALBENCHMARKSFive doctoral research universities with at least higher research activity participated in the Fraternity and Sorority Life NASPA Consortium in Spring 2017. This benchmarking set included Auburn University, University of Memphis, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, University of Texas at Arlington, and UNLV. Unless otherwise noted, responses from UNLV students did not differ significantly from responses in the national benchmarking group.

Never‐MembersRoughly half of students who have never been affiliated with a sorority or fraternity have considered joining one, and one in three of the never affiliated students have participated in recruitment. For the 14% who have considered joining but never participated in recruitment, two barriers to recruitment dominated: too busy with academics (59%) and expense of recruitment (58%). The third most common reason was not knowing anyone else who was participating (39%). Having to work was a barrier for a little more than 1 in 4 (28%). Still, few (6%) regretted their decision not to participate in recruitment or intake. For those who did participate, most were either freshmen (34%) or sophomores (32%) at the time. Friends continued to be the most common way that students heard about recruitment. Joining an organization, meeting new people, and learning more about sororities and fraternities remained the top three reasons for participating in recruitment, but the order of the three varied historically and nationally. Recruitment or intake also appeared to fulfill these three purposes well. It also led a little more than half of participants to a more positive impression of sororities and fraternities. The majority of students who withdrew from recruitment did so because of financial concerns or a felt need to focus more on academics. The majority (68%) of students who withdrew from recruitment expressed at least slight regret for withdrawing, but less than 1 in 5 (18%) felt complete or great regret. Most never-member (68%) reported basing their perception of fraternities and sororities upon their interactions with individual members of those organizations. Slightly less than half indicated that interactions with groups of members (46%), social networking sites (46%), on-campus events sponsored by chapters (45%), and second-hand information from members (43%) informed their perceptions. A majority of never-members (59%) indicated that sororities and fraternities contribute to social events with alcohol. Approximately 1 in 3 never-members also acknowledged that these organizations contribute to multicultural (33%), philanthropic (33%), or recreational (30%) activities on campus. One in five (18%) attend at least one structured event sponsored by a fraternity or sorority each semester, and one in four (24%) attend at least one social event sponsored by a fraternity or sorority each semester. Half of never-members (49%) indicated that they were satisfied with social life on campus. A majority of never-members agreed that these organizations provide positive social opportunities for their members (58%) and that they are celebrated on campus (58%). Half agreed that the organizations provide networking opportunities for job placement (51%) and value community service (48%). One in four agreed that these organizations promote academic achievement (26%), and fewer than one in ten (8%) thought that members studied more than non-members. Few (14%) agreed that they were worth the financial cost to join. Roughly one in ten (12%) reported that students are discouraged from joining. One in twenty (5%) indicated that sorority and fraternity life on campus was extremely or very important to their decision to attend UNLV. A large majority (69%) would choose UNLV again if they could start over, and 93% plan to enroll next semester or graduate this semester.


MembersThe majority of members (58%) joined a sorority or fraternity during their first year at the university. Most of the rest, an additional 26%, joined during their sophomore year. Friends were the most common way that they (62%) heard about recruitment or intake. The next most common source was a campus event (39%) followed closely by then-current members of sororities and fraternities (35%). Many of these students indicated that they participated to meet new people (90%), join an organization (78%) or explore leadership opportunities (66%). One in four (23%) participated because their friends were. Less than one in five (17%) participated because one of their family members was a member of a sorority or fraternity. Nine out of ten members agreed moderately or strongly that recruitment/intake was a good way to meet people (95%), led to more positive impression of chapters (93%), increased their knowledge of sororities and fraternities (92%) and how they contribute to campus (90%), increased their sense of belonging at UNLV (90%), and offered a good introduction to the chapters (88%). For three of these gains, responses from UNLV students were significantly higher than national comparisons: recruitment/intake leading to a more favorable impression of chapters, students feeling an increased sense of belonging on campus, and offering a good introduction to chapters. A large majority chose to join because of social experiences (85%), connecting with students who have similar interests (82%), wanting to be involved on campus (81%). The opportunities to engage in networking, leadership, and service were also important factors to a large majority of respondents (76%, 74%, and 72%, respectively). Eight out of ten (82%) were confident of their decision to join. With regard to their engagement with their sorority or fraternity chapter, 9 of 10 (89%) indicated that they always or often attend chapter meetings, and 70% indicated that they were extremely or very involved with the chapter. A majority of respondents (63%) hold or have held leadership roles in their chapters, and 59% hold or have held executive or board positions in their chapters. When asked to estimate how many events they attend per week and per month, members (locally and nationally) provided conflicting answers. The average number of events that UNLV members attend per week was 2.80, and the average number of events attended per month was 2.22. The number of events attended per month should be greater than the number of events attended per week, but it is not for either UNLV members or the national comparison. At UNLV, eight out of ten members (79%) reported attending one (22%), two (37%) or three (20%) events per week; however, 7 out of ten (73%) members (73%) reported attending 4 to 15 events per month (equivalent of 1 to 3 events per week). When weekly attendance was used to estimate monthly attendance, half of UNLV’s members (49%) reported a monthly attendance that was lower than the monthly estimate based on their reported weekly attendance. If weekly attendance rates are more accurate, 1 in 3 members (36%) are doing something with their chapters 3 or more times per week (at least every other day). If monthly rates are more accurate, 14% of members are doing something with their chapters at least every other day. Still, the weekly attendance was lower than national comparisons and higher than UNLV in 2011. Monthly attendance estimates did not differ historically or nationally. Almost 9 out of ten (87%) were satisfied with their social life. As a result of membership in a sorority or fraternity, members reported that they met individuals with different interests (97%), connected with other students (97%), felt a part of the campus community (90%), and learned to balance their social life and academic responsibilities (91%). For eleven learning outcomes, UNLV members reported greater achievement than their counterparts in the national comparison group:

1. can articulate better one’s values and beliefs (93% vs 86%), 2. improved leadership skills (93% vs 86%),


3. improved ability to work in a team (92% vs 88%), 4. changed understanding of different perspectives (91% vs 81%), 5. improved time management (88% vs 83%), 6. can delegate better (88% vs 82%), 7. improved critical thinking (86% vs 75%), 8. connect with alumni (83% vs 75%), 9. improved study skills (79% vs 71%), 10. improved academic achievement (63% vs 52%), and 11. improved health (59% vs 50%).

In addition, UNLV members indicated significantly stronger agreement (89%) than their national counterparts (78%) did that their participation in sororities and fraternities makes them more likely to complete their degree; but UNLV members reported less agreement (76%) than their national counterparts (88%) did that they would choose the same university again if they could start over. Down from 72% in 2014, half (50%) of members agreed that sorority and fraternity life is celebrated at UNLV. One in three (32%) UNLV members thought students were discouraged from joining compared to 21% of their national counterparts. Members agreed that sororities and fraternities are most positively viewed by members (93%) and alumni (79%), and the perception of a favorable impression among alumni is significantly higher than 2011 (71%). One in four thought that sororities and fraternities were positively regarded by staff, faculty, administrators, and their fellow students who were not members (28%, 26%, 26%, and 21%, respectively). Perceptions of staff and administrator impressions are significantly lower than they were in 2014 (36% and 37%, respectively). A strong majority of members agreed that their organizations provide meaningful leadership experiences (97%), value community service (96%), provide positive social opportunities, provide networking opportunities for job placement (95%), provide skills needed to succeed in the workforce (94%), value academic (93%), improve campus life (90%), and are worth the financial cost to join (85%). Four of these benefits were significantly higher than national comparisons: meaning leadership experiences (94%), networking opportunities (87%), skills to succeed in workforce (88%), and worth the financial cost to join (78%). Four out of ten (39%) of members indicated that sorority and fraternity members study more than students who are not members. Among their national counterparts, agreement was 30%. A large majority (88%) of UNLV members also indicated that their organizations promote academic achievement. With regard to alcohol and other drugs, one in ten members agreed that their organizations encouraged members to drink alcohol (8%) or placed emphasis on drinking alcohol (10%). Among chapter members who drink, 34% of respondents indicated that that their chapter members who drink alcohol would drink often (1-4 times per month); 6% indicated very often (more than 3 times per week). Agreement on each of these items was lower than national comparisons (14% , 13%, 57%, and 11%, respectively). Nine out of ten members (92%) agreed that they were extremely or very knowledgeable about hazing, and three out of four (75%) said hazing prevention was discussed at least monthly in their chapters. Nationally, half (48%) of respondents said that hazing prevention was discussed at least monthly. Asked how often hazing actually occurs in their chapters, the vast majority (86%) answered “never.” However, 8% indicated that it occurred at least once per semester, and another 6% advised that they did not know. Roughly one in ten (11%) at UNLV compared to 17% nationally thought hazing was a problem in chapters on campus. UNLV members were presented with questions unique to UNLV. Three out of four (74%) agreed that their chapters would greatly or considerably accept a member who sought professional mental services. Merely 3% indicated that illicit drugs are accepted completely or quite a bit by members of their chapter.


The vast majority (94%) indicated gaining a greater sense of personal responsibility due to their involvement in their sorority or fraternity, and 89% indicated that they were more likely to be civically engaged after graduation. Regarding diversity issues, a majority of members indicated learning more about and/or becoming more aware of diversity related to race/ethnicity/culture (72%), life experiences (72%), and political views (60%). Approximately half indicated learning about diversity related to geography (47%), socioeconomic status (47%), and age (46%). The smallest portions of members reported learning about diversity related to gender (41%), religion/spirituality (40%), sexual orientation (39%), disability (36%), and social justice (35%). Very few (3%) indicated they had not learned about diversity through their involvement in a sorority or fraternity.

FormerMembersA small number of former members participated in this survey, and the number is too small to generalize to the entirety of former members on our campus. For those who did participate, most resigned or deactivated (60%), and most were initiated by the time they left the organization (73%). Some (40%) had held leadership roles. The most common reasons for resigning were financial (49%), work/job (46%), and academic (30%). Most of them left their chapters before the first anniversary of their initiation (58%). One in five (21%) completely or greatly regret the decision to leave, and 15% of former members who responded still participate in some activities with their former chapter.

MEMBERSHIPBENCHMARKWhen contrasting members and non-members, some distinctions and similarities stand out. Some characteristics between the two groups differed. With regard to survey items, either a majority or minority of both groups of students agreed with some points or issues. Both groups are similar in this regard, but they may differ in the magnitude of that majority or minority—e.g., one has a bigger majority than the other one does. On other items, a majority of one group agrees while a minority of the other group agrees.

CharacteristicsThe two groups differed in composition along some characteristics. Among never-members, 30% identified as Asian while only 18% of current-members did. Among never-members, 50% identified as white while 68% of current members did. Among never-members, 14% identified as LGBTIQ while 5% of current-members did. Among never-members, 35% transferred to UNLV while 23% of current-members did. Among never-members, 18% reported a relative who was a member of a sorority or fraternity, but 30% of current-members reported such a relative. Among never-members, 11% reported majoring in a field from the College of Engineering compared to 4% of current-members. Among never-members, 9% reported majoring in a field from the College of Hotel Administration compared to 19% among current-members. Among never-members, 14% reported majoring in a field from the College of Sciences compared to 7% among current-members. On average, never-members were 1.4 years older than current-members. Four out of ten (40%) of never-members were 22 years old or older compared to 24% of current-members. Fewer never-member lived in residence halls (11% vs 23%) or alone/with friends (16% vs 25%). More never-members lived with parent/guardian (61% vs 48%) or with spouse/partner and/or children (10% vs 3%). The two groups reported studying a similar number of hours each week, and 71% of never-members compared to 63% of current-members reported an expected GPA of 3.0 or higher. MajorityAgreement


Both never-members and current-members believe that sorority and fraternity life is celebrated on campus. A majority of never-members (58%) and half of current-members (50%) agreed on this point. More than half of both groups of students believe that sororities and fraternities provide positive social opportunities and professional networking beneficial to finding a job. On the issue of positive social opportunities, a simple majority of never-members (58%) agreed compared to a vast majority (96%) of current-members. Related to professional networking, it was a simple majority of never-members compared to a vast majority of current-members again—i.e., 51% vs 95%, respectively. A majority of both groups would choose UNLV again if they could start over, and the vast majority of both groups plan to enroll at UNLV next semester (or graduate before then). For never-members, 69% would choose UNLV again, and 93% plan to continue here next term (or graduate). For current-members, the figures are 76% and 98%, respectively.

MinorityAgreementLess than half of each group placed great importance of sorority and fraternity life in their decisions to attend UNLV. For never-members, the figure is much smaller than for current-members: 5% vs 39%, respectively. Roughly one in eight (12%) of never-members but one in three (32%) current-members believe that students are discouraged from joining sororities and fraternities at UNLV. While a minority of each group believe that chapters encourage their members to drink alcohol, the minority is larger for never-members than current-members (42% vs 8%). The same pattern appears for beliefs about chapters placing emphasis on drinking alcohol (38% vs 10%). One in twelve never-members (8%) but three in twelve members (39%) believe that sorority and fraternity members study more than other students on campus. Finally, one in four never-members (26%) and one in three current-members (32%) agreed that students in general have a positive perception of sororities and fraternities.

Majority‐MinorityDisagreementOn nine key points, never-members and current-members disagreed. These include

1. Chapters provide meaningful leadership experiences (44% of never-members vs 97% of current-members), 2. Chapters value community service (48% vs 96%), 3. Chapters provide skills for success in the workforce (30% vs 94%), 4. Chapters value academics (39% vs 93%), 5. Chapters improve campus life (35% vs 90%), 6. Chapters promote academic achievement (26% vs 88%), 7. Satisfaction with social life (49% vs 87%), 8. Chapters are worth the financial cost to join (14% vs 85%), and 9. Students on campus have a negative perception of sororities and fraternities (43% vs 61%).

LeadershipLess than half of general members, chapters leaders, or executive leadership (council members and chapter executive officers) reported satisfaction with the support they feel from university administration for sororities and fraternities on campus. Members serving in executive leadership roles within their chapters reported feeling the lowest levels of support. However, they felt the highest levels of support from Fraternity & Sorority Life staff and from chapter advisors.


A majority of general members, chapter leaders, and executive leadership reported satisfaction with the support from Fraternity & Sorority Life staff. Executive leadership and chapter leaders felt similar levels of support and more support than general members felt. Finally, with regard to chapter advisors, half of general members (49%), one in three chapter leaders (31%), and a simple majority of executive leaders (55%) reported satisfaction. With regard to time commitment for leadership roles compared to general membership, this analysis suffered from the same discrepancy that was noted earlier for current-member historical and national benchmarks. Current-members (regardless of leadership role) were asked to indicate the number of events they attend per week for their chapter. Then, they were asked to indicate the number of events they attend per month. The average number of events per month should exceed the average number of events per week, but they do not. From the earlier discussion, the reader is reminded that approximately half of respondents provided a monthly attendance count that was lower than their weekly attendance would estimate. The utility of the self-reported attendance counts, therefore, is questionable. Still, the portion of current-members by leadership type are provided here. When asked on a weekly basis, 37% of executive leaders, 35% of chapter leaders, and 35% of general members attending 3 or more events per week. When asked on a monthly basis, 39% of executive leaders, 34% of chapter leaders, and 31% of general members attend 10 or more events per month (or at least one event every three days).

IMPLICATIONS Some of the significant changes since 2011 were attributed to the impact of incidents on other campuses which national press covered. Since 2011, for example, students who participated in recruitment but did not join a chapter reported significantly less increase in knowledge about how sorority and fraternity life contribute to campus (76% in 2011 vs 55% in 2017). The students who participated in recruitment/intake but withdrew without finishing it also reported significantly less regret about not finishing the process. Recruitment/Intake itself did not change during this period, so changes were attributed to a shift in perception. Seeing national media coverage of misconduct in chapters on campuses across the nation, students who have never been members of a chapter have trouble seeing how chapters contribute to campus and may believe that in withdrawing from recruitment, they might have avoided something bad. Among students who have never been members of chapters, the portion who perceives fraternities and sororities positively did not change significantly from the past, nor did the portion who perceives them negatively. They just do not know how the chapters are contributing to their campuses. Therefore, local chapters need to publicize more intentionally and assertively how they contribute to the campus. Similar, the decline in perception of chapters contributing to recreational events on campus with no other areas of decline suggests that chapters are less visible in their recreational events than they were. Staff in FSL noted that Greek Week was much more visible in 2011 than it has been in the past few years. Local chapters need to publicize more intentionally and visibly how they contribute recreational events to campus. High profile incidents involving sororities and fraternities elsewhere in the nation offer explanation for some of the declines reported by current UNLV members of fraternities and sororities. Compared to both historical and national benchmarks, current members reported less encouragement to drink alcohol and less emphasis placed on drinking alcohol. They also reported less frequent drinking for members who do drink alcohol. However, no programs or policies were identified that would explain the drop in 2017. The low rates of reporting may reflect increased impression management.


Never-members noted improvements in two areas. First, a larger portion of never-member students noted that chapters contribute more multicultural events to campus now than in 2011. FSL staff attributed this shift to the fact that the Multicultural Greek Council and its constituent chapters provide more programming to campus now than they did in 2011. Second, a larger portion of these same students described the chapters as promoting academic achievement in 2017 vs 2011. FSL staff noted that the all-greek GPA is not higher than an all-campus GPA, so the staff attributed this change in perception to greater visibility of chapter study hours for members as well as more emphasis on academic benefits during recruitment/intake—academic benefits which refer to national trends toward higher grades for members compared to other students. The staff in FSL and the students who lead the councils and chapters may seize this opportunity to introduce measures to enhance academic achievement among members—e.g., recognitions (e.g., awards or rewards) for chapters with an all-chapter-member GPA that exceeds the all-member GPA for their council, gender, or the system as a whole. The decline since 2011 in the portion of members who always or often attend chapter meetings was attributed to the growth in the chapters and system. With more students involved in fraternity and sorority life, such high participation (97% in 2011) would be difficult to sustain. Compared to national counterparts, the portion did not differ significantly. In 2017, fewer members than in 2014 or 2011 thought that sorority and fraternity life was celebrated on campus. While 58% of respondents in 2011 thought so, 72% in 2014 and 50% in 2017 agreed. The upsurge in 2014 was attributed to the growth of the system overall, messages of celebration, and the fact that UNLV was adding both staff and chapters at that time. In 2017, however, the campus has lost more chapters than it has gained, and the celebratory messages have faded. These changes were also cited to explain the declines since 2014 in perceived support from administrators and staff.

RECOMMENDATIONS Develop a process to recognize academic achievements of the chapters—such as, chapters whose all-member semester grade point average is higher than that for their council, gender, or system. Comparisons to an all-campus average require careful consideration and calculation to account for eligibility requirements, former members who are still enrolled, and other confounding factors. Highlight publicly and celebrate the successes of members, chapters, councils, and system in order to tell the story of fraternity and sorority life at UNLV. Identify and publicize how chapters (and the system) contribute to campus—including but not limited to how they contribute to recreational activities. Continue to highlight how they contribute to multicultural activities. Consider developing standards which councils and/or chapters must meet to qualify for departmental recognitions, certifications, and/or supplemental support services. Provide transparent estimates of the cost and time commitment of membership. Review the results and recommendations of this report with council leaders for their additional insights and recommendations.

fraternity and sorority life naspa consortium survey · urban areas. except where otherwise...

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