Three NCSU fraternities, Sig Ep was one of them, lost University recognition last semester for hazing activities. This article in the NCSU newspaper, the Technician, examines the goals and challenges of fraternities on college campuses today.
Esse quam videri.
Translated from Latin, it means "to be, rather than to seem." The state motto serves as a reminder to all to be mindful of identity.
Right now, fraternities in America are going through an identity crisis.
Last semester, three NCSU fraternities -- Sigma Phi Epsilon, Delta Sigma Phi and Sigma Alpha Epsilon -- lost University recognition due to hazing incidents. Sigma Phi Epsilon moved out of its house on Fraternity Court, pulled out by its national organization for failing standards. They will re-colonize in the fall.
Since then, the Office of Greek Life and the Interfraternity Council have been in the middle of a national debate about the image of fraternities.
According to Greek Life, membership in fraternities has declined at N.C. State over the past 10 years. But Greek Life and the fraternities themselves are taking steps to make the chapters on campus live up to their stated standards.
But is it working?
Chris Mangieri, vice president for public relations of the Interfraternity Council and a brother of Phi Gamma Delta, or FIJI, said the media portray fraternity brothers as "drunken buffoons" and perpetuate negative stereotypes.
