Tech Sees Drop In Number Of Students Participating In Greek Life

Tennessee Tech like many other universities across the nation, witnessing changing student interest in Greek Life.

Assistant Vice President for Student Engagement Ben Stubbs said sororities and fraternities at Tech saw a nine percent increase in participation last year as the last of COVID restrictions were lifted. However, Stubbs said recent trends show participation down.

“We want as many students as possible to consider that option and consider if its right for them,” Stubbs said. “We want to provide an experience those students want to pursue and that they feel is a positive part of their overall Tech experience.”

Stubbs said this is all part of a steady decline in Greek Life participation over the last eight years. He said he thinks COVID inflates the decline, but other factors also play a role in declining numbers.

“I also think that the ways that these organization are welcoming members into the community, that are recruiting these members, maybe not as great as a fit for Generation Z as it has been for previous generations,” Stubbs said.

Stubbs said Greek Life organizations are revamping their recruitment processes, and he expects to see those number rise over the next couple semesters.

“For many college students fraternity and sorority membership serves as a launchpad for some many different things,” Stubbs said. “It gives them a social network. It connects them with mentors and advisors. It gives them the confidence to take on new challenges and experience things they may not have otherwise.”

Stubbs said social media also plays a factor in the reduction of Greek Life numbers, because of how easy it is to socialize. He said stereotypes in the media about fraternities and sororities also keeps students away.