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FRATERNITIES

The Greek letter fraternity system, pe-
culiar to the colleges of the United States,
marks its beginning in the organization
of the Phi Beta Kappa Society (now
honorary) at William and Mary College
in 1776. The fraternities are national or-
ganizations, having chapters in the vari-
ous colleges. The object of these socie-
ties is primarily social, but their activities
include many other phases of college life.

Membership in a fraternity is some-
what restricted; and an invitation to join
always originates with the fraternity. If
the fraternities desire your fellowship
they will seek you. Until then the de-
tails of their activities need not be of any
interest to you and the less you ask about
them or comment upon them, as a new-
comer, the wiser you are. While the aims
and purposes of these societies at large
are similar the local chapters of the sev-
eral fraternities in a college are almost
always found to differ greatly. Some
pay more attention to the moral char-
acter of their members, others to schol-
arship, athletics or literary attainments.
Others emphasize social graces, wealth
or fashion. No man can join a fraternity
without being strongly influenced by it.
Before accepting an invitation to join any
fraternity, therefore, you would be wise
to consult professors, alumni and unprej-
udiced undergraduates in reference to the
policy and standing of the local chapter.
If not solicited to become a member of
any fraternity do not consider yourself
neglected and do not become embittered.
It is no reproach not to be a fraternity
man.

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