Student participation in Greek life at Ohio University has increased significantly since the pandemic, nearly doubling from 954 members in 2022 to 1,823 in 2024.
OU currently hosts 31 fraternities and sororities for students to join and get involved in. Chris Medrano Graham, director of Sorority and Fraternity Life, said that number may soon expand.
“We’re definitely working on bringing back two of our historically Black sororities, so Sigma Gamma Rho is coming back in the fall semester … and we’ve been in conversations with Zeta Phi Beta to bring that sorority back on campus, as well,” Medrano Graham said.
Although the Sorority and Fraternity Life offices are working to continue expansion and growth, many students have joined the various sororities and fraternities on campus.
Jack Golla, a junior studying nursing, joined ACACIA when he was a freshman. Golla said he found a second community within ACACIA’s brotherhood.
“I knew I needed to get out there and meet some new people, kind of get out of my own head, and I did, and I ended up loving it. All of the guys were super cool,” Golla said.
OU offers students the option to join in the fall or spring. The recruitment process, commonly known as “rushing,” helps prospective members explore different chapters. The experience can range from formal events to more casual gatherings.
Golla said he rushed in the spring of his freshman year and had a positive experience with the process.
“I went out to the rush events … All the brothers were there, and I got to meet them. I just loved it,” Golla said. “Here I am, and I think it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”
