A look into Greek life

Incoming student opinions regarding the Greek system at Cal Poly are usually extremely mixed, and many start their freshman year with preconceived ideas regarding the topic. Either way, the best way to find out about the Greek community at Cal Poly is to research it first-hand.
Kyle Robertson is an agricultural business junior from Tracy, CA. Robertson was turned onto the fraternity scene by an older cousin, who was a member of Alpha Gamma Rho- more commonly referred to as AGR. Pursuing a career in agriculture, and coming from an agricultural family, Robertson felt that AGR was a perfect fit for him.
“Before I even joined the house, I had a lot of similarities with each one of the brothers, seeing that they also came from an agricultural background,” Robertson said, “Some things that attracted me were the social and professional aspects, having common interests and goals, networking, as well as the great deal on rent, food, and college life.”
Robertson admits that there are a few downsides to fraternity life, but feels that the positive aspects more than outweigh them.
“The fraternity life can be quite a distraction at times, and it forces you to be on your toes in managing your time,” he said, “There will be occasional issues that arise between brothers, and arguments within the house, but you have to accept the fact that these types of things put you in real world situations, and are just preparing you for your future.”
Just as AGR is an agricultural fraternity, many other on-campus Greek organizations have a unique focus. Stephanie Standen, a senior nutrition major, decided she wanted to join Alpha Phi Omega ” commonly referred to as A-Phi-O ” which is a co-ed National Service Fraternity. According to the organization’s Web site, “Alpha Phi Omega is the single most representative undergraduate intercollegiate organization in the United States of America.”
Standen hadn’t planned on joining the Greek community when she came to Cal Poly, but after looking into the fraternity, she decided it would be well worth her time.
“Joining A-Phi-O is a great way to meet new people and get involved in the community,” Standen said, “We do a lot of positive things around the community, but we also have some fun events. I’m glad I decided to join.”
Rush week is held twice every school year, and is the best way for new students to get more information on specific fraternities or sororities. Each organization is represented at a booth, located outside the campus bookstore. Students are able to talk to each fraternity or sorority, and decide if any are worth pursuing.
“An incoming freshman would go through rush week in order to join a fraternity. During that time they would go to events that the inter-fraternity council puts on with each fraternity, and get to know their members,” Robertson said, “If he wanted to join the house, he would express interest and talk with the recruitment officer of that fraternity. Then, interviews are usually conducted, and if the brothers see potential in the rushee and want him to join, they would give out a bid at the end of the rush week.”