Greek life at UMKC: Widespread stereotypes and cost may deter student involvement

  Members involved in Greek life at UMKC feel connected to their communities, but some students are skeptical due to stereotypes and financial commitment, and many are not even aware of the presence of fraternities and sororities on campus.

  As UMKC has a large commuter population, there are students unfamiliar with its Greek community.

  “I think most folks don’t realize UMKC has Greek life until they step foot on campus or attend a program like Late Night with the Greeks,” said Bailey Graves, assistant director of fraternity and sorority affairs. “Being involved in a fraternity or sorority gives students a reason to stay on campus and take advantage of the opportunities offered by UMKC.”

  Alexis Seal, a first-year psychology major, said that she considered joining a sorority because all her suitemates were doing so, and she “kind of felt left out,” but decided against it.

  “It was just too much money. I don’t know if I want to be paying hundreds of dollars to join a ‘club,’” said Seal.

  Graves acknowledged that the financial component may keep students from joining.

  “As all 501(c)(7) non-profit organizations operate, they are self-funded, dues-based organizations, and the dues paid are invested back in creating a high-quality membership experience,” said Graves.

  Another major reason students might be put off from getting involved in fraternities or sororities is hazing.

  “It’s very important to be educated and know that that’s not happening everywhere, but also being mindful that it is happening at some other universities,” said Sofia Montoya, president of Sigma Lambda Gamma, a multicultural sorority at UMKC.

  Kamara Winda, president of Chi Omega, said that prevention efforts from faculty and staff on campus, as well as chapter-specific policies, contribute to avoiding these behaviors.

  “For me personally, I felt safe, and I felt as if this was something I could partake in here at UMKC, versus if I was at a bigger school, I don’t think that I would’ve,” said Winda, a third year nursing student.

  In the past, Montoya, a fourth-year nursing student, never saw herself joining a sorority. She said once she got to know the people involved and their values, she warmed up to the idea.

  “I really like the idea that they were bringing together different cultures, and some I had never even heard of, and it was just really cool to see that that existed at the university that I was going to,” said Montoya.

  Winda said she feels the Greek community on campus is internally connected, as she has met long-term friends in other chapters.

  “We have a lot of excitement, and we are always looking for opportunities to connect and partner, and so that looks like partnering with some of the fraternities and partnering alongside NPHC and those orgs as well,” said Winda.

  Montoya said she loves how “tight-knit” the Greek community is.

  “That kind of creates a more familial feeling, I think. I can really get to know someone from another organization really fast because we’re just so small,” said Montoya.

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