atxnickg

So Emory has been really high up on my list for awhile. But a lately a pretty good amount of things have making me kind of skeptical about whether or not I would really enjoy it there. If anyone would be willing to answer a couple of questions to help me out in my choices, I'd really appreciate it!

For example:

-Are the Christian groups on campus active and nice to be involved in? This is pretty important to me, I've read up a bit on RUF and the Wesley Fellowship, but if anyone has details let me know!

- How's the political climate? I'm pretty liberal overall, so is that cool? It being georgia and all...

- Is the greek scene really strong at Emory? I'm open-minded to greek life, and it's no deal breaker, but honestly I'd really prefer a less exclusive social scene.

- Is there a great deal of emphasis on community service? I love the programs schools like WashU, Tulane, and Davidson have. They get REALLY involved, I think it's even required a Tulane. If there's something like a day-long day of service or Alternative Spring breaks let me know!

I really, REALLY appreciate anyone's feedback. It'd be really nice to hear from a student or parent or anyone experienced with campus. Thanks so much guys!

chazsf

- Emory had the Candler School of Theology, so there will be people to talk about religion.
- Emory is in Atlanta, but it is definitely not southern.
- Greeks are about 30% of students, non-Greeks about 70%. Plenty of both.
- There is definitely an emphasis on community service. Check out "Volunteer Emory" and the "Scholarship and Service Summer Program". Also, the Greeks do a lot of community service.

MBsQuirky

I agree with Chazsf. Emory doesn't seem like a religious place--unless you seek it out. However, there are events held by all religious groups, and there's always events happening in Cannon Chapel.

Emory certainly leans left a bit, but politically it isn't the most active school. I would say the majority of the students are politically apathetic, though social issues are certainly important to Emory students, as the Office of Multicultural Progams and Services (OMPS) and the Office of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgendered do have a strong voice in the community. In general, I like to think of Emory being in Atlanta, not Georgia. ^_^

There's certainly a Greek scene at Emory, but it is not the end-all-be-all. I know plenty of students involved in Greek life, and plenty who aren't. Although it's certainly there, the Greek presence isn't as strong as some of our competitors (Vandy...)

According to a 2011 College student survey, 4 out of 5 students volunteer at least once. (Points of Pride: Community Life | Emory University | Atlanta, GA) Volunteer Emory is huge and offer volunteer trips every day of the week. There are alternative Spring break trips as well as special "service days" like Emory Cares day and MLK day where all students are encouraged to get involved. As a member of the "Citizenship" dorm freshman year, volunteering during one of those days almost seemed mandatory. ^_^

For more information, check out the Volunteer Emory webpage: Emory : Campus Life : Volunteer Emory

Hope that helps. Good luck with the search!

atxnickg

Thanks guys! I really appreciate your input. I'm really glad to get some reassurance. It's really nice to hear about the greek presence and the volunteer life. Btw, that link was really cool, MBsQuirky! The volunteer life looks really exciting, they have service trips every day!

If anyone else has anything to pitch in please don't hesitate! I'd love to hear specifics/actual experiences with any of this from anyone!

Melanie22

Hey!

I am a staff member on Volunteer Emory and I'm so excited that all of the above posts mentioned VE. Emory is a very service orientated campus. Volunteer Emory emphasizes the necessity to break out of the "Emory bubble" and give back to the community around us. We have several different volunteering options. Each staff member runs a weekly service trip to all kinds of different service organizations throughout Atlanta. We also have special event service days (9/11 Day of Service, Emory Cares Day, Emory's Day On, and the RHA Sandwich drive) and we have both Alternative Fall Breaks and Alternative Spring Breaks. I really could go on and on about Volunteer Emory, it's a great blanket organization that provides a lot of volunteer opportunities. Now, that's not to say that EVERY volunteer organization is through VE, there are plenty of other clubs on campus that volunteer apart from VE. It's all about getting involved and giving back to the community. Please feel free to email me if you have any further questions about VE or volunteering on campus in general, it's kind of my forte so to speak Mgsmit2@emory.edu

avidreader18

Hey there! I am a current freshman at Emory, and had a lot of the same concerns last year as you do now. Here's a quick rundown on some of your Q's!


"-Are the Christian groups on campus active and nice to be involved in? This is pretty important to me, I've read up a bit on RUF and the Wesley Fellowship, but if anyone has details let me know!"

When I was looking at schools, I really wanted a tight Christian community. Emory has definitely provided a ton of opportunities for that, with a huge variety of groups present on campus. RUF and Wesley are both active, as well as Intervarsity Christian Fellowship. I found a wonderful small group within two weeks of getting to campus (my Orientation Leader, a sophomore who helps get you settled in on campus during the first month or so, is actually also my small group leader!) The Office of Religious Life is great about providing rides to religious services all around Atlanta, and also offers a non-denominational worship service on Sundays. There are also two Catholic Masses every sunday, and a wonderful Catholic Center.


- How's the political climate? I'm pretty liberal overall, so is that cool? It being georgia and all...

Politically speaking, Atlanta is a "Northern City in a Southern State". Everyone on campus is entitled to their own opinions, and students are open to discussing new ideas. Whichever way you lean you're sure to get questions and have interesting discussions about your beliefs! I'm from Seattle (about as far North as you can get, compared to Atlanta) but have never felt uncomfortable or discriminated against because of my political or religious beliefs.

"- Is the greek scene really strong at Emory? I'm open-minded to greek life, and it's no deal breaker, but honestly I'd really prefer a less exclusive social scene."

Compared to any other Southern school, and a lot of Northern schools, Emory's greek system is VERY accepting. A LOT of students are involved, but it doesn't limit your friendships in any way. I decided not to rush, and don't regret it... Though it's a very personal decision! The greek system is a great way to meet people and enjoy experiences with friends, but it's definitely only one of many ways to have fun at Emory.

"- Is there a great deal of emphasis on community service? I love the programs schools like WashU, Tulane, and Davidson have. They get REALLY involved, I think it's even required a Tulane. If there's something like a day-long day of service or Alternative Spring breaks let me know!"

EMORY LOVES COMMUNITY SERVICE! Volunteer Emory, as you have found out by now, is very very active in the local community. We have a ton of options for alternative spring breaks, and Emory Cares Day every fall. If you're looking for a great alternative to Volunteer Emory, there's also Alpha Phi Omega, the service fraternity on campus. It's a co-ed fraternity that serves "the campus, the community, and the nation". It's the perfect opportunity for someone who is looking for a way to meet people and be of service, but also offers the chance for leadership positions and a closer knit community. APO is not a part of the Residence Greek System, but is a philanthropic community organization. More info: http://www.students.emory.edu/APO/index.html