<p>While reading about a college, i saw that they described their greek system as a non-residential Greek system. So, i am assuming that this primarily means that students do not live in the sorority/frat houses like they might elsewhere. What would be the benefits or drawbacks of this type of system? In our searchm we’ve really been looking for places that are ‘too’ greek, and I wonder if a non-residential system works to help keep all of the student population more integrated.</p>
<p>You are correct in that the ‘non-residential’ term means that chapters don’t have defined sorority/fraternity houses, or that only their executive board may live in the chapter house. I personally am a sorority member on a campus that is primarily residential, but does have both fraternity and sorority chapters that are unhoused. </p>
<p>In terms of benefits, it does allow students to live with non-Greek students, or with members of other chapters if they choose to. You will tend to see a lot more independent/Greek mixing in housing at non-residential schools than at residential schools. I wouldn’t necessarily say it integrates the student population more, as students still tend to hang out with their ‘groups.’ This is more popular at smaller schools. </p>
<p>In terms of drawbacks, it doesn’t really allow chapters to form the tight knit bonds that live-in chapters can form. I know that my years in the sorority house were the source of some of my favorite collegiate memories. </p>
<p>Is your S or D interested in Greek life? If they’re not (and thus you’re worried about Greeks dominating a social scene), I will say that the % of the student population that is Greek doesn’t always directly correlate to the social scene. Even though at my school, ~15-20% are Greek, independents have a very active social scene and hold leadership positions in campus organizations, clubs, etc. It just appears that Greeks may dominate because we tend to be in letters more often than not.</p>