JuniorSenior Seminar Paper

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PERCEPTIONS OF COLLEGE STUDENTS ON GREEK FRATERNITIES IN CASES
OF WRONGDOING.
Rachel King
Are Greek Fraternities judged more harshly than a non-Greek student residence in cases of
wrongdoing? In this study, experimental survey data from Wayne State College students are
asked questions based on two different scenarios in order to understand whether or not there are
negative perceptions about Greek life that affect punishment of members and the fraternity house
in cases of wrongdoing. It was also predicted that women would judge far less harsh than men in
response to the questions. The findings reveal that, although not statistically significant, that
students were more neutral towards Greek life and tended to judge the fraternity harsher in some
aspects as well as judge the residence of students harsher in others. Female students were more
likely to judge harsher for punishment compared to male students, yet tended to be neutral in
questions involving if a possible sexual assault had occurred or questions about the woman in
the scenario in general.

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INTRODUCTION
“The morning of September 5th was unlike any other at the Farmhouse fraternity
residence at the University of Nebraska (Burke, 2014).” After being brought back to his room to
“sleep it off” after a night of heavy drinking at a fraternity party, Clayton Reel was found dead in
his room the next morning. The autopsy reported the death as a result of acute alcohol
intoxication and the victim was said to have a blood level more than four times the legal limit.
“Four members of Farmhouse Fraternity face felony charges for having provided alcohol to a
minor, resulting in injury or death… Three other members of the Fraternity were charged with
lesser crimes, including maintaining a disorderly house and procuring alcohol to a minor. (Burke,
2014).” The University went further to suspend the fraternity chapter and those living inside the
Farmhouse were required to move out.
If the unfortunate passing of Clayton Reel had happened at a residence location instead of
at a “fraternity party” would the punishment be as severe? According to this article, undoubtedly
no. “A student… was found dead Saturday morning after attending a party Friday night.
Salvador Guevara Preciado was reportedly binge drinking.” The article goes on to state that
Preciado, 17, consumed a variety of alcoholic beverages at a local party with friends. After
consuming enough alcohol to pass out, Preciado’s friends drove him to a friend’s apartment to
spend the night. “His mother found him unresponsive when she picked him up Saturday
morning. Paramedics pronounced him dead around 9 am. No foul play is suspected (Osorio,
2012).” The article goes on to state the date and times for the memorial and to warn students
about calling 9-1-1 in cases of perceived alcohol poisoning. Nowhere is stated that the persons
who threw the party, or provided the alcohol were being charged with a crime. Why the
difference?

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GREEK LIFE: A REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE
The stereotypical “Animal House” seems to be everywhere in the news today. This
certainly affects public perceptions of fraternities. Being Greek is assumed to affect the alcohol
consumption of students on campus. Administrations are buckling down and harshly judging the
fraternity organizations in an attempt to control social choices allowed to students. Perceptions of
the purpose for Greek organizations are becoming more negative and a distinct line is being
drawn between the Greeks and the non-Greeks.
Ellen Gold (as quoted by Allie Grasgreen, 2012) suggests that in order for the Greek
community to become more in touch with their non-Greek counterparts, the organizations need
to start hosting events not just with other Greek organizations, but also with other student
organizations on campus. Greek organizations can really benefit from the rest of campus
understanding what the organization does, what it stands for, and what it means to be a part of it.
Grasgreen (2012) goes on to say that non-Greeks have false perceptions of fraternities and that it
is “clear that fraternities…. have a serious public relations problem when it comes to how non-
Greeks perceive them.”
Apparently, Greeks aren’t entirely aware of the pervasive negative stereotypes. Jeanna
Mastrodicasa (as quoted by Allie Grasgreen, 2012) commented that Greek members were
actually stunned by what non-Greeks thought about the Greek system and its organizations in
general. By working on public relation skills, Greeks can break down barriers and gain more
support and acceptance on campus. If the line was not distinguished between the two groups,
negative stereotypes could become less of an issue to administration.

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Another important thing about awareness of Greek organizations by non-Greeks is the
assertion of recruitment. By being more aware, students could decide that Greek life is actually
something to join. Kristin Fouts (2010) believes that in order to recruit a higher amount of new
members and to get the word around about Greek life, members need to be more open and to
work on answering questions non-Greek students have. Persuasion is needed to recruit and an
evaluation process is always a must in order to keep improving.
Earning a college degree is not about recruitment and Greek life; it is about achieving an
education to bring into the working world. Since administrations across college campuses have
begun to crack down on Greek life, the question is, do fraternities and sororities have a singularly
negative effect on campus life and learning? Asel, Seifert, and Pascarella (2009) state that it
neither hinders nor exemplifies member’s academic performance. The authors (Asel et. al, 2009)
suggest “there were areas within fraternity life where member’s behavior aligned closely with
espoused values, but there are important areas where the Call for Values Congruence rings true.”
The article concludes through its study that no matter if a student is Greek or not, that student
will either succeed in college or not and will either choose to drink, heavily, or not; the students
either utilize the opportunities for education that the fraternity provides, or seek to participate in
the social aspect more (Asel et al, 2009).
Greek organizations are getting a multitude of media, mostly negative, about current
issues and practices that can be considered a liability to the said institution. Legal allegations are
being pursued and administrators are at a loss. Because “many of the potential defendants tend to
be ‘judgment-proof,’ institutions become likely targets for the litigation (Hennessy and Huson,
1998).” There seems to be a need for a solution on handling Greek life and what it has become.
Realizing that every chapter is different, administrators need to listen to fraternity members and

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hold those members to the standards they preach and hold dear to the fraternal code (Tollini and
Wilson, 2010). Identifying, according to Tollini and Wilson (2010), concerns from
administration and vocalizing to members as well as working to formulate policies that adhere to
the good of both sides can help curb disturbances and legal issues administrators face as well as
the fraternity in question.
Legal issues in Greek life need to be categorized as what it is; legal issues. It seems the
media is all too happy to capitalize when an organization on campus does something, and not lay
blame to the individual responsible for the actions. If administrators back Greek life on campus
and there is an agreement between the fraternal organizations and administrators, then separately
the students involved should be charged and litigated as fit. No matter the situation, a person is a
person. Greek organizations give college campuses an important contribution; it creates lifelong
friendships, adds value to the lives of alumni, and makes many important contributions to the
lives of the student members of the organization (Perkins, Zimmerman, Janosik, 2011).
The literature carries one main point, whether through recruitment or actions, that
fraternal organization need to go back to the roots of why the fraternity was made in the first
place and thrive off of the values instilled and brought about in the founders. With “going back
to the roots,” organizations can gain more administrative backing and also avoid and deter
negative stereotypes from the other student body as well as law enforcement. Jackson and
Harless (1997) states that some of the founding principles of fraternal organizations include: an
appreciation of learning, a commitment to lead, an ethic of service, a love for one’s brothers and
sisters, and the belief in democratic ideals (as quoted in Perkins et al, 2011).” The question
remains: for all the potential positives the Greek system provides, will lingering stereotypes
always taint organization members?

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HYPOTHESIS
This study seeks to examine perceptions of the Greek system. It is hypothesized that a
majority of college students who are not a Greek fraternity or sorority member will judge the
fraternity members more harshly than non-members in cases of wrong-doing. Possible reasoning
behind this include non-Greeks feeling an unexplained disdain for said Greek fraternity members
and that resulting in harsher treatment in situations of misbehavior. Another possible reasoning is
that Greek members feel a sense of protection for other Greeks and would therefore be more
lenient in times of offense.
In addition, one would predict that female college students will be more likely to give out
more lenient punishments, no matter if fraternity members or residents, than male college
students are. An explanation for this is that females tend to sympathize and therefore are less
likely to choose the harsher punishments.
METHODOLOGY
The methodology consisted of a three page, self-administered experimental survey,
which focused on the perceptions of Wayne State College students asked a set of questions
responding to a story of a party where wrong-doing occurred One group read a vignette
suggesting underage drinking and a possible sexual assault in a fraternity. Other students read the
same vignette occurring at a private residence. Subjects were asked to evaluate the possibility of
procuring charges, plus the potential of punishment from the college and national organization
for the fraternity, and the validity of sexual assault allegations. Students were questioned on the
story and asked to use answers Strongly Agree, Agree, Neither Agree Nor Disagree, Disagree,

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and Strongly Disagree (the Likert Scale). Random sampling was used to select the classes, and
permission was obtained from professors before the survey was given to the students. The
Wayne State College Institutional Review Board (IRB) approved the survey and questions,
which was given out in the fall of 2015. A copy of the vignette and survey are found in
Appendix A.
After all 83 surveys were turned in, the answers to the questions by the college students
were entered into an SPSS statistics file. Afterwards, the data was translated, using crosstabs,
into tables more understandable and pristine to examine. Once the data was finalized and the
tables completed, the author went through and came to some surprising conclusions.
RESULTS
The sample consisted of 30.1 percent males and 66.3 percent females. There were 25
percent self-identified freshman, 25 percent sophomores, 23 percent juniors, and 7 percent
seniors. The author based significance of the percentages based on a ten percent or higher
difference between the two scenarios, male or female, or in a fraternity/sorority or not.
Table 1A consists of attitudes of students regarding punishment for procuring charges of
those involved, either fraternity or house dwellers. The percentages were divided between the
residence scenario and the Greek scenario. The answers were A. $1000 fine and ninety days in
jail, B. $500 fine and thirty days in jail, C. $250 fine and a year of probation, and D. No fine and
a written warning. Based on the percentage difference that was large enough to be important to
the author, there were two percentages that were of consequence. 12.5 percent of students
answered with A in the residence scenario while only 2.4 percent answered the same for the
Greek Scenario. There was a large enough difference as well with answer C. For the residence

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scenario 50 percent answered with that answer, and 70.7 percent answered that with the Greek
scenario.
There was also a compelling percentage difference when looking between males and
females for the above question. 29.2 percent of males, when combining both the residence and
fraternity data sets, answered D. while only 16.4 percent of females answered the same (see
Table 1B). The interesting part is that in the same question, but instead with the comparison is
between if the students were in a Greek organization or not, there was no large percentage
difference (see Table 1C).
TABLE 1A:
Circle the sentence you find most appropriate: If the two men/fraternity members were charged
and found guilty for procuring to minors, what sentence should be imposed on them.
Residence or Fraternity Scenerio
Residence
Scenario Greek Scenario
Circle the sentence you find
mostappropriate:If the two
men/fraternity members
were charged and found
guilty for procuring to
minors,whatsentence
should be imposed on
them?
$1000 fine and 90 days in
jail
5 1
12.5% 2.4%
$500 fine and 30 days in jail 6 3
15.0% 7.3%
$250 fine and a year of
probation
20 29
50.0% 70.7%
No fine and a written
warning
9 8
22.5% 19.5%
Total 40 41
100.0% 100.0%
TABLE 1B:
Circle the sentence you find most appropriate: If the two men/fraternity
members were charged and found guilty for procuring to minors, what
sentence should be imposed on them?
Male or Female

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Male Female
Circle the sentence you
find most appropriate: If
the two men/fraternity
members were charged
and found guilty for
procuring to minors,
what sentence should be
imposed on them?
$1000 fine and 90 days
in jail
1 5
4.2% 9.1%
jail
1 7
4.2% 12.7%
probation
15 34
62.5% 61.8%
warning
7 9
29.2% 16.4%
Total 24 55
100.0% 100.0%
TABLE 1C:
Circle the sentence you find most appropriate: If the two men/fraternity members were charged
and found guilty for procuring to minors, what sentence should be imposed on them?
Are you in a fraternity or sorority?
Yes No
Circle the sentence you find
mostappropriate:If the two
men/fraternity members
were charged and found
guilty for procuring to
minors,whatsentence
should be imposed on
them?
jail
1 5
3.1% 10.4%
$500 fine and 30 days in jail 2 7
6.3% 14.6%
probation
21 28
65.6% 58.3%
warning
8 8
25.0% 16.7%
Total 32 48
100.0% 100.0%
Table 2A consists of answers based on the Likert scale asking students if the student
housing/fraternity is solely responsible for the drinking that occurred inside of it during a party.
9.8 percent of students answered strongly disagree with the residence scenario while 22.5 percent

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answered the same for the Greek scenario. For the same question, but with male and female
being the difference, there were two larger percentage differences. 8.3 percent of males answered
agree to the question (I believe the student housing/fraternity is solely responsible for the
drinking that occurred inside of it during a party) and 23.6 percent of females agreed as well. For
the same table, with the same variables, 25 percent of males strongly disagreed while only 12.7
percent of females answered the same (see Table 2B). Table 2C again, like in Table 1C have no
significant differences in percentages to report. All percentages for this table have percentage
differences less then 10 percent.
TABLE 2A:
I believed the student housing/fraternity is solely responsible for the drinking that occurred inside
of it during a party.
Residence
I believed the student
housing/fraternityis solely
responsible for the drinking
that occurred inside ofit
during a party.
Strongly Agree 6 6
14.6% 15.0%
Agree 8 8
19.5% 20.0%
Neither Agree Nor Disagree 9 6
22.0% 15.0%
Disagree 14 11
34.1% 27.5%
Strongly Disagree 4 9
9.8% 22.5%
Total 41 40
100.0% 100.0%
TABLE 2B:
I believed the student housing/fraternity is solely responsible for the drinking that
occurred inside of it during a party.

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Male or Female
Male Female
during a party.
Strongly Agree 2 10
8.3% 18.2%
Agree 2 13
8.3% 23.6%
20.8% 16.4%
Disagree 9 16
37.5% 29.1%
25.0% 12.7%
Total 24 55
100.0% 100.0%
TABLE 2C:
I believed the student housing/fraternity is solely responsible for the drinking that occurred inside
Yes No
during a party.
Strongly Agree 4 8
12.5% 16.7%
Agree 9 7
28.1% 14.6%
18.8% 16.7%
Disagree 9 16
28.1% 33.3%
12.5% 18.8%
Total 32 48
100.0% 100.0%

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Table 3A consists of answers based on the Likert scale asking students if the young
woman in the scenario was partially responsible with the whether it was the residence scenario or
the fraternity scenario. 41.5 percent answered agree in the residence scenario while 56.1 percent
answered the same for the Greek scenario. There were more interesting percentages when the
comparisons were between male and female. 36 percent of males answered strongly agree to the
young woman being partially responsible while only 14.5 percent of females shared the same
answer. The answers were closer for all of the other answers to the question, but when it came to
neither agreeing nor disagreeing, females had a 20 percent compared to 0 percent for the males
(See Table 3B for Male/Female comparison statistics and percentages). This percentage is
compelling because the higher percentage of women’s indecision is counterintuitive to this
author’s prediction. Table 3C describes the same question but whether the individual is in a
fraternity/sorority or not. 3.1 percent of those in a Greek organization strongly agreed to the
woman being partially responsible while 32.7 percent of those not in a Greek organization shared
the same answer. Continuing on Table 3C, 28.1 percent of those in Greek organizations chose to
answer neither agree nor disagree while only 4.1 percent of those not chose to answer the same.
TABLE 3A:
I feel the young woman was partially responsible.
Residence
I feel the young woman was
partially responsible
Strongly Agree 10 7
24.4% 17.1%
Agree 17 23
41.5% 56.1%
12.2% 14.6%
Disagree 5 2

13
12.2% 4.9%
9.8% 7.3%
Total 41 41
100.0% 100.0%
TABLE 3B:
I feel the young woman was partially responsible
Male or Female
Male Female
Strongly Agree 9 8
36.0% 14.5%
Agree 13 27
52.0% 49.1%
.0% 20.0%
Disagree 2 4
8.0% 7.3%
4.0% 9.1%
Total 25 55
100.0% 100.0%
TABLE 3C:
I feel the young woman was partially responsible.
Yes No
Strongly Agree 1 16
3.1% 32.7%
Agree 15 25
46.9% 51.0%
28.1% 4.1%
Disagree 3 3

14
9.4% 6.1%
12.5% 6.1%
Total 32 49
100.0% 100.0%
Table 4A consists of answers based on the Likert scale asking students if based on the
information provided, a sexual assault had occurred in the scenarios. There were no percentages
of consequence between answers for the residence scenario and the Greek scenario. In table 4B,
comparing males and females to the same question as above, there was 20 percent of males that
answered strongly disagree while only 10.9 percent of females answered the same. There were
no serious percentage difference between answers for whether or not the individual was in a
fraternity/sorority or not (See Table 4C).
TABLE 4A:
Basedon the information provided, I believe the sexual assault occurred.
Residence or Fraternity
Scenerio
Residence
Scenario
Greek
Scenario
Based on the information
provided, I believe the
sexual assault occurred.
Agree 7 7
17.1% 17.1%
Neither Agree Nor
Disagree
16 17
39.0% 41.5%
Disagree 12 12

15
29.3% 29.3%
14.6% 12.2%
Total 41 41
100.0% 100.0%
TABLE 4B:
Based on the information provided, I believe the sexual assault occurred.
Male or Female
Male Female
sexual assaultoccurred.
Agree 3 11
12.0% 20.0%
44.0% 38.2%
Disagree 6 17
24.0% 30.9%
20.0% 10.9%
Total 25 55
100.0% 100.0%
TABLE 4C:
Based on the information provided, I believe the sexual assault occurred.
Yes No
sexual assaultoccurred.
Agree 6 8
18.8% 16.3%
43.8% 38.8%
Disagree 7 16

16
21.9% 32.7%
15.6% 12.2%
Total 32 49
100.0% 100.0%
Table 5A consists of answers based on the Likert scale asking students if the college
should harshly punish the occupants who are students/fraternity members in the
household/fraternity house with the two scenarios as the variables. 7.3 percent of the residence
scenarios agreed to the question, while 17.5 percent agreed for the Greek scenario. More answers
in the Greek scenario (with 35 percent) than residence scenario (with 24.4 percent) neither
agreed nor disagreed. There were no percentage differences 10 percent or higher between male
or females (see Table 5B) nor students in Greek organizations or not (see Table 5C).
TABLE 5A:
The College should harshly punish the occupants who are students in fraternity
members/occupants who are students in the household/fraternity house.
Residence
The College should harshly
punish the occupants who
are students in fraternity
members/occupants who
are students in the
household/fraternityhouse.
Strongly Agree 3 0
7.3% .0%
Agree 3 7
7.3% 17.5%
24.4% 35.0%
Disagree 17 14
41.5% 35.0%
19.5% 12.5%
Total 41 40
100.0% 100.0%

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TABLE 5B:
Male or Female
Male Female
are students in the
Strongly Agree 0 3
.0% 5.6%
Agree 2 7
8.0% 13.0%
32.0% 29.6%
Disagree 10 20
40.0% 37.0%
20.0% 14.8%
Total 25 54
100.0% 100.0%
TABLE 5C:
Yes No
are students in the
Strongly Agree 2 1
6.5% 2.0%
Agree 3 7
9.7% 14.3%
32.3% 28.6%
Disagree 11 19
35.5% 38.8%
16.1% 16.3%

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Total 31 49
100.0% 100.0%
Table 6A consists of answers based on the Likert scale asking students if the police
should more closely monitor student housing on weekend nights. Comparing the residence
scenario and the Greek scenario, 14.6 percent of the residence scenario agreed to the question
while only 4.9 percent for the Greek one answered the same. There was also a compelling
percentage for neither agree nor disagree with the residence scenario at 22 percent and the Greek
scenario at 34.1 percent. In the male verses female percentage differences, females were more
likely to agree, or strongly agree, than males for there to be monitoring (0 percent of males and
14.5 percent for females for strongly agree and 12 percent of males and 25.5 percent of females
for agree). Males disagreed more strongly than women for this question with 36 percent
compared to 23.6 percent for females (see Table 6B for male and female comparison
percentages). There were no important percentage difference between students in Greek
organizations or not for this question (see Table 6C).
TABLE 6A:
Police should more closely monitor student housing on weekend nights.
Residence
Police should more closely
monitor studenthousing on
weekend nights.
Strongly Agree 6 2
14.6% 4.9%
Agree 9 9
22.0% 22.0%
22.0% 34.1%
Disagree 11 12
26.8% 29.3%

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14.6% 9.8%
Total 41 41
100.0% 100.0%
TABLE 6B:
Male or Female
Male Female
weekend nights.
Strongly Agree 0 8
.0% 14.5%
Agree 3 14
12.0% 25.5%
36.0% 25.5%
Disagree 9 13
36.0% 23.6%
16.0% 10.9%
Total 25 55
100.0% 100.0%
TABLE 6C:
Yes No
weekend nights.
Strongly Agree 4 4
12.5% 8.2%
Agree 8 10
25.0% 20.4%
28.1% 28.6%
Disagree 8 14

20
25.0% 28.6%
9.4% 14.3%
Total 32 49
100.0% 100.0%
Table 7A consists of answers based on the Likert scale asking students if the occupants of
the household/fraternity members should be charged with procuring with the two scenarios as the
variables. 12.2 percent of the residence scenarios neither agreed nor disagreed to the question,
while 32.5 percent answered the same for the Greek scenario. On the same table, 31.7 percent for
the residence scenario disagree that there should be a charge while only 17.5 of the Greek
scenario shared the same answer. There were no important percentage differences between male
or females (see Table 7B) nor students in Greek organizations or not (see Table 7C).
TABLE 7A:
Based on the information provided, I believe that the occupants of the house/fraternity members
should be charged with procuring.
Residence
provided, I believe that the
occupants ofthe
house/fraternitymembers
should be charged with
procuring.
Strongly Agree 4 4
9.8% 10.0%
Agree 15 14
36.6% 35.0%
12.2% 32.5%
Disagree 13 7
31.7% 17.5%
9.8% 5.0%
Total 41 40
100.0% 100.0%

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TABLE 7B:
Based on the information provided, I believe that the occupants of the house/fraternity
members should be charged with procuring.
Male or Female
Male Female
occupants ofthe
procuring.
Strongly Agree 3 5
12.5% 9.1%
Agree 7 21
29.2% 38.2%
20.8% 21.8%
Disagree 7 13
29.2% 23.6%
8.3% 7.3%
Total 24 55
100.0% 100.0%
TABLE 7C:
Based on the information provided, I believe that the occupants of the house/fraternity members
should be charged with procuring.
Yes No
occupants ofthe
procuring.
Strongly Agree 2 6
6.3% 12.5%
Agree 11 18
34.4% 37.5%
25.0% 18.8%
Disagree 7 13
21.9% 27.1%
12.5% 4.2%

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Total 32 48
100.0% 100.0%
Table 8A consists of answers based on the Likert scale asking students if there is
sufficient evidence to charge the occupants of the house/fraternity with a crime. There were no
percentage differences of consequence between answers for the residence scenario and the Greek
scenario. In table 8B, comparing males and females to the same question as above, there was 28
percent of males that answered neither agree nor disagree while only 18.2 percent of females
answered the same. There were no compelling percentage difference between answers for
whether or not the individual was in a fraternity/sorority or not (See Table 8C).
TABLE 8A:
I think there is sufficient evidence to charge the occupants of the house/fraternity members with a
crime.
Residence
I think there is sufficient
evidence to charge the
occupants ofthe
with a crime.
Strongly Agree 6 5
14.6% 12.2%
Agree 7 7
17.1% 17.1%
Neither Agree nor Disagree 8 9
19.5% 22.0%
Disagree 15 17
36.6% 41.5%
12.2% 7.3%
Total 41 41
100.0% 100.0%

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TABLE 8B:
I think there is sufficient evidence to charge the occupants of the house/fraternity
members with a crime.
Male or Female
Male Female
occupants ofthe
with a crime.
Strongly Agree 2 9
8.0% 16.4%
Agree 3 11
12.0% 20.0%
28.0% 18.2%
Disagree 10 20
40.0% 36.4%
12.0% 9.1%
Total 25 55
100.0% 100.0%
TABLE 8C:
I think there is sufficient evidence to charge the occupants of the house/fraternity members with a
crime.
Yes No
occupants ofthe
with a crime.
Strongly Agree 4 7
12.5% 14.3%
Agree 5 9
15.6% 18.4%
18.8% 22.4%
Disagree 14 17
43.8% 34.7%

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DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION
The study showed some intriguing and mixed results. In questions based more towards
the members of the household/fraternity, students seemed to call for harsher punishment for the
residence instead of the fraternity house when asked what sentence should be imposed of the two
men/fraternity members. There were also more students that disagreed that the residents should
be charged with a crime compared to the fraternity members. There were as well more students
that wanted the fraternity members to receive punishment from the college more than the
residents. Females in these questions were more likely to agree with a harsher punishment for the
two men rather than the fraternity members but stayed pretty much the same as males for the
other two.
In questions based on the girl and possibility of sexual assault, there was no significant
difference between the fraternity and residence scenario believing the sexual assault occurred.
However, students were more likely to feel the woman was more partially responsible in the
fraternity scenario than in the residence scenario. Females in these questions were less likely to
agree and more likely to neither agree nor disagree in the female being partially responsible
while less likely to strongly disagree that the sexual assault had occurred.
In questions based on the residence/fraternity house, students were more likely to
disagree that the fraternity was solely responsible for the drinking that occurred inside of the
house during the party than the residence. Students were also more likely to agree that police
should monitor the residence more closely than the fraternity house. Females were more likely to
9.4% 10.2%
Total 32 49
100.0% 100.0%

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agree that the fraternity house/residence was solely responsible and were more like to agree that
both residences and fraternity houses should be more closely monitored on weekend nights.
In conclusion, there were some surprises from the study. What was originally
hypothesized was only half true. More of the study showed little to no statistical significance
between the Greek scenario or residence scenario until looking more closely at the data per
question. Females were actually harsher on punishments and blame or had more or less the same
answers as men. However, females were more neutral or in favor of the woman in the questions.
The answers from this study seem to show that the students are more neutral than thought
previously. Students, although in some cases more likely to hold the fraternity responsible, was
more understanding and more impartial between the two different stories than anticipated. Greek
life as a whole based on this study seemed to be judged similarly to a residence of student. There
was an overall more positive outlook of Greeks in cases of wrongdoings than the hypothesis
predicted. It seems to the author that the problem and line drawn between Greeks and non-
Greeks could lie with administrational pull and not the student body in general. This study has
furthered the understanding of the perceptions of students of instances of wrongdoings between
resident households and fraternity houses.

26
APPENDIX A
After a big Saturday afternoon football game, a residence located near campus decided to open
its doors for a party. The house, a two story structure with twelve male college students, allowed
people to bring their own drinks and join in the celebration. As best they could, they requested
identification, but many slipped into the party unnoticed.
The party proceeded without incident until a male member of the household noticed a young
woman slumped over in a chair, obviously intoxicated. Two men carried her to a second floor
room and shut the door. According to the students, they posted a couple of Instagram photos of
the woman lying on the bed, with the caption, “#TooDrunkToHang.” After that, they claimed
they left her to “sleep it off” and returned to the party.
Eventually, some friends of the young woman, concerned with her absence, searched the house
and found her in the room, unconscious but breathing steadily. They got her half awake,
straightened her clothes, and then assisted the young woman in walking to their dorm four blocks
away. On the way, a local police officer saw the group noticeably intoxicated and asked for
identifications. All the young women were underage. He asked them to come to the station, and
they complied.
At the station, the young women confirmed they were at the party and claimed the occupants
provided them with alcohol. The woman, who was taken to a bedroom, now fully conscious, said
she couldn’t remember being taken to the bedroom but felt a sexual assault had taken place.
The next day, the police went to the house and told the occupants they were being referred to the
administration. They also were to be charged with procuring to minors, and the two men who
carried the woman upstairs were under investigation for sexual assault.

27
For each of the following statements, please circle the option that best fits your attitude in
relation to the statement. (SA) Strongly Agree (A) Agree (N) Neither Agree Nor Disagree
(D) Disagree (SD) Strongly Disagree
1. Based on the information, provided I believe the sexual assault occurred.
SA A N D SD
2. I think there is sufficient evidence to charge the occupants of the house with a crime
SA A N D SD
3. Based on the information provided, I believe that the occupants of the house should be
charged with procuring.
SA A N D SD
4. I feel the young woman was partially responsible.
SA A N D SD
5. I believed the student household is solely responsible for the drinking that occurred inside
SA A N D SD
6. Police should more closely monitor student housing on weekend nights.
SA A N D SD
7. The college should harshly punish the occupants who are students in the household.
SA A N D SD
8. Circle the sentence you find most appropriate: If the two men were charged and found
guilty for procuring to minors, what sentence should be imposed on them?
a. $1000 fine and 90 days in jail
b. $500 fine and 30 days in jail
c. $250 fine and a year of probation
d. No fine and a written warning

28
Here are a few questions about you. Circle your answer.
1. Sex: Male Female
2. Year In School:
Freshman Sophomore Junior Senior
3. Are you in a fraternity or sorority: Yes No

29
After a big Saturday afternoon football game, a fraternity located near campus decided to open
its doors for a party. The fraternity house allowed people to bring their own drinks and join in the
celebration. As best they could, they requested identification, but many slipped into the party
unnoticed.
The party proceeded without incident until a fraternity member noticed a young woman slumped
over in a chair, obviously intoxicated. Two fraternity members carried her to a second floor room
and shut the door. According to the fraternity members, they posted a couple of Instagram photos
of the woman lying on the bed, with the caption, “#TotalFratMove.” After that, they claimed
they left her to “sleep it off” and returned to the party.
Eventually, some friends of the young woman, concerned with her absence, searched the house
and found her in the room, unconscious but breathing steadily. They got her half awake,
straightened her clothes, and then assisted the young woman in walking to their dorm four blocks
away. On the way, a local police officer saw the group noticeably intoxicated and asked for
identifications. All the young women were underage. He asked them to come to the station, and
they complied.
At the station, the young women confirmed they were at the party and claimed the fraternity
members provided them with alcohol. The woman, who was taken to a bedroom, now fully
conscious, said she couldn’t remember being taken to the bedroom but felt a sexual assault had
taken place.
The next day, the police went to the house and told the fraternity members they were being
referred to the administration and the national organization for sanction. They also were to be
charged with procuring to minors, and the two fraternity members who carried the woman
upstairs were under investigation for sexual assault.

30
For each of the following statements, please circle the option that best fits your attitude in
relation to the statement. (SA) Strongly Agree (A) Agree (N) Neither Agree Nor Disagree
(D) Disagree (SD) Strongly Disagree
1. Based on the information, provided I believe the sexual assault occurred.
SA A N D SD
2. I think there is sufficient evidence to charge the fraternity members with a crime
SA A N D SD
3. Based on the information provided, I believe that the fraternity members should be
charged with procuring.
SA A N D SD
4. I feel the young woman was partially responsible.
SA A N D SD
5. I believed the fraternity is solely responsible for the drinking that occurred inside of the
house during a party.
SA A N D SD
6. Police should more closely monitor fraternities on weekend nights.
SA A N D SD
7. The college should harshly punish the members of the fraternity.
SA A N D SD
8. Circle the sentence you find most appropriate: If the two fraternity members were
charged and found guilty for procuring to minors, what sentence should be imposed on
them?
a. $1000 fine and 90 days in jail
b. $500 fine and 30 days in jail
c. $250 fine and a year of probation
d. No fine and a written warning

31
Here are a few questions about you. Circle your answer.
1. Sex: Male Female
2. Year In School:
Freshman Sophomore Junior Senior
3. Are you in a fraternity or sorority: Yes No

32
REFERENCES
Asel, A., Seifert, T., & Pascarella, E. (2009). The Effects of Fraternity/Sorority Membership on
College Experiences and Outcomes: A Portrait of Complexity. Oracle: The Research
Journal of the Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors 4(1). 1-15. Retrieved
September, 2015.
Burke, T. (2014, November). Deaths, Assaults, and Injuries Lead to Campus-Wide Bans on
Greek Life. Fraternal Law. Retrieved September, 2015.
Fouts, K. (2010). Why Undergraduates Aren’t “Going Greek”: Attraction, Affiliation, and
Retention in Fraternities and Sororities. Oracle: The Research Journal of the Association
of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors 5(1) 24-33. Retrieved September, 2015.
Grasgreen, A. (2012, March). NASPA Consortium Survey Find Varying Student Perceptions on
Value of Greek Life. Insider Higher Ed. Retrieved September, 2015.
Harms, P.D., Woods, D., Roberts, B., Bureau, D., and Green, A. M. (2006). Perceptions of
Leadership in Undergraduate Fraternal Organizations. Oracle: The Research Journal of
the Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors 2(2). 81-94. Retrieved September, 2015.
Hennessy, N., Huson, L. (1998). Legal Issues and Greek Letter Organizations. New Directions
for Student Services (81). Retrieved September, 2015.
Pascarella, E., Flowers, L., Whitt, E. (2006). Research Revisited: Cognitive Effects of Greek
Affiliation in College: Additional Information. Oracle: The Research Journal of the
Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors 2(2) 117-132. Retrieved September, 2015.
Perkins, A., Zimmerman, J., & Janosik, S. (2011). Changing Trends in the Undergraduate
Fraternity/Sorority Experience: An Evaluative and Analytical Literature Review. Oracle:
The Research Journal of the Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors, 6(1), 57-73.

33
Retrieved September, 2015.
Shalka, T., Jones, S. (2010). Differences in Self-Awareness Related Measures Among Culturally
Based Fraternities, Social Fraternity, and Non-Affiliated College Men. Oracle: The
Research Journal of the Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors 5(1) 1-11. Retrieved
September, 2015.
Sirhal, M. (2000). Fraternities on the Rocks. Policy Review. 55-67. Retrieved September, 2015.
Tollini, C., & Wilson, B. (2010). Fraternity Members’ Views of Negative Stereotypes. Oracle:
The Research Journal of the Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors, 5(1) 34-44.
Retrieved September, 2015.

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