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By getting involved in student organizations, students learn how to collaborate, communicate, lead, and practice sound financial skills. Many alumni cite their experiences with student organizations as having been critical to their career advancement. Job recruiters frequently seek student leaders for interviews because their companies recognize the value of participating in and leading organized group activities.

Fraternities and Sororities,
founded at Purdue in 1875

Purdue boasts one of the nation's largest Greek systems, with approximately 5,000 student members holding membership in one of 50 men's fraternities or 26 women's fraternities and sororities. About 18% of Purdue's undergraduates are members of a general Greek letter organization. Since the founding of the Sigma Chi Fraternity in 1875, Greek letter organizations have maintained a steady and influential presence on Purdue's campus. Most growth in chapters and membership occurred between 1905 and 1960. Several of Purdue's most distinguished graduates are members of fraternities and sororities.

“Greek Life” is one of many campus involvement opportunities at Purdue that help students make a large university seem smaller. Most Greek organizations offer housing and meal service for their members. Men and women's fraternities provide friendship, intramural athletic competition, social activities, community service, and academic support for their members. Students develop a strong sense of belonging to their organization and loyalty to Purdue University through the Greek system. Membership is lifelong, and alumni activities are numerous at the national and local level. http://www.purdue.edu/greek

Cooperative housing,
founded at Purdue in 1933

Purdue’s cooperative housing system includes five houses for men and seven for women. All 12 houses operate on the principals of cooperative living with all residents working together to manage each house for the benefit of each other.

The houses in the cooperative system accommodate between 17 to 61 members. Cooperatives frequently have the highest average GPA on campus, above fraternities, sororities, and residence halls.

Social functions such as formals, barn dances, trade dinners, and theme parties allow students to interact with other members of cooperative houses, fraternities, sororities, and other campus organizations. All cooperative houses participate in at least one philanthropy per year that helps benefit charitable organizations. http://www.purdue.cooperatives.com

Number of Student Organizations from 1992-93 through 2001-02

Source: Office of the Dean of Students