Greek life, or the presence of fraternities and sororities, exists at many colleges and universities. According to Michael Grandillo in an Encyclopedia article, “there are more than 5,500 chapters on 800 campuses across the United States and Canada.” Although Greek life is so common, participation in such organizations can be a controversial topic, particularly when critics suggest that hazing can be harmful to students' health and college careers. For those who don't know much about Greek life, or the process one goes through to affiliate with this system, there is first a week called "rush week," where fraternities and sororities host parties in an attempt to woo students to join their group. organizations. If members of a fraternity or sorority like a particular student, they will vote to give that student a "bid," which gives that student the opportunity to commit to their organization. If the student accepts the offer, the hiring process will begin, which generally lasts six to ten weeks. Assuming the student can stick it out, he or she will be accepted into the organization and will be rewarded with the benefits of membership for the rest of his or her life. Despite the fact that some Greek organizations engage in intense hazing practices that can result in reduced pledge grades, it is beneficial for students to participate in Greek life because the organizations force students to form strong bonds with each other while learning important lessons , prepare students for their future careers and provide students with great networking opportunities. Often, when you hear about fraternities or sororities on the news, the program has to do with hazing and the death or injury it caused to an innocent person... . middle of paper… at times in the past, it has not and will not stop students from wanting to enroll, because of the meaningful friendships that can be made and the networking opportunities. Works Cited Gordon, Julie. “You should join a fraternity”? Business Week. May 24, 2006. Web. Dec. 6, 2011.980726.htm>.Grandillo, Michael. "Social fraternities and brotherhoods". Encyclopedia of education. 2002. Web.7 December 2011. .Korry, Elaine. “Fraternity hazing gone wrong.” National Public Radio. November 14, 2005.Web. December 6, 2011. .Skorton, David. “A Commitment to End Fraternity Hazing.” The New York Times. August 23, 2011. Web.December 6, 2011.hazing.html>.