EFFECTS OF GREEK AFFILIATION ON AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDENTS' ENGAGEMENT: Differences by College Racial Composition

Abstract

This study used a nationally representative sample of African American college students to examine the degree to which their affiliation with a Greek-letter organization contributed to engagement in effective educational practices by analyzing National Survey of Student Engagement data at historically Black colleges and universities and predominantly White institutions. Overall, the findings indicated that Greek affiliation does enhance African American student engagement, particularly as it relates to interactions with faculty members and peers. Data also indicated that Greek affiliated members at historically Black colleges and universities appear to be more engaged than their counterparts at predominantly White institutions. African American college students who have an interest in becoming involved on campus often join student organizations such as Black Greek-letter organizations (BGLOs), which have had a presence on campuses dating back to the early 190Os (Kimbrough, 1997, 2003; McClure, 2006; Ross, 2000). As a result of their Greek affiliation, African American students at both historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and predominantly White institutions (PWIs) have been exposed to various leadership roles, opportunities for civic responsibility within and beyond the collegiate environment, and a network of men and women who promote and encourage academic achievement and community service (Harper, 2008; Harper & Harris, 2006; Kimbrough, 1995, 1997; Patton & Bonner, 2001). Despite the documented history regarding the impact of Greek affiliation on African American college students (Kimbrough, 1997), the critical question concerning the relevance of Greekletter organizations on college campuses, broadly speaking (Kuh, Pascarella, & Wechsler, 1996; Maisei, 1990; Nuwer, 1999) has remained a topic of scholarly debate (Kimbrough, 2003). Against this backdrop, Patton and Bonner (2001) stated: With their longstanding tradition of scholarship, leadership, community service, and social activism, these organizations have served as an aegis of protection for the African American collegiate and noncollegiate community against a number of social and political forays; yet they have not existed without their share of controversy and negative press, (p. 17) The importance and relevance of Greek affiliation, both across the landscape and within BGLOs have often been questioned over the years (McKenzie, 1990; Ruffms, 1997). In explaining the initial doubts regarding these groups, McKenzie (1990), asserted: The unfavorable attitudes held toward the groups due to questionable membership selection and initiation practices, along with the disharmony they brought to campus life at Black colleges because of their involvement in student elections, resulted in students, faculty, and the Black population at large frequently challenging the groups to demonstrate positive contributions to student, as well as Negro life. (p. 32) In light of these and similar viewpoints noted in the higher education and student affairs literature regarding the effects of Greek affiliation on Black student experiences and outcomes (Kimbrough, 1997, 2003; McClure, 2006), the purpose of this study was to examine the influence of Greek affiliation among Black students on measures of studentengagement at HBCUs and PWIs using data from the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE). We highlight two strands of literature that are pertinent to better understanding this study. First offered is the literature related to Black student experiences at PWIs and HBCUs. Given that students in this study attended institutions situated in one of these contexts, it is important to share what researchers have found when examining Black student experiences at both institutional types. Second is the literature related to Black student affiliation within BGLOs. We acknowledge that some Black students, although not a critical mass, may belong to predominantly White fraternities and sororities at PWIs. …