The Effects of Fraternity and Sorority Membership In the Fourth Year of College: A Detrimental or Value-Added Component of Undergraduate Education?

Authors

Michael S. Hevel, University of Arkansas
Georgianna L. Martin, University of Southern MississippiFollow
Dustin D. Weeden, University of Iowa
Ernest T. Pascarella, University of IowaFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2015

School

Education

Abstract

We use a longitudinal national dataset to explore the direct and conditional effects of fraternity/sorority membership on students’ educational outcomes in the 4th year of college. Controlling for a variety of potentially confounding variables, including pretest measures of the outcomes, we find no direct effect of fraternity/sorority membership on educational outcomes; however, we identify 5 conditional effects related to students’ entering academic abilities and their racial/ethnic identities. We conclude by discussing implications for practice and research.

Publication Title

Journal of College Student Development

Volume

56

Issue

5

First Page

456

Last Page

470

Recommended Citation

Hevel, M., Martin, G., Weeden, D., Pascarella, E. (2015). The Effects of Fraternity and Sorority Membership In the Fourth Year of College: A Detrimental or Value-Added Component of Undergraduate Education?. Journal of College Student Development, 56(5), 456-470.
Available at: https://aquila.usm.edu/fac_pubs/18755