Back in high school and thinking about college, there are a few things that came to mind.

More homework and required reading, the chance to get out of your parents’ house and meeting new people at all the future raging parties thrown by the Greeks.

Yes, college life and Greek row seem to go hand in hand when thinking about the first years.

The life-long bonds and close-knit community Greek life offers is something most people look for, but at what price? There should be a place offering the same strong values of Greek life without the monetary commitment.

Xi Phi Chi is that place.

Sororities and fraternities have always been part of the typical college experience dating back to 1776 when the first philosophical society was formed at the College of William and Mary, according to the Phi Beta Kappa Society.

Greek members are often portrayed as snobby men and women, often in polo tees and pearls, who believe they are above the average college student and who want nothing more than to exclude the “common folk” from their prestigious house.

If you aren’t a Greek, chances are you know someone who is or have at least seen a movie where Greek life is portrayed.

Movies like “The House Bunny” and “Old School” cast a shadow on Greek life, making it out to be nothing more than power-hungry men and women who cherish exclusivity above all else.

However, besides being a literal house and a well of family-like unity, the one thing widely known, and mocked about being in a Greek house is the money it takes to belong. 

The Xi Phi Chi fraternity is the only Greek organization on campus that does not charge member dues.  Their motto: We believe in true brotherhood at no cost.

Although they are not an official member of the Interfraternity Council, the council that connects all national Greek chapters, because they do not pay membership fees as they don’t ask any from their members; Xi Phi Chi does participate in mixers and philanthropy events as well as uphold the standards of Greek life on campus. 

Xi Phi Chi was founded in 2002 and is only located at Sacramento State. Their goal is to achieve one of the largest brotherhoods without charging any fees.

Xi Phi Chi is breaking ground in uncharted territory while maintaining the responsibilities and not slacking on expectations for the new recruits with a mandatory minimum of a 2.0 GPA.

Junior communications major and Sigma Chi’s pledge educator, Kyle Tanaka knows first hand the rivalry between fraternities, but also the importance to come together in the spirit of bother hood and the Greek system nation wide.

“I personally, and speaking on behalf of my fraternity, don’t have a problem with it. The more fraternities the better,” Tanaka said. “If they want a seat at the IFC and are willing to pay the membership dues then absolutely, more power to them.”

Xi Phi Chi, like other Greek houses, do fund raisers and charity work while donating their proceeds to a cause of their choice. They host a few different events each year and stand strong against all forms of hazing by choosing not to do it and request others to not do it as well.

The time has come for fraternities and sororities to end the dirty myth that Greeks can only make friends by paying for them and make it accessible to those who can‘t afford to buy their way in. 

Some fees are necessary to fund the national chapters and pay for the mixers and events the Greek house hosts, but which would the members prefer; to pay one flat fee upfront or a smaller fee before each event?

That’s up to the individual who is choosing between Greek and non-Greek and then possibly between which Greek house.

Xi Phi Chi is the new frontier. It has survived 10 years with no member fees without the regulations of the IFC and is still going strong while adding to their roster each year. 

Stay on the lookout for more Greek houses to follow in Xi Phi Chi’s footsteps, I predict more will be adapting this progressive way of welcoming new members. Maybe more fraternities and sororities will stray from the traditions of the past and opt to start a new way to be Greek. 

Ashley Jung can be reached at [email protected]