De'Ja BunyanFraternity and Sorority life is at the very core of HBCU tradition. These organizations provide an opportunity for Black women and men to further enhance the Black community in every aspect as well as connecting with other like-minded individuals.
However, as a result of the sweeping pandemic, Greek life on N.C Central’s campus will look slightly different this year.
Fortunately, the Office of Sorority and Fraternity Life (OFSL) Coordinator, Ebony Sneed, has been working overtime to make this year’s Greek experience seamless despite the challenge of abiding by the social distancing order.
“With respect to the organizations, 90 percent of communication until further notice will be virtual,” said Sneed.
With this in mind, Greek organizations had to get creative in developing virtual events.
“I intend on making certain that students still have the same opportunity to get acquainted with Greek life as if there was no pandemic at all,” said Sneed.
Luckily, Jordan Freeman, spring ‘20 initiate of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated, was among the few organizations that received the opportunity to participate in the membership intake process before COVID-19 got bad.
“It didn’t really affect anything, it just delayed the membership intake process,” said Freeman. “The best advice I could give to stay safe are the three w’s: wash your hands, wear a mask, and wait six feet apart.”
Similar to many other N.C. Central student organizations, students within the OFSL have experienced their fair share of low morale amidst the pandemic.
To combat this, virtual meetings are scheduled often to check on the mental health of OFSL members, according to Sneed.
“We partner with Counseling services on campus to create a safe space for my students to discuss ways to cope with life during the pandemic,” Sneed added.
Looking to the future, OFSL personnel are hopeful for a successful membership intake turn out.
Sneed shared some advice as to how students can prepare during these uncertain
times.
“I would encourage everyone to stay vigilant, actively read, and pay attention to how you conduct yourself during events via Zoom/Webex,” Sneed concluded. “People are going to be intentional about selection and you should be intentional about seeking out your organization of interest.”
