What comes to mind when you think of Greek Life – wild parties, hazing scandals splashed across headlines, or the cliché image of the “typical” frat boy or sorority girl? Stereotypes dominate the conversation, often carrying negative weight. But what if, at McGill, Greek Life looked different – what if it stood for something more?
McGill is home to six fraternities and six sororities, with students in Greek Life making up only about 2% of the student body. Compared to most American universities – and even some Canadian ones – McGill’s Greek scene is quite small. Still, that does not stop it from making a mark on campus. Sigma Chi, located in the heart of campus on Rue University, stands as one of the most visible presences. The Bull & Bear sat down with Sigma Chi’s VP of Events, Francesco Guinand, right inside the fraternity house. Guinand, who is from the United States, said, “I would never rush in the States.” Much of the stigmatism around Greek Life is from the American system, in which Greek Life is plagued with hazing.
Guinand emphasized that McGill fraternities and sororities all uphold strict “no hazing” policies, and that culture inside their houses looks very different from the stereotype. At Sigma Chi, for example, inclusivity and diversity are at the forefront of their community, with even a few women living in the house.
“Anyone can have fun in this city,” Guinand said, stressing that students at McGill join Greek Life not out of necessity, but out of choice. That choice, he explained, fosters intentional community and brotherhood, which for him define the experience.
Both fraternities and sororities were founded to create lifelong bonds and develop leaders. Members of Greek Life at McGill often point out, unlike the large, homogenous chapters in the U.S., McGill’s smaller scene is more interconnected, offering greater opportunities to form meaningful friendships and career connections. Through multinational networks like Sigma Chi, members gain opportunities for internships, jobs, and invaluable life experiences.
Greek Life at McGill is also deeply tied to philanthropy. One First-year student Zia Harvey, who recently rushed Kappa Kappa Gamma, spoke about her sorority’s charity, jack.org. The charity is aimed at helping put a stop to the youth mental health crisis. “I like that I can actually focus on something that is making a difference and not just social hierarchies like the sororities do in the United States,” she shared. Harvey added that unlike her friends in the U.S., she never faced intense rushing, blacklisting, or hazing. “Rush was fun. I got to meet so many people and learn about all the philanthropy.” Last year alone, Sigma Chi raised $15,000 for local charities, Gamma Phi Beta raised $3,000 for the Montreal Children’s Hospital, and Kappa Kappa Gamma held events for a local women’s homeless shelter.
It is worth re-examining where stereotypes of Greek Life come from. It is very clear that McGill’s Greek life defies the cliches. Instead of hazing or hierarchies, it’s about inclusivity, connection, leadership, and giving back.
