Joining a fraternity or sorority is a big decision for a lot of college students. Getting involved in Greek life is a great way to meet people, develop a professional and alumni network, and find leadership and community service opportunities. 

But how do you know which fraternity or sorority to join? And how can you decide if the commitment is right for you? University of Nevada, Reno Admissions Coordinator Elijah Robertson talks about how he decided to join a fraternity and why he chose Kappa Alpha Psi. 

What did you study in college?

I studied business management and minored in communication.

What extracurricular activities did you join?

I was involved in my fraternity. I did community service in my fraternity. I was also a part of intramural sports on campus: football, basketball and dodgeball. We were the three-year defending champions in dodgeball. (We were the best!)

What fraternity are you a part of?

Kappa Alpha Psi, which is a historically black fraternity founded in 1911 at the Indiana University Bloomington.

When you were in high school, did you plan on joining a fraternity in college or was it a decision you made later on?

Well, actually me and my wife were just talking about this last night. It all started with the movie Drumline. I think that’s what sparked my interest. I had a cousin that always wanted to go to an HBCU, which are historically Black colleges and universities, and would tell me about the HBCU bands/drumlines and about joining a fraternity. And, I always wanted to be part of a fraternity. I always wanted to be a part of a historically black fraternity just to be able to continue on with that legacy. But I knew it wouldn’t happen for sure unless I was in an environment with fraternities.

So, for me, the interest started with the movie Drumline, and that’s what happened with a lot of African students in my generation. Drumline was about the HBCU experience. And in the movie, one of his friends joins a fraternity.

For me, being a part of a historically black fraternity was important. It wasn’t like I wanted to join any fraternity, but I wanted to join a historically black fraternity. Because I felt like, after doing my research, knowing what it took for those fraternities to exist during that time, because we weren’t included in anything else. That’s what made me want to do it. I wanted to continue on the legacy of my founding members. As well as looking at well-known individuals that have joined my fraternity such as Colin Kaepernick and Bill Russell.

How did you choose Kappa Alpha Psi? 

Coming from California, I did not see too many fraternities in my area. But I feel like Kappa Alpha Psi found me. I was on a shuttle going to my residence hall when Zachary T. Cook, a junior at the University, asked if I ever thought about joining a fraternity. I asked him which one, and it was Kappa Alpha Psi. And I was like, "Oh there are historically black fraternities on campus!" We had a great conversation on the shuttle.

I reached out to him later that day, and he invited me to an informational session they were having where I had the chance to meet the other members.

Then, I did more research in regards to alumni and what they stood for, and they were not just about parties. I also asked people around campus what they thought about the fraternity. Now [Kappa Alpha Psi members] are among my good friends, people that I could call now.

I would say ultimately, to answer your question, they ended up choosing me. Because during that time, it was my first semester at the University and I was thinking about getting situated in college, what to do, what not to do, who to talk to, how to navigate getting good grades. That shuttle conversation sparked my interest and I’ve been in my fraternity for over 12 years.

What’s one piece advice you would give to someone looking at joining a fraternity or sorority?

Do your research. Do not join a fraternity because a friend has done it. See if the values fit you. See if this lifetime commitment is something you truly want to do.