Because fraternities historically have been heterosexual in nature (e.g., mixers with sororities, etc.), many Greek organizations have not had an opportunity to deal with this issue. However, this does not mean that there has never been homosexual members of national or local Greek organizations. A 1994 study of Greek alumni at San Diego State University found that 56 out of 1,300 respondents had reported having sexual intercourse with someone of the same sex. At the same time, only six had reported having this experience while being an "active." Moreover, 33 out of the 56 reported that they identified themselves as "homosexual" and none had "come out" during their undergraduate years. Therefore, I would imagine that whether people realize it or not, there may be a number of Greeks across the U.S. that are homosexual. I also believe that the college years can be a wonderful time to explore and try different things and, certainly, sexual exploration is no different. I am glad that you are supporting this person because I feel that the mark of true brotherhood and friendship is support during trying times. Continue to be supportive and highlight the fact that sexual orientation is not a requirement for membership. However, I do advise prospective members of any fraternity/sorority that Greek organizations are heterosexual in nature, but that does not mean that homosexual members would not benefit from membership and a spirit of brotherhood or sisterhood. A person's sexual orientation is so little a part of who they are. Everyone can benefit from brotherhood, leadership, personal development and a sense of true friendship. I think that experience will make your fraternity's bond much stronger and will give everyone an opportunity to grow and learn. I know I did.

Our sorority has study nights every week, or at least they're supposed be to study nights. Instead, all we do is sit around and gab and have a good time. Our scholarship chairs can't seem to get everyone to take study nights seriously. How can we get our sisters to make study sessions more effective and less of a party?

Have the study nights in your campus library and ask the staff to maintain the appropriate level of noise and activity at the table or room. This way, you don't have to be the "bad guy." At the same time, make study night a requirement for those who are not performing up to the academic standard set by your organization. Require them to attend one to two hours per week, and if you kick them out of study night for being disruptive, they lose the points for continued membership in your organization -- and it wasn't anyone's fault except their own.

My local fraternity wants to offer some sort of scholarship for our members, but we don't have a lot of money. Any ideas?

Contact the financial aid office at your campus. They may have some ideas. Also, alumni members can pool together $20 each a year and place this money in a semi-conservative mutual fund that will earn 16 to 25 percent interest. After a year or so, 30 alumni who pitched in $20 a year will have earned $700 to $800 for a scholarship fund. Your organization can then offer a $100 or $200 scholarship, while the rest of the money continues to earn interest to increase the amount of future scholarship money. Contact American Express Financial Advisors for more information regarding mutual funds or scholarship funds.