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Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine how culture-based fraternities and sororities (CBFS) support and contribute to leadership development, a subset of co-curricular learning, as a function of intensity of involvement and expectations. Specifically, what leadership skills and competencies were developed and enhanced through membership in CBFSs? The intended outcome of this study is to inform CBFSs and student affairs practitioners who work with these student groups, so they will be more intentional when advising active student members. The study was designed to evaluate CBFS members perceptions of involvement and expectations in order to establish a foundation for future leadership studies.The participants in this study consisted of CBFS members (n = 115) whose chapters were governed by multicultural Greek councils at two large research institutions in a single state and within a state system in the Southeast. The Co-curricular Involvement and Experiences Questionnaire (Beeny, 2003) was utilized to measure perceptions of student leadership and skill development and is comprised of questions from Badal (2000), Beeny (2003), and Winston and Massaro (1987). The study examined how culture-based Greek letter organizations support and contribute to leadership development. Specific leadership items were identified that participants perceived as learned skills and competencies. Several significant findings at both the 0.05 and 0.01 alpha levels were identified based on data analysis. Intensity of involvement along with organization and peer expectations were analyzed to verify leadership development as an outcome of CBFS membership.