Western Michigan University has had a long and rich history with its collegiate fraternities and sororities. The first sororities were originally founded as debate societies in 1916 and were then recognized as national organizations in 1950. The Academy and Senate became Sigma Kappa and Alpha Chi Omega respectively. Theta Chi Delta, originating in the 1920's as the Tribunal became the nationally affiliated Tau Kappa Epsilon in March 1952.

The first historically African American fraternity that joined Western's campus community January 1948 was Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and the first historically African American sorority, Delta Sigma Theta in 1953. Additionally, Phi Delta Psi Fraternity was founded on the campus of Western Michigan University on March 21, 1977 with the hopes of creating a Greek-lettered organization structure that embodied the "new" social, economic, and political challenges of African American males.

Western's Greek-lettered organizations have greatly enhanced the collegiate experience for tens of thousands of students. Fraternities and sororities have provided the University an environment that enhances positive growth and development for students, in addition to offering alternative living-learning communities. These unique communities have fostered life-long friendships and a strong sense of institutional loyalty and support.

Today, Western's Greek community has 27 chapters representing the Interfraternity, College Panhellenic, and National Pan-Hellenic Councils, respectively.