Parent's Guide
As a parent, it's a good idea for you to learn about
fraternities and sororities so you can help your son or
daughter make the best decision about whether or not he or
she should be part of the Greek life. Educate yourself by
checking out this parents' guide to fraternities and
sororities. Academics Financial Responsibility Hazing Time Commitment Activities
Academics should be your child's number one focus
while in college. That's why most Greek organizations
require a minimum GPA in order to remain a member. Usually,
each individual chapter has an elected official who is
responsible for keeping track of members and their academic
performance. Furthermore, many fraternities and sororities
have educational programs, such as tutoring and study
sessions, which can assist the entire chapters in excelling
academically. Most chapters also offer member scholarships.
Since obtaining a degree is the main reason for attending
college, make sure your student realizes that he must keep
up his grades if he wants to participate in a Greek
organization.
Your child will have financial responsibilities when it
comes to joining a fraternity or sorority. At most schools,
there is a one-time new member/initiation fee as well as
semester membership dues. Depending on where your child goes
to school and to which organization he wants to join will
determine the amount of dues he will have to pay each
semester. If your child is really interested in becoming a
member of the Greek life, you need to sit down with him or
her and work out a college budget to determine whether or
not joining a frat or sorority is affordable.
In the past, fraternities and sororities have
received a bad rap for participating in hazing, which is any
action taken that produces bodily harm or danger, mental or
physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, fright, or
ridicule. Today, all fraternity and sorority policies
strictly prohibit any type of hazing activity. In fact, the
organizations have taken on a zero-tolerance stance on this
issue. Some states even have legislation that makes hazing a
third-degree felony. If you feel that your student may be
participating in inappropriate activities associated with
hazing, you should contact the school's Dean of Students
office immediately.
On average, your student should expect to
contribute two to four hours per week for meetings and
mandatory activities. If your student has the time, he can
also choose to participate in optional activities, such as
holding an office, attending social events, helping out with
various projects, etc. Some organizations require more time
than others. Advise your child to ask questions regarding
time commitments during recruitment.
Fraternities and sororities participate in many
different activities. The kind of activities your student
may participate in will vary depending on which chapter
he/she joins. Possible activities may include:
