Greek to Me: A Parents' Guide to Fraternities and Sororities
As a parent, it's a good idea for you to learn about fraternities and sororities so you can better understand your son or daughter's experience as a member of a Greek organization. Educate yourself by checking out this parents' guide to fraternities and sororities.
What is being involved in a fraternity or sorority all about?
I know you have seen many interesting shows on television and read in the newspaper, the reality is those particular situations are extreme cases of fraternity and sorority life. What the media does not tell you as a parent is that there are many life-long benefits to membership in fraternities and sororities. At Samford University, membership in a fraternity or sorority offers a home-away-from home and makes the university setting a smaller more friendly community. Additionally, national research has shown that involvement in fraternities and sororities increases students' chances of graduating from college. As a life-long member of a fraternity or sorority, students are offered the opportunity to develop as leaders, serve the local community, and focus on academics, as well as their careers, by connecting with faculty, staff, and other students in addition; local alumni members, advisors and other Greek organizations.
Academics
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.
Financial Responsibility
Your child will have financial responsibilities when it comes to joining a fraternity or sorority. At Samford , there is a one-time new member/initiation fee as well as semester membership dues of around $300-500. 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.
Time Commitment
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.
Activities
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:
Fundraising for charities
Tutoring elementary school students
Conducting environmental and neighborhood cleanups
Sponsoring blood drives
Organizing clothing and book collections
Volunteering at shelters
Participating in intramural athletics
Attending social mixers
Etc.
Housing
Most sororities and fraternities have houses at Samford University in West Campus. In addition to having meetings and events in the houses, the students have the opportunity to live in their house. The price of living in a Greek house is comparable to Samford's
on-campus residence halls. Each Greek house has a University staff member or advisor who resides there.
Hazing
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 Greek Life office immediately.
I am not Greek, how can I learn more about it?
Websites to take a closer look at:
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Last updated: Aug 6, 2009 09:10 AM ; Designed by University Communications
