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Frequently Asked Questions about greek life and Fraternities. |
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Frequently Asked Questions about greek life and Fraternities. |
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What’s a philanthropy?
Sororities and fraternities adopt a cause called a
philanthropy. A philantropy is a charitable organization
supported by a sorority or fraternity with volunteer time
and money. Typically, the sorority or fraternity will hold
fundraising events to raise money to these organizations.
National organizations support some charities; local
chapters may choose to support additional charities,
sometimes in the local community.
What is Rush?
Rush is the process one goes through to join a fraternity or
sorority. The process is much more formal for women than
for men, and sorority Rush is usually organized by the
university’s Panhellenic council.
What’s a legacy?
A legacy is a rushee whose parent, grandparent, or sibling
is an initiated member of a particular Greek organization.
Contrary to popular myths, being a legacy does not
guarantee that a rushee will be offered membership in
his/her family member’s organization.
What is initiation?
Initiation is when a new member (sometimes referred to
as a “pledge”) becomes an official member of a sorority or
fraternity. A ceremony is usually involved, and members
receive the official sorority or fraternity badge at that time.
Typically, the ceremony is private and can only be
attended by intitiated members.
Q: Will my son be hazed?
A: He absolutely should not be hazed. He should never particpate in
any activity that he feels uncomfortable with. If ever in doubt, make
sure he knows that he can contact his fraternity headquarters for more
information or clafification.
Q: How do I know if my son is being hazed?
A: Keep the lines of communication open with him and make sure that
you ask what activities he's participating in. If he hesitates or says
he
can't tell you, probe a little further (except for the ritual, he should
be able to describe everything). Some signs to look for: he is missing
class, he is overly tired, his regular communication habits changes,
his only focus is the fraternity, and his appearance changes radically.
Q: What are the total costs to be a member of a fraternity?
A: A good, but difficult, question. Each fraternity's dues structure
is going to be different. It will also depend on whether or not the
fraternity has a house. Joining a fraternity will usually require some
sort of one time fee. Insurance will also be a major expense. Don't
forget regular dues. What you shouldn't be paying for - ever - Alcohol.
Q: How will my son's grades be effected?
A: Ideally, they should shoot way up! Academics must be his first
priority. You can help him to remember that! The fraternity can offer
support in time management, tutoring, study enhancement and incentives,
and class assistance. It's up to your son to make sure that he does
well.
Q: What is my kid going to get out of this?
A: You'll be amazed at what your son will get from his fraternity
experience. Joining a fraternity rounds out the collegiate experience.
We often say that you get a complete education in a fraternity. Here's
what a fraternity offers: lifelong friends, leadership opportunities,
social and sports activities, academic support and excellence, and
networking opportunities. Check out the other pages here at
www.fraternityinfo.com for more information.
Q: Does my son have to live in the fraternity house?
A: Depends on the chapter. Likely, your son will want to live in the
house to take advantage of the opportunities it presents. Make sure
that the house has passed its safety inspections and is clean. Talk
to
the men who currently live in the house for more information about what
its like to live there. Make an unannounced stop during the week to
get
a sense for how the brothers live. Living in the house will be some
of
your son's best memories.