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PARENTAL INFO |
For your son,
making the transition from high school or community
college to a four-year college or university may
seem like an imposing challenge. One or more of the
following questions may be on his mind:
- Will I fit in
and make new friends?
- Will I succeed
academically?
- Will I be able
to get involved in campus organizations and
better my leadership skills?
- Will I find
other people interested in the same things that
I am?
- How can I
prepare for my career?
- Will I feel
like a part of the campus community or just
another number?
Fraternities exist
as a proven support network for your son as he
embarks on this new period in his life. Over 400,000
students across the country are currently fraternity
members.
The fraternity can help personalize your son's
college experience by offering a scholastic support
system; hands-on experience in leading committees,
managing budgets, and interacting with faculty and
administrators; exposure to potential careers
through educational programs and discussions with
alumni; the chance to give back to the community
through service projects; and close friends who will
cheer him on when he is successful and support him
when times are tough.
With all these opportunities available to them, it
is no wonder that fraternity members tend to
graduate from college at a higher rate than those
men not involved in fraternities.
As a parent, you are undoubtedly concerned about
your son's college experience and the choices he
will make. Below, we answer some of the questions
you may have about fraternity membership. |
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Aren't fraternities like the one
shown in the movie "Animal House?" |
Nobody likes
stereotypes. Unfortunately, after the showing of
that movie, fraternity members have been categorized
as partiers, irresponsible and abusive. In reality,
fraternities are values-based organizations
dedicated to the development of character and
lifelong friendship.
The following are some basic expectations of
fraternal membership: I will strive for academic
achievement and practice academic integrity; I will
respect the dignity of all persons, therefore I will
not physically, mentally, psychologically or sexually
abuse or haze any human being; I will respect my
property and the property of others, therefore, I
will neither abuse nor tolerate the abuse of
property; I will neither use nor support the use of
illegal drugs; I will neither misuse nor support the
misuse of alcohol; I acknowledge that a clean and
attractive environment is essential to both physical
and mental health, therefore, I will do all in my
power to see that the chapter property is properly
cleaned and maintained; I will challenge all my
fraternity members to abide by these fraternal
expectations and will confront those who violate
them. |
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The basic expectations talk about
alcohol. What is it REALLY like in the fraternity?
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Alcohol abuse is
unhealthy and inconsistent with fraternal ideas. All
fraternities are expected to uphold state, county,
and city laws, and university policies regarding the
consumption of alcohol. In addition, most are not
allowed to purchase alcohol for members.
The days of large quantities of alcohol at a social
function are gone. Instead, you will find fraternity
members participating in alcohol-free social
activities like moonlight bowling, dinner exchanges,
and lip sync contests. Students who choose not to
drink will know that it is ok and feel comfortable
with their decision. |
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I'm concerned about my son's grades
- what impact would fraternity membership have? |
Students often find
managing their time difficult when moving from a
highly structured high school environment to the
freedoms of college. Fraternities assist in that
transition by offering scholarship programs which
might include study partners, mandatory study hours,
and time management workshops. Your son can access
the network of fraternity members who already know
how to use campus resources like the library, study
skills centers, computer labs, and academic
advisors.
While fraternities are concerned about the academic
achievement of their members, your son is still
ultimately responsible for utilizing the resources
made available. |
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What about pledging or hazing? |
New fraternity
members all experience a period of orientation.
During this time your son and the other new members
will participate in weekly meetings to learn about
the university and fraternity, leadership retreats,
community service projects, and activities designed
to build friendships among new members and the older
fraternity members.
All fraternities oppose hazing
and are committed to a membership education period
which instills a sense of responsibility and
commitment in the new members. This period will
assist your son in overcoming some of his concerns
about success in college. |
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Who is actually in charge of the
fraternity? |
Fraternity members
elected to officer positions manage the day-to-day
operations of the organization. These officers are
assisted by members serving on committees and by
alumni who act as advisors.
In addition, most fraternities are part of a
national fraternal organization which offers
support, advice, and direction through a paid
professional staff and regional volunteers.
Professional staff from the college and university
are also employed to assist and monitor the
activities of fraternities. As you can see a variety
of individuals oversee the operations of the
fraternity. |
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Does it cost a lot of money to be
in a fraternity? |
| Each fraternity is
self-supported through dues charged to all members.
In the first year of membership, a few one-time
expenses are assessed. After those initial payments
are made, your son's only expense will be his
regular dues. If housing is offered, fraternity
lodging and meals are competitive with other housing
options. A variety of payment plans is usually
offered. |
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Being in a fraternity sounds like
it takes a lot of time. |
| Participating in
any worthwhile activity always requires an
investment of one's time Research has shown that
involved college students are more likely to
graduate and they report greater satisfaction with
their college experience. Through his fraternity
involvement your son will learn to balance his
academic, work, campus involvement, and social
commitments. |
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How does my son go about joining a
fraternity? |
Fraternities
organize a process of meeting people and making
friends called rush, or recruitment. Rush offers
your son an opportunity to meet other people on
campus and learn what each fraternity has to offer
its members.
Everyone likes to belong; to feel a part of
something. Each fraternity has its own unique
programs and strengths, yet all are primarily based
on the development of character, social skills,
friendship, service to humanity and academic skills.
Just like researching, visiting and choosing a
college, your son should seek out the fraternity
that best fits his personality, needs and desires.
He will find that there is a place for everyone. |
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What is my role as a parent? |
| Be supportive and
learn as much as you can by asking questions of your
son as he meets people through the rush process.
Fraternity members will be more than happy to tell
him (and you) about their group. |
