| Q: | Why should my child Go Greek? |
| A: | Friendship
The beginning of college is a time of uncertainty and a new experience for everyone. This experience usually requires a transition from one's old way of life. Fraternities are a perfect way to make that transition. Affiliation provides students with an opportunity to interact with members of all ages, and meet people within their Greek community and other organizations. Membership also offers students a network of support while and making friends that will last a lifetime.
Involvement
Fraternities and sororities are self governing bodies in which the members take on the responsibilities and offices of the chapter. There are also numerous leadership opportunities within the Greek community apart from the individual fraternities and sororities. This hands on experience teaches leadership skills, and allows them to interact and make connections with other organizations and departments on campus. This experience is valuable for the future in that the student learns the importance of working with others, and responsibility for their actions.
Service
One of the most gratifying aspects of fraternity or sorority life is the sense of satisfaction and pride that comes with involvement in community service. Greeks throughout the nation recognize local and national organizations in need of aid, and donate time and money through their special philanthropies and service projects. Chances are if there is a blood drive or any type of philanthropic event happening, Greeks are either organizing it or supporting. |
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| Q: | What is my son 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 are some of the things a fraternity can offer: lifelong friends, leadership opportunities, social and sports activities, academic support and excellence, and networking opportunities. |
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| 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. Each chapter has chosen a grade point average requirement which each member must maintain to be active. Chapters also offer academic assistance for its members, providing study hall areas and peer tutoring. Every chapter understands that its members are students first and that is the reason they are in college. |
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| Q: | What will it cost for my son to go Greek? |
| A: | The financial obligation that accompanies membership differs slightly from chapter to chapter. Each house is self supporting, functioning from dues paid by its members. The first year of membership is generally higher due to pledgeing and initiation fees to nationals. In succeeding years the average dues and fees range from $300 - $500 per semester depending on the Fraternity. This covers items such as operating expenses, socials, insurance, composites, leadership programs, etc. |
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| 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 ofyour son's best memories.
Greek chapter houses offer a "home away from home". Living within chapter houses furthers student growth and development, and provides much of the comfort and support of a family environment. Living in chapter houses proves to be less expensive than campus housing. |
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| Q: | What about pledging? |
| A: | Each new member participates in a period of orientation, where they attend meetings and learn about the history of the chapter, the university and the values each chapter across the nation has in common. Hazing is opposed by all fraternities on the UNT campus and is not tolerated. Consequently, your son or daughter should never be asked to do anything he/she does not want to do.
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| Q: | Should alcohol be a concern if my son or daughter joins a Greek organization? |
| A: | All fraternities and sororities have strict polices regulating the consumption of alcohol at all functions. These risk management guidelines are set by each chapter's national board, and adhere to all Texas State Laws and all UNT policies. Most of the fraternities and all of the sororities at UNT are not allowed to possess alcohol in their living environments. The fraternities and sororities on campus also conduct programs to educate and instill standards and expectations for their members. All of the houses must abide by these regulations at all Greek functions. |
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