Parents can play an important role in their students’ college experience, but often times aren’t sure what their role is or should be. From our experience working with many students and parents, here are a few tip to help you if your student is considering Greek Life:
Some students will choose to join a Greek chapter and some will choose not to. If your student’s decision is different than you thought it would be, talk to him or her and try to understand his or her perspective.
Students need support throughout the process of recruitment/intake and new member education. Be supportive and learn as much as you can about Greek life by asking questions of your student as he or she learns about the chapters at KU.
If your student decides to pursue membership in a fraternity or sorority, be there, be supportive, and allow your student room to make his or her own decisions.
Fraternities and sororities are different on every campus and change over time. The place you loved on your campus may not be the same place you son or daughter loves at KU. Similarly, your chapter at KU may be very different than it was when you joined. Know that all of our Greek chapters at KU will provide an outstanding experience for your student.
Once your student joins, there will be many activities and events for you to attend or become involved with. Whether they show it or not, your student will most likely love your involvement with the chapter’s parent activities.
Keep the Greek Life Staff contact information on hand if you have any questions or concerns about Greek Life at the University of Kansas. We are happy to talk with you concerning any questions or concerns!
Parent FAQ’s
What is a fraternity or a sorority?
A fraternity is a group of men or women bound together by friendship, brotherhood or sisterhood, and common goals and aspirations. Women's fraternities are most often referred to as sororities. The members that form the fraternity share their friendship, efforts, and knowledge. Their common experience builds ties that last a lifetime. Though there are many different fraternities, they all share common founding principles that are of interest to any college man or woman. Fraternities endeavor to enhance your educational experience by emphasizing intellectual, interpersonal, and social development. The ideals of lifelong friendship, sound education, campus and community service, and social interaction are what fraternity members strive to live by every day.
Will Greek membership affect my child’s grades?
Academic achievement is a priority for all Greek organizations. Greek organizations enforce grade point average requirements and offer study sessions, tutoring, and other programs to assist members to succeed academically. Since the Greek chapters are composed of men or women from different classes, with many different majors, and diverse interests, students can always find other members who have already completed the courses they are taking and therefore can offer advice on content and testing. Students who take advantage of the academic opportunities available and properly balance their time between academic and extra-curricular pursuits will find that Greek membership will enhance their academic performance. Studies have consistently found that fraternity and sorority members are significantly more likely to graduate from their program and report more satisfaction with their university experience than for unaffiliated students.
What do Greek members actually do?
Greeks participate in many activities on campus and in the community. For many students, the Greek social life helps to make attending the university a more fulfilling experience. Greek organizations provide a calendar of social activities including formals, homecoming, mixers, athletic activities, retreats, informal get-togethers, and other special events. In addition to social activities fraternity and sorority members are the leaders in many campus groups. Community service is an important aspect of fraternity life as well. Every Greek organization has an supports a variety of community organizations and will raise funds and awareness around the organizations cause.
Why are fraternities and sororities so secretive?
Fraternities and sororities are founded upon a set of values that are demonstrated for new members as they are initiated. This is done in many ways and is considered the ritual ceremony of the organization. The ritual ceremonies are full of the traditions and stories that the fraternity or sorority holds dear. Secrecy comes with these rituals, as only members are allowed to know the traditions and lore of the organization.
These rituals, however, should not involve hazing, or other inappropriate activities. In most cases, fraternity and sorority initiation ceremonies are one day events. If your student is not permitted to talk to you for extended periods of time, hazing may be an issue, and you should contact the appropriate University Administrators.
What should I do if I believe my student is being hazed?
If you believe your son or daughter is being hazed as a requirement for membership in a fraternity or sorority, it is very important that you call and report it to the Greek Life Staff. Staff members can be reached at (785) 864-4861 and will make sure your concerns are appropriately addressed. When you call, please know that the staff will do everything in their power to investigate the situation. Things that are helpful in an investigation include as much detail as you are able to provide and the authorization to investigate. Many times the staff receives “anonymous” calls from parents who are concerned but are unwilling to identify themselves or the chapter. There is very little that can be done with an anonymous call so if you are concerned for your child’s safety or well-being, please provide as much detail as possible so that the staff can take action, if necessary.
What if I believe alcohol or drugs are becoming a problem?
The social aspect of Greek Life is one of the many reasons that students get involved in fraternities and sororities; however, alcohol and substance abuse is not tolerated. Most organizations have mandatory educational sessions on the dangers of alcohol and substance abuse, and precautions are taken at events to ensure a safe environment. If you believe alcohol or other substances are a problem in your student’s chapter, please contact the Greek Life Staff at (785) 864-4861.
What are the financial obligations?
Financial obligations vary from chapter to chapter based whether the chapter is housed or not, what activities they participate in, and what their national organization dues are. As a general guide, if your student joins a chapter that has a house, expect to pay between $4,600 and $7,300 a year. The average housed chapter cost is $5,300 a year. This includes room and board, and any associated fees.
If your student joins a chapter that is not housed, expect to pay anywhere from $200 to $2000 a year in dues and fees.
During your student’s first year you will likely incur some additional fees, called new member fees. These can range from $500 to $2000.
It’s best for you to ask a lot of questions about financial obligations from the specific chapter’s your student is considering joining before they sign anything. They must disclose this information to you and it is entirely appropriate to ask!
Time Commitment
Most chapters will require 5 hours a week or so for specific chapter events. This varies from chapter to chapter though. Most students will tell you that the time they spend in their fraternity or sorority keeps them just busy enough to help them manage their time wisely. It is the student’s responsibility to manage their time when they are in college and they will need to work with the fraternity or sorority on this.
Policy Statements
Members of the KU Greek Community are responsible for knowing and understanding policies set by the University of Kansas as well as by their governing council. Important polices that students need to familiarize themselves with include:
