How will my son or daughter benefit from joining a fraternity or sorority?
The University of North Dakota Greek Life has been thriving on this campus for 100 years, as of February, 12 2009. The Greek community has a strong tradition in the university community, establishing Greek chapters shortly after the founding of the university in 1883. For the past 100 years the Greek community has been offering endless opportunities for leadership involvement, academic standards for membership, along with course work help for students through network of friends in the Greek community. Also students will be involved in community service in the campus community and the greater community, as well as philanthropic events with in the Greek community. They will also enjoy a social atmosphere to take a quick break from the many hours put into school work, while meeting and making life time friends.
Key Benefits:
• Large group of friends to make your son or daughter’s transition into college life much easier
• Resources available for academic success (Mandatory GPA requirements, study tables, friends with same classes, etc.)
• Leadership opportunities to advance as a student leader going into the working world and building a resume
• Will participate in several community service and philanthropy events each semester
• Develop close, life-long bonds with members, and broaden their network through these relationships
What is the social atmosphere like for a student in a fraternity or sorority?
The Greek community consists of fraternities and sororities classified as “Social Fraternity/Sorority”. This means that they are not a Greek house that promotes a particular profession or major, such as an engineering fraternity. Instead, the Greek houses here identify their purpose around ideas such as a development of character, academic success, leadership, service, as well as a social atmosphere.
The Greek community at the University of North Dakota has a significant role in the social activity on campus. The Greek community and the governing councils have developed rules and policies that are put into effect to ensure a safe and responsible social environment for each chapter’s activities. Each fraternity/sorority has its own strict policies regarding alcohol consumption by underage members and guests. Also every chapter attends a mandatory risk management meeting, and signs a social responsibility contract, which outlines the criteria for a safe social event that will not violate any university policies. All Greek organizations are held accountable to the University of North Dakota Code of Student Life and its alcohol policy, as well as North Dakota State Law.
How will my son or daughter’s academic goals be affected?
There are many academic benefits to joining a fraternity or sorority. Most, if not all chapters, have a minimum GPA requirement to be a member. If students do not meet this expectation they usually are removed from membership or suspended until they raise their GPA. Also many chapters implement study tables, which is when members are given a time slot several days of the week to go to the library and study. Members go and sign in at the library, and then come back to the house and record hours studied every day. Another benefit is having members who can act as a private tutor, helping your student with classes these members currently have or had taken previously.
What is the financial obligation a student has being a member of a fraternity or sorority?
Like many organizations students may want to get involved in, there are financial obligations we must make a commitment too. These fees and dues concern areas such as room/board (if your son or daughter lives in the house) and the Inter/National Headquarters. Each chapter will have different financial requirements, but a new member may pay more for a one-time pledging/initiation fee. Specific financial information may be obtained by individual chapters. The living expenses for Greek houses are comparable to living in the dorms, and most chapters can make arrangements for payment in installments.
Who is in charge of the house and its members?
Each chapter will elect members to be in charge of the day-to-day operations of the chapter. Assisting these members will be alumni, one of which is the chapter’s advisor. They will attend chapter meetings regularly to assist in planning of important events, give advice on chapter operations, ensure all duties of the chapter are being completed, and hold all members accountable for actions to ensure a safe, responsible, and welcoming environment. Also the chapter will have support from their Inter/National headquarters, a professional staff who will give advice, support, direction, and information to assist the well-being of the chapter and its members. At the University of North Dakota, we have the Assistant Director of Leadership and Assessment who serves as the advisor to the entire Greek community and the primary contact.
What role does hazing have in the Greek community at the University of North Dakota?
The University of North Dakota has a zero-tolerance policy regarding hazing. Hazing includes any activity that subjects members to harassment, ridicule, intimidation, physical exhaustion, abuse, or mental distress. The Greek community does not list any of these activities in their mission/creeds as a goal in their membership. This is not a principle fraternities and sororities were founded on, nor the purpose of the enrichment of its own members today. If you or your son or daughter feels they are being mistreated or participating in activities that are inappropriate, as a result of membership in a fraternity or sorority, you should contact the Office of Greek Life.
