Greek Life

Information for Parents

As a parent, it's a good idea for you to learn about fraternities and sororities so you can help your son or daughter make the best decision about whether or not he or she should be part of the Greek life. Educate yourself by checking out this parents' guide to fraternities and sororities.

Academics
Academics should be your child's number one focus while in college. That's why most fraternity and sororities require a minimum GPA in order to join and remain a member. Usually, each individual chapter has a member who is responsible for keeping track of members and their academic performance.

Furthermore, many fraternities and sororities have educational programs, such as tutoring and study sessions, which can assist the entire chapters in excelling academically. Since obtaining a degree is the main reason for attending college, make sure your student realizes that they must keep up his grades if they want to participate in a Greek organization.

Financial Responsibility
Your student will have financial responsibilities when it comes to joining a fraternity or sorority. Fees are typically larger for new members, as there are usually one-time new member/initiation fees as well as semester membership dues. Specific amounts for chapter member dues vary from chapter to chapter, and often from year to year. Most of the dues are spent on member benefits such as chapter events, trainings, conventions, national fees, recruitment, etc.

If your student is interested in becoming a member of the fraternity and sorority, it is helpful to sit down with him or her and work out a college budget to come up with a plan that allows for fraternity/sorority membership.

Time Commitment
On average, your student should expect to contribute two to four hours per week for meetings and activities. If your student has the time, he/she can also choose to participate in optional activities, such as holding a leadership position, attending social events, volunteering with various projects, etc.

Some organizations require more time than others. Advise your student to ask questions regarding time commitments during recruitment.

Activities
Fraternities and sororities participate in many different activities. The kind of activities your student may participate in will vary depending on which chapter he/she joins.

Possible activities may include:

Fundraising for charities
Tutoring elementary school students
Conducting environmental and neighborhood cleanups
Organizing clothing and book collections
Volunteering at shelters
Attending social mixers
Leadership training

Hazing
In the past, fraternities and sororities have been in the news for chapters and members participating in conduct that can be considered hazing. Hazing is any action that is taken that produced bodily harm or danger, mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, fright, or ridicule.

Today, all fraternities and sororities have policies that strictly prohibit any type of hazing activity. In addition, The University of Texas at Tyler has a zero-tolerance stance on this issue. Hazing is against university policy (UT Tyler MOPP: Greek Life) and Texas state law (Statute: § 37.151).

If you feel that your student may be participating in inappropriate activities associate with hazing, please contact the Office of Greek Affairs at 903.566.7014 or the Office of Student Conduct at 903.565.5946 immediately.

Please do not hesitate to contact the Office of Greek Affairs if you have any additional questions.

 

Updated 7/25/2019