What will my child get out of Greek life that they would not get out of any other college organization?
A. Coming to college is one of the major life changes that your son/daughter will go through. Joining a fraternity or sorority will help make the transition easier. The fraternity or sorority experience is multifaceted and offers numerous opportunities to your student. Developing life-long friendships with the members in their chapter and other ECU chapters helps make the campus seem smaller. For many members, these chapters become a home away from home. In addition to the brother/sisterhood, every chapter is dedicated to enhancing leadership, scholarship, philanthropy/service., and financial responsibility through various programs and opportunities. It will be up to your student to determine the level of involvement they want to have in the organization and what kind of experience it will be for them.
How will joining a chapter now benefit my student after college?
A. The lifelong friendships your student will make through their chapter can last into post-college years. Greeks have national networks for its members to use for securing jobs and advancing careers. Membership in a chapter can be a life-long experience that the member and the fraternity/sorority enjoy together. Joining now is an investment in your student’s future as they will reap the benefits now and for a lifetime. Wherever a member ends up after college, chances are he/she will be able to find other members of the same fraternity/sorority.
Will my student’s academics be compromised if they join a Greek chapter?
A. Students often find managing their time difficult when moving from the highly structured high school environment to the freedom of challenge. Greek membership assists in that transition by offering scholarship programs that may include study partners, mandatory study hours, and time management and study skill workshops. Your student can also access the network of chapter members who already know how to use campus resources like the library, tutoring center, computer labs, and academic advisors. Nothing, however, can take the place of a disciplined and academically focused student to ensure success in college. Thanks, in part to the chapter’s academic goals/requirements and these programs, the NPC & NPHC sorority average GPA is above the All-Women’s GPA, and the NPHC & IFC fraternity average GPA is above the All-Men’s. We encourage you to encourage your student to ask about this information when making a decision to join a chapter.
Aren’t fraternities and sororities just like the ones in the movies and TV?
A. Unfortunately, individuals without complete information often define the image of Greek life. Since only 2% of the U.S. population is Greek, most people don’t have first-hand experience and stereotypes are the norm. Greek organizations do hold social events, but most of these do not include alcohol. These “social” events include educational programs/workshops, community service events, intramural sports, Parent’s Days, Homecoming, Greek Week and date events in addition to parties and mixers. Today’s Greek communities across the nation have adopted a stringent approach to socializing thereby creating a safer, more beneficial environment for its members. There are strict guidelines and procedures concerning the availability of alcohol at chapter events, and these rules are enforced by the inter/national organizations, the University, and by internal chapter standards.
How much time does becoming Greek take up?
A. The time commitment varies from chapter to chapter, but the first semester is most time intensive as the new member goes through the chapter’s Education Program. The time spent in this program will give your student the opportunity to develop their leadership and time management skills, learn about the history and tradition of the organization, develop friendships with their new member class as well as the rest of the chapter, and allow them to become involved in other activities and organizations. After the initiation into the chapter, expectations will vary. Each chapter has weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly chapter meetings and other mandatory events (philanthropies, service, initiation) throughout the year, but they are planned well in advance. The majority of ECU Greek students attends class full-time, work, and are active in their chapter! The important thing to remember, is the more your student puts in to the chapter, the more they will get out of being a member!
Doesn’t membership cost a lot of money?
A. Greek organizations are quite affordable and fees go to services that will positively impact your child. Each chapter is self-supported through dues charged to all members. Please make sure your son or daughter understands the financial commitment before joining an organization. Nationally, the cost of being a member of a Greek organization is approximately 7% of total college costs.
What about pledging or hazing?
A. All new fraternity and sorority members experience a period of orientation. During this time, your student and other new members will participate in meetings to learn about the University, and the fraternity/sorority history, leadership retreats, community service projects, and activities designed to build friendships among new members and initiated members. ALL FRATERNITY AND SORORITY POLICIES STRICTLY FORBID HAZING. ECU also takes a zero tolerance stance on hazing and enforces its policies rigorously. If you believe your child is being hazed, please contact Greeklife@ecu.edu.
Who actually is in charge of the organization, and is there outside support?
A. Students elected to officer positions manage the day-to-day operations of the organization. These officers are assisted by members serving on committees, so everyone is involved in and exposed to leadership positions. Each member learns cooperation, communication, and planning skills. Alumni act as advisers, along with other volunteers/faculty/staff, and some chapters have alumni advisory boards that work with its members. Each group is governed by inter/national headquarters, which established their chapter’s regulations, and offers advice and direction through professional staff and volunteers.
What is my role as a parent?
A. Take the time to find out more about the Greek community at ECU. Ask questions about what the organizations will offer your child and allow them to make the best decision for themselves. Once your child chooses to join a chapter, there will be opportunities for Parent’s Weekend activities, visiting chapter events, and possibly joining the chapter’s Parents’ Club. Take the time to talk to your child about Greek life and their chapter.
Do you have any helpful hints for me as a parent?
A. The following is a list of suggestions that may help ease your student's transition to both the University and the Greek community.
• Be happy and supportive with your son's or daughter's choice of fraternity or sorority.
• Encourage your son or daughter to attend programs sponsored by Greek Life Office and the Office of Student Activities.
• Know the name and phone number of the chapter president, new member educator, and chapter advisor.
• Ask for details about the financial aspect of membership. If you are paying, you have the right to know. Many one time dues are paid during the first year, so expect the first year to be the most expensive.
• Initiation is an important time for the new initiates. Be supportive and respectful of this time for your student.
• Talk with your son or daughter. Stay in touch with phone calls, letters, and care packages.
• Attend Parents' Weekend as well as special events sponsored by the chapter.
• Expect to see numerous new t-shirts, photos and Greek paraphernalia.
• Encourage your son or daughter to be a part of the University community and to take advantage of its many resources.
