For Parents
Why the Greek Community?
Coming to college is one of the major life changes that your student will go through. Fraternities and sororities exist as a proven support network for your student as they embark on this new period in life. Close to a million students across the country currently are fraternity or sorority members. The Greek Community makes up 9% of the Tarleton State University student body.
The fraternity or sority can help personalize your student's experience at college by offering a scholastic support system, by providing hands-on experience in leading committees, managing budgets, and interacting with facutly and adminsitrators; by exposing the student to potertial careers through educational programs and discussions with alumni; by offering the chance to give back to the community through service projects; and by creating close friendships with men and women that will cheer your student up when times are tough.
What about academics?
Students often find it difficult to manage their time when moving from the highly structured high school environment to the freedoms of college. Fraternities and sororities assist in that transition by offering scholarship programs to ensure academic excellence. Individual academic progress is monitored by chapters and test taking strategies, study partners, time management workshops, and other incentives are offered to encourage success. Your student will also have access to a network of members who are already familiar with campus resources such as the library, tutors, computer labs and academic advisors.
Greek organizations are concerned about members’ academic achievement but it is still your students responsibility to utilize the resources made available at Tarleton State University. Our Teaching and Learning Center is designed to help students reach their academic goals.
What about Hazing or Pledging
All Tarleton chapters conduct an orientation period. During the time your student, and other new members, will participate in weekly meetings to learn about the university and the fraternity/sorority history, develop community service projects, participate in leadership retreats and activities designed to build friendships. In conjunction with Tarleton’s hazing policies, ALL FRATERNITY AND SORORITY POLICIES FORBID HAZING, and are committed to a membership education period that instill a sense of responsibility and commitment in the new members. If you have specific questions concerning hazing or pledging activities, please contact the Office of Student Activities.
How much of a time commitment is it?
Participating in any worthwhile activity always requires an investment of one’s time. Our studies indicate that involved college students are more likely to graduate and they report greater satisfaction with their college experience. Through Greek involvement, your student will learn how to balance academics, work, campus involvement, and social commitments. Many Tarleton State University Greeks also work at least part-time (around 20 hours a week)
What about the cost?
Each fraternity/sorority has certain fixed expenses including dues, new member fees, initiation costs and insurance costs. Initiation costs and new member fees are one-time expenses. A portion of the dues are sent to the national headquarters and are used for leadership training seminars, conventions, regional workshops, publishing national magazines, and chapter/alumni support that is available to every current member or alumni.
Each chapter should furnish a detailed statement of member financial obligations.
What can I do as a parent?
Make sure you are supportive and learn as much as you can by asking your student questions before they join. Your support should not end after Recruitment is over. Once your student joins a chapter take advantage of Family Weekend activities and other events. These are great ways to see your student interacting with other members and to spend time with them.
