A Letter to Parents

An Overview of Greek Life
at Georgia State

Your Role as a Parent

Frequently Asked Questions

A Letter to Parents:

Sending a child to college can be a challenging and stressful time in a parent's life. While at Georgia State University, your child will encounter many opportunities to become involved outside of their classroom experience. It is important that you, the parent, be educated about the enriching experience that your son or daughter will find by being involved in a fraternity or sorority at Georgia State University.

What is being involved in a fraternity or sorority all about?
Knowing what you have seen on television and read in the local newspaper, the reality is that those are extreme cases of fraternity and sorority life. What the media will not tell you as a parent is that there are many life-long benefits to membership in fraternities and sororities. At a university in a large city like Georgia State University, membership in one of our 21 nationally recognized fraternities and sororities offers a small community of friends away from home.
Additionally, national research has indicated that involvement in fraternities and sororities increases students' chances of graduating from college. As a life-long member of a fraternity or sorority, students are offered the opportunity to develop as leaders, serve the local community, and focus on academics, as well as their careers, by connecting with local alumni members of Greek organizations.

Your Role as a Parent:
Your role as a parent is important as your student decides whether to join a fraternity or sorority. Encourage your student to find out more information about the Georgia State Greek community. They can do this at Incept conferences (Orientation), through a Go Greek booklet, on the World Wide Web, by talking with members, and by going through recruitment and intake processes. Ask questions about the groups your student is considering, but trust that they will make the best decision for themselves. If your student joins a Greek organization, University staff and chapter advisors are available to answer any questions or concerns you may have and to provide you with additional information. Call the Greek Life Office at (404)413-1580. Most importantly, be as supportive as you can. The decision to join a fraternity or sorority is a lifelong commitment with benefits extending far beyond one's college years. Here are ways to ensure that you are being an active and informed supporter of your Greek student:

• Learn about the fraternity/sorority by visiting the chapter’s website and the official website of the fraternity/sorority headquarters. Review the fraternity/sorority mission, values, and tenants of membership.
• Encourage your student to take advantage of chapter services, leadership opportunities, and scholarships.
• Encourage your student to attend educational programs in the chapter and on campus.
• Know the contact information for the chapter, big brother or big sister, fraternity/sorority Headquarters, and the Office of Greek Life.
• Find out the details of the financial obligations of the organization.
• Encourage your student to take a leadership role in his or her chapter.
• Stay involved with them by attending Parents' Day functions, mother/daughter teas, father/son golf outings, or attending community service projects with them.
• Encourage your student to get involved in other campus organizations and volunteer organizations.
• Know the grade requirements for new and active members.

Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Will my student's academics be compromised by joining a Greek organization?
A: On the contrary, a central mission of all Greek organizations is academic excellence. Fraternities and sororities understand that their members are students first and foremost. All chapters have scholarship programs that may include required study hours, tutoring, scholarships, and other recognitions for academic success. At Georgia State University, the All-Greek grade point average is higher than the all undergrad average. To access the most current grade reports, visit the “Resources” page.
Q: Is hazing considered a tradition among Georgia State University fraternities and sororities?
A: Hazing has no place in any Greek organization. Georgia State University will not tolerate hazing in any student organization. In addition, hazing is against the law in the State of Georgia. All fraternity and sorority members know that hazing is against their national policies, university policy, and the law. Visit the “Policies and Procedures” page or reference the Georgia State University Student Code of Conduct for Georgia State University’s definition of and policies regarding hazing. If you feel your student is participating in inappropriate activities, you should contact the Greek Life Office immediately at (404)413-1580.
Q: Does it cost a lot to be Greek?
A: Joining a fraternity or sorority does carry a financial commitment. Each chapter is self-supporting with revenue coming from dues paying members. When students join a Greek organization, they agree to pay dues and fees while enrolled at Georgia State in order to maintain membership. While Greek membership is affordable, some chapters are able to make accommodations for special circumstances, but students should discuss the financial obligations with you before they join.
Q: Does being a member of a Greek-letter organization have benefits after graduation?
A: Absolutely. Greek membership is a lifelong commitment. Once you are an initiated member, you remain a member for life. As such, each national organization has an extensive alumni network. As you know, in today's job market, it is not only important what you know, but who you know. Being a fraternity or sorority member means having an immediate connection with thousands of other members. There are many successful Greek alumni all over the country who are always looking to hire the best and the brightest that our Greek community has to offer. In addition, there are alumni groups or graduate chapters that operate in most cities and metropolitan areas across the country. If you find yourself in a new city, you can start your networking with your brothers or sisters in the local alumni group.
Q: How does my student get involved?
A: All students may complete a Greek Interest Form available on our website and in the Greek Life Office, 330 Student Center. We will forward your form to the groups you express interest in and will send you a Go Greek booklet full of information on all of the chapters on campus.
Q: I am not Greek, how can I learn more about it?

Websites to take a closer look at:
• www.nicindy.org
• www.npcwomen.org
• www.nphchq.org

You are also encouraged to visit the individual chapter websites, located on the “Info on Fraternities and Sororities” page.