Parents

  • You probably thought the time would never come, but here it is. Your child’s getting ready to start college. And while it’s an exciting moment in his or her life, we also know that for you it can be a little stressful, a little sad and a little confusing all at the same time.

    "Greek Life," or being a member of a fraternity or sorority is all about opportunities - both now and in the future - for your student. The Greek community at the University of Minnesota can benefit both you and your student, not just through the immediate transition to college life, but throughout your entire lifetimes. Leadership opportunities, lifelong friends and a stellar resume are just some of the benefits that await your student.

     

    Fraternities and sororities also offer academic assistance and connections to academic resources at the University of Minnesota, career and internship connections and networking, and lots of hands-on leadership experiences. Knowing that your child is getting the most out of the college experience and will graduate as a successful, well-rounded person awaits you.

 

  • Dispelling the myths:

    1. Joining a fraternity or sorority can break the bank.
    Not true. Yes, there are membership dues each semester, but there are also many scholarships available within the Greek community for your child to obtain. And if your student chooses to live in the chapter house, you can compare the expenses to the cost of living in the residence halls.

    2. Alcohol use is rampant in Greek houses.
    While it’s true that alcohol can be a problem on college campuses, U of M fraternities and sororities are required to follow strict and detailed risk management policies established by both their respective inter/national organizations and governing councils. In addition, fraternities and sororities provide educational opportunities for their members to make good choices through partnerships and programs with Boynton Health Service, Health Advocate program, the Public Health 1003 (Alcohol & College Life) course, Student Network for Abuse Prevention (SNAP), and more. Additionally, some organizations require their members to participate in the AlcoholEdu online course.

    3. Hazing is a common practice in the U of M Greek community.
    The University of Minnesota, the Interfraternity Council and the Panhellenic Council have zero tolerance policies regarding hazing. Hazing also is against the laws of the state of Minnesota. In addition, the Greek community at the University of Minnesota leads the way each year by partnering with departments and offices throughout the University to bring awareness and education about hazing to fraternity and sorority members, as well as the entire campus community. Partners have included: Office for Student Affairs, the department of Intercollegiate Athletics, the Interfraternity Council, Panhellenic Council, the U of M Marching Band, the Department of Recreational Sports, the Army Reserve Officer Training Corps, Student Judicial Affairs and Student Legal Services.

  • Just the facts…


    • The Greek community works hard to give back to the surrounding community. In 2007, fraternity and sorority members donated 26,000 hours of their time through community service.


    •   As of Spring 2009, the All-IFC Fraternity Grade Point Average is 3.10. The All-PHC Sorority Grade Point Average is 3.21.


    • Together, the fraternities and sororities at the U of M have more than $15,000 in freshman scholarships available.

     

    • Philanthropy is a huge part of the Greek philosophy. Over $197,000 was raised by our fraternities and sororities in 2008-09.


    We don’t have a magic wand to make all the natural uneasiness you may be feeling disappear, but we do have strong facts supporting the decision to go Greek. Leadership and career opportunities, lifelong friendships, exciting activities...going Greek really will provide your student with opportunities and memories that will last a lifetime. And you’ll know that you were there at the very beginning of it all.


    For more information, please contact:

    Marjorie Savage
    University Parent Program
    109 Appleby Hall
    Minneapolis, MN 55455
    (612) 626-9291
    parent@umn.edu
    http://www.parent.umn.edu/greekfaq.html