Coming to college is one of the major life changes that your student will go through. Joining a fraternity or sorority can help make the transition easier. Developing life-long friendships with the members in their chapter (the local name of a nationally affiliated fraternity or sorority) helps make the campus smaller. For many members, these chapters become a home away from home. In addition to the brother/sisterhood, every chapter promotes the values of enhancing leadership, scholarship, philanthropy/service, and financial responsibility in their members

How will joining a chapter now benefit my student after college?

The life-long friendships your student will make through their chapter can last into post-college years. Membership in a chapter can be a life-long experience. Joining now is really an investment in your student’s future. Wherever a member ends up after college, chances are he/she will be able to find an alumni chapter or other members of their fraternity or sorority in the area. In addition, Greeks have national networks for its members that could be helpful in finding jobs or internships.

Will my student’s academics be compromised if they join a Greek chapter?

Academics are a priority in the Greek community. When students join, they become part of a larger group of students who value their academic goals at Cal State Fullerton. This group understands what the new member is facing and can provide support in many areas. Each chapter on campus has a scholarship officer or new member educator who initiates programs within the chapter to encourage high academic achievement. There are various resources for members on campus, such as, The Learning Resource Center, time management workshops, Academic Counselors, etc. The GPA among Greek members has been consistently higher than the All University Student’s GPA.

What is a Philanthropy or Service Project?

Greek members take it as part of their mission to support their national philanthropies (non-for-profit causes) financially and physically. Throughout the year, each the chapter spends time fundraising and volunteering to help their particular philanthropy. Some of the philanthropies that can be found on CSUF’s campus are: Breast Cancer Research, Ronald McDonald House, Special Olympics, Alzheimer’s Research and Literacy. Service events have benefited the campus and the Champaign-Urbana community. Some of the service opportunities are: Adopt-A-School, Achieving You, Greek Food Share, and Habitat for Humanity. The time spent together on these events is one of the many times that fraternity brothers and sorority sisters can bond, while making a difference in someone’s life.

How much time does a chapter take up?

The time commitment varies from chapter to chapter but the first quarter 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 of the organization, develop friendships, and allow them to become involved with other organizations. After the initiation into the chapter, expectations will vary. Each chapter has weekly chapter meetings and other mandatory events (philanthropies, service, and initiation) throughout the year, but they are planned well in advance. In addition to the weekly meeting, the more your student puts in to the chapter the more they will get out of being a member!

What does it cost to be a member?

The Greek Experience is an investment in your student’s future. The leadership skills, the academic assistance, and friendships will benefit your student beyond their college days. The perception that fraternities and sororities are only an option for “rich” students is widespread and false. Greek organizations are quite affordable and fees go to services that will positively impact your student. To assist members, chapters may offer scholarships and grants. We encourage all interested students to ask for financial information prior to joining. Each chapter varies so ask each one.

Are fraternities/sororities primarily social in nature?

There is a social aspect to the Greek community and these “social” events include educational programs/workshops, community service events, intramural sports, Parents Days, Homecoming Parade and dinner exchanges in addition to parties and socials. Today’s Greek communities across the nation have adopted a stringent approach to socializing thereby creating a safer, more beneficial environment for members. Each governing councils has a risk management and alcohol policy. In addition, each organization may have national rules to follow regarding the hosting of social events. All organizations sponsor education on alcohol misuse and abuse. Sororities do not permit alcohol in their facilities.

What about hazing?

In accordance with state and University policy and law CSUF has a zero tolerance for hazing. Hazing is defined as any action taken or situation created which, regardless of location, intent or consent of the participants. Hazing is a way of the past and does not build upon those values of Greek Life at CSUF or anywhere else. For more information, check the California Code of Regulations, Title V, Article 2, Student Discipline 41301 (Expulsion, Suspension, and Probation of Students, 1982) .

What is my role as a parent?

Take the time to find out more about the Greek community at CSUF. Ask questions about what the organizations will offer your student and allow them to make the best decision for themselves. Check out any information your student gets in the mail over the summer related to Greek Life. Once your student joins a chapter, there will be opportunities for involvement such as Moms and Dads weekend activities, or joining the chapter’s Parents Club.

How does my student get involved?

Contact the chapters or councils directly and they will be able to lead in the right direction. Check out their Web sites and contact chapter presidents or recruitment chairs.