How are Fraternity/Sorority organizations different than any other college organization?
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 an interntationally, nationally, or regionally affiliated fraternity or sorority) helps make the campus smaller. For many members, these chapters become a home away from home. In addition to the brotherhood/sisterhood, every chapter promotes the values of enhancing leadership, scholarship, and philanthropy/service to their members.
Will my student’s academics be compromised if they join a chapter?
Academics are a priority in Fraternity and Sorority Life. 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 also various resources for students on campus, such as learning centers, workshops, academic counselors, to ensure your student is achieving academically. The GPA among fraternity and sorority members has been consistently higher than the all university student’s GPA. Each chapter also has an established GPA requirement in order to join and remain an active member. Should a member's GPA fall below that requirement, the chapter provides a support system to help that member get back on track.
How much time does Fraternity and Sorority Life membership require?
The time commitment varies from chapter to chapter but the first semester is the most time intensive as new members participate in chapter education programs. 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 initiation into a chapter, expectations will vary. Each chapter has weekly chapter meetings and other mandatory events (philanthropies, service, and chapter events) throughout the year, but they are planned well in advance.
What are the costs associated with being a member?
The cost for membership for these organizations varies. Many organizations offer payment plans to assist students in paying for the fees. Fraternity and Sorority organization fees go to services that will positively impact your student. To assist members, chapters may offer scholarships. We encourage all interested students to ask for financial information prior to joining as each chapter's cost varies.
Will my student be hazed?
California State University, Fullerton does not condone hazing in any aspect. Student Life and Leadership educates new members to recognize the forms of hazing. The department also assures student organizations will observe and fully comply with university policy and State of California Penal Code Section 245.6 requirements on hazing. Hazing is defined as any method of initiation or pre-initiation into a student organization or student body, whether or not the organization or body is officially recognized by an educational institution, which is likely to cause serious bodily injury to any former, current, or prospective student of any school, community college, college, university, or other educational institution in this state.
What is my role as a parent?
Take the time to find out more about Fraternity and Sorority Life at CSUF. Ask questions about what the organizations will offer your student and allow them to make the best decision for themselves. Please contact the Fraternity and Sorority Life staff within Student Life and Leadership with any questions.
