Frequently Asked Questions About Greek Life
What are the benefits of joining a fraternity or sorority?
Joining a Greek organization (i.e. a fraternity or sorority) can have a variety of benefits on a student's personal and professional development. As a member of these organizations, students gain leadership skills, create lifetime relationships with the brothers and sisters of their respective organizations, develop professional networks that propel the student into their future careers and jobs, participate in community service and philanthropy projects to give back to their surrounding community, and attend regional and national leadership conferences to fine tune their skills as a student leader.
What does a new member education/intake process look like?
All fraternity and sorority members experience a period of orientation that lasts about 6-8 weeks. During this time new members wil participate in meetings that present the organization history, leadership retreats, community service projects, and activities designed to build friendships among new members and the other members of that organization. We encourage students to ask question of the person responsible for their education to better understand the process of joining.
What is the cost of joining?
The financial commitment of a fraternity/sorority depends on the organization. The first semester is typically the most expensive as it includes fees for inter/national organizations and new member education materials, such as initiation, paperwork processing, badges, etc. Membership dues also support the insurance cost and other headquarters fees for the inter/national organization. On average, dues can range anywhere from $100-$2000+ depending on the organization. We encourage students to ask questions about dues and other financial commitments as they explore membership to fully understand the cost of joining a fraternity/sorority.
How does membership affect student's academics?
All fraternities and sororities set a minimum academic expectation to join and remain a member in good standing of a fraternity and sorority. Chapter scholarship or academic programs are in place to assist members in their classes through graduation, which include tutoring, study groups, academic workshops, and incentives.
What does the time commitment look like?
All fraternities and sororities require an investment of time, including new member meetings, chapter meetings, and participation in chapter and community events (i.e. philanthropy and service events, educational programming, and social events). In addition, many members serve on chapter committees and/or hold leadership positions, which increases their time commitment. However, the amount of time a student invests into a specific activity or organization is dependent upon that student. Some students may invest all their time into their fraternity/sorority and others will spend time on other campus activities and organizations.
What role does hazing play in students' experience?
The University of North Texas at Dallas strictly prohibits any hazing by any student, student organization, and employee. To read specific definitions of hazing, the UNT Dallas Hazing policy can be found at this link. If you sense your student, may be participating in inappropriate activities as a result of membership in a fraternity or sorority, we encourage you to report it using the Incident Report Form or emailing hazing@untdallas.edu
As a parent/friend/mentor/etc., how can I be supportive of my student's decision?
We hope you will learn as much as you can by asking your student questions and as they join a chapter at UNT Dallas. Many groups provide written statements concerning activities, finances, and policies. Students should be encouraged to obtain and read this information. You can learn as much as you can by asking questions of your son or daughter as they meet people of their chosen organization. You are more than welcome to be an active parent during your child's years in a fraternity or sorority. Encourage and support your child, and if you ever have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact Rifeta "Fifi" Badic-Grady, that works with fraternities and sororities at UNT Dallas at rifeta.badic@untdallas.edu
