Information for Parents
What is my role as a parent?
Parents often ask...
How will joining a fraternity or sorority impact my student's academic pursuits?
Sororities and fraternities serve as a great resource for students academically, through study hours and tutoring programs. Most chapters require a high GPA for initial membership into the organization; the minimum GPA to participate in Greek recruitment in an IFC or Panhellenic group is 2.3. Many of the individual Panhellenic sororities have minimum requirements that are well above a 2.3 GPA.
What are the social aspects of fraternity or sorority membership?
Because the Greek community at The George Washington University contributes to the social activity on campus, it has taken great strides toward creating a responsible and safe environment for its members. All fraternities and sororities have strict policies regulating the management of social events on and off campus. Organizations work closely with the Office of Greek Life, the Student Activities Center, the Center for Alcohol and Other Drug Education, and Student Judicial Services to conduct safe social activities.
Should alcohol be a concern if my son or daughter joins a Greek organization?
All fraternities and sororities have strict polices regulating the consumption of alcohol at social functions. All chapters are expected to uphold state, county and city laws, and the University’s policies regarding the consumption of alcohol.
Every chapter conducts alcohol management programming to educate and instill standards and expectations for their members. Alcohol abuse is unhealthy and inconsistent with fraternity and sorority ideals. Fortunately, fraternities and sororities at GW are sponsoring and participating in many alcohol-free social activities throughout the year. Examples include recruitment events, barbecues, dinners, bowling nights and lip sync contests.
Risk management guidelines are set by each chapter's local and/or national board and chapters must adhere to The George Washington University’s Student Code of Conduct. Therefore, we highly encourage your child to ask about the chapter’s responsible management of alcohol at each chapter he or she visits.
Is hazing a part of the Greek culture at GW?
The George Washington University does not tolerate hazing. Hazing includes any activity that subjects members to harassment, ridicule, intimidation, physical exhaustion, abuse, or mental distress. Hazing is not tolerated. If you sense your student may be participating in inappropriate activities as a result of membership in a fraternity or sorority, you should contact the Office of Greek Life. Every report of suspiscious activity will be investigated by the Greek Life office, in partnership with Student Judicial Services, Chapter Advisors, and the National organization.
What is the financial obligation?
Like any opportunity for involvement in college, there is a financial commitment associated with joining a fraternity or sorority. The costs go toward Inter/National fees, chapter expenses and social functions. Financial obligations differ for men and women, and among individual chapters. Additional costs will go to pictures, gifts, social events, T-shirts, etc. There are payment plans available for students, as well as scholarships within the individual chapters. While your son or daughter is participating in the recruitment process, make sure that he or she asks about all financial obligations of membership.
What are unrecognized groups? Are there unrecognized groups at GW?
We would like to advise all parents/guardians that there are some men's organizations that wrongfully attempt to function on our campus that are not currently recognized by the University. The George Washington University does not advise nor control the actions of these groups. These non-recognized groups have a high number of hazing incidents throughout the pledging process and annual “Initiation Week” (sometimes referred to as “Hell Week”). Many students have reported being threatened by fraternity members for wanting to leave the pledging process or for wanting to report the actions of other members to the University administration. The University Police Department has also documented situations involving physical altercations with other GW students, as well as various noise complaints at campus locations. Many times the National organizations of these non-recognized groups choose not to acknowledge the University’s concerns or to take action against their chapters.
Unrecognized groups at The George Washington University include:
Alpha Pi Epsilon (or "Apes")
Sigma Alpha Epsilon
Sigma Alpha Mu (SAMMY)
Who is actually in charge of the fraternities and sororities?
Individual chapters elect officers to manage the day-to-day operations of the organization. These officers are assisted by local alumni who act as advisors. Each chapter is also responsible to their Inter/National organization, which offers support, advice, and direction through paid professional staff and regional volunteers. At GW, the Assistant Director of the Student Activities Center/Director of Greek Life, Dean Harwood, serves as the primary contact for the Greek community.
My child is considering joining a fraternity or sorority, what advice should I give them?
Since joining a fraternity or sorority is a lifelong commitment, and there is an expense associated with membership, it should be a joint decision between student and parent. Consider sitting down with your son or daughter and research all of the University recognized organizations that are at GW. Utilizing local chapter and national websites are a great, convenient way to gather information. Feel free to contact students who are currently involved, along with their parents, and ask them about their experience. In most cases, both students and parents will speak candidly about their Greek involvement.
How are fraternities and sororities different today than when I was in school?
Following graduation, Greek-affiliated alumni have higher average incomes than non-Greek alumni. Even when accounting for parents' educational levels, graduation year, and gender, students who were affiliated with fraternities and sororities have significantly higher average incomes following graduation. Students who join fraternities and sororities are more likely to return to college the following year. Students who return to college will be able to complete their degree programs and graduate. Students who join fraternities and sororities are 28% more likely to return to school the following year than students who choose not to join a fraternity or sorority. Many Greek affiliated members are employed outside the classroom in order to help finance their education. Each Greek organization is a self-governing business. Students, with the assistance of alumni advisors, collectively budget, collect and expend over $3.5 million per year. There are over 200 leadership positions in the Greek community alone.
Rush/Recruitment/Intake
Formal recruitment, often times called "Rush," is held at the beginning of the fall semester each year for IFC and Panhellenic groups. The membership intake process to join an MGC organization happens at various times during the year at the discretion of each group.
|
