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Parents
Values & Mission I Leadership I Civic Engagement I Academics I Awards & Assessment I Risk Management & Accountability I Councils I Alumni I Parents Q: My son or daughter is interested in joining a Greek-letter organization at IU. Where do I direct them? A: There are four different Greek Councils at IU and each council has different recruitment processes. Please encourage your son or daughter to visit the respective council webpages for specific information regarding joining their organizations. The Interfraternity council (IFC) and Panhellenic Association (PHA) have formal recruitment processes that members can register for and participate in. Multi-Cultural Greek Council (MCGC) and National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) do not have a formal recruitment process, however, interested members are encouraged to contact individual organizations that they are interested in joining for more information. Interfraternity Council (IFC) Fraternities: www.iubifc.com or www.iub.edu/~gogreek Multi-Cultural Greek Council (MCGC) Sororities or Fraternities: www.iub.edu/~mcgc National Pen-Hellenic Council (NPHC) Sororities or Fraternities: www.iub.edu/~nphc Panhellenic Association (PHA) Sororities: www.iubpha.com or www.iub.edu/~gogreek Q: How do I advise my son or daughter on what organization to join? A: Your son or daughter is first and foremost at Indiana University to receive an education. Please encourage your son or daughter to ask questions necessary to help them determine whether or not the organization is going to help them in the area of academics and growth, or whether or not it will hinder their experience. We advise your son or daughter to ask questions regarding the following areas: Chapter activities? Expectations of membership? Financial obligations What is the organization’s mission statement/purpose In what ways are they involved in the community? Do they have active alumni or chapter advisors? Additionally, the following links will provide you with data and information that may be helpful for your son or daughter during the decision-making process Past Greek Award Winners (and explanation of awards) Academics- grade reports Chapters on probationary status – student org ethics board Does joining a fraternity or sorority take up a lot of time? Participating in any worthwhile activity always requires an investment of one's time. Research has shown that involved college students are more likely to graduate and they report greater satisfaction with their college experience. Through Greek involvement, students will learn how to balance their academics, work, campus involvement, and social commitments. Q: Will joining a Greek organization affect my academics? A: Academics are the first and foremost priority of IU students. Each chapter provides scholastic assistance designed to help each individual member achieve his or her academic potential. Often students may find it difficult to transition from a highly structured high school academic environment to the freedoms of college. Greek organizations assist in the transition by offering scholarship programs, tutoring, and educational programs about time management. In addition, the all-Greek grade point average is consistently higher than the undergraduate all men's and women's average. It is, however, the responsibility of the student to determine whether or not they believe they are able to balance the various commitments and to ask about expectations of membership in advance. Q: What are the costs of joining a Greek chapter? A: Each Greek organization is self-supported through dues charged to all members. In the first year of membership a few one-time expenses are assessed for membership and initiation. After those initial payments are made, a student's only expense is the regular dues. Several of IU's Greek chapters also offer housing. Greek housing is competitive with other housing options on IU's campus, such as residence halls or apartments. Scholarships, financial aid, and payment plans are usually available from individual chapters. Fraternity and sorority houses are owned individually and are run by alumni. If you have specific questions regarding your son or daughter’s financial commitments or move-in dates, please encourage them to contact the chapter leadership. Q: I’ve heard some negative stereotypes about fraternities and sororities? Is what is portrayed on TV and in movies real? A: No. The Hollywood portrayal of Greek Life is unrealistic and negative; however, it can be seen as an exaggerated reality of some students’ experiences. The mission and purpose of fraternities/sororities are values-based organizations dedicated to the development of character and lifelong friendship. We do our best to work with the student leaders to help them ensure that their organization augments the educational mission of the institution. If you are aware of behavior, such as hazing, that is harmful to your son or daughter or their experience at the University, please contact the Student Activities Office at 812-855-4311 or sao@indiana.edu to report such behavior. Q: I was check listed by my organization and am unable to register. Who do I contact? A: If you have been check listed by your organization, please contact Greek accounting at 812-333-4848 and they will provide you with information about how to settle your account and will contact the University to remove you from the check list. If you still have questions after contacting Greek Accounting first, please contact the Student Activities Office manager at 812-855-4311 or email sao@indiana.edu. |