For your son or daughter, making the transition from high school or a community college to a four-year college or university may seem like an imposing challenge. One or more of the following questions may be on his/her mind:
- Will I fit in and make new friends?
- Will I be able to succeed academically?
- Will I be able to get involved in campus organizations and better my leadership skills?
- Will I find other people interested in the same things that I am?
- How can I prepare for my career?
- Will I feel like a part of the campus community or just another number?
Fraternities and Sororities exist as a proven support network for your son or daughter as he/she embark on this new period in life. The fraternity or sorority can help personalize your son's or daughters college experience by offering a scholastic support system; hands-on experience in leading committees, managing budgets, and interacting with faculty and administrators; exposure to potential careers through educational programs and discussions with alumni; the chance to give back the community through service projects; and close friends who will cheer him/her on when he/she is successful and support him/her when times are tough. With all these opportunities available to them, it is no wonder that fraternity and sorority members tend to graduate from college at a higher rate than those men/women not involved in greek life.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q:What will my son/daughter get out of a Greek organization that they would not get out of any other student organization?
A:Coming to college is one of the major life changes that your son/daughter will go through. Joining a Greek organization may help make the transition easier. The Greek experience is multifaceted and offers numerous opportunities to your child. Developing life-long friendships with the members in their chapter and other Greek organizations helps make campus life a little easier. For many students, these organizations become a home away from home. In addition to the brother/sisterhood, every chapter is dedicated to enhancing leadership, scholarship, and philanthropy/service through various programs and opportunities. It will be up to your student to determine the level of involvement they want to have in the organization and what kind of experience it will be for them.
Q: I'm concerned about my son/daughter's grades. What impact would Greek membership have on their academics?
A: Students often find managing their time difficult when moving from the highly structured high school environment to the freedoms of college. Fraternities and sororities assist in that transition by offering scholarship programs which might include study partners, mandatory study hours, and time management workshops. Your son or daughter can access the network of members who already know how to use campus resources like the library, study skills centers, computer labs, and academic advisors.While fraternities and sororities are concerned about the academic achievement of their members, your son or daughter is still ultimately responsible for utilizing the resources made available.
Q: What about pledging or hazing?
A: Buffalo State College does not condone any type of hazing. The College has implemented a strict Anti-Hazing Policy in which all Greek organizations that are recognized by the College must follow.
Q: Who is actually in charge of the fraternity or the sorority?
A: Fraternity and sorority members elected to officer positions manage the day-to-day operations of the organization. These officers are assisted by members serving on committees and by alumni who act as advisors. In addition, most fraternities and sororities are a part of a national fraternity organization which offers support, advice, and direction through paid professional staff and regional volunteers. Professional staff from the College are also employed to assist and monitor the activities of fraternities. As you can see, a variety of individuals oversee the operations of the fraternity.
Q: Doesn't it cost a lot of money to be in a fraternity or sorority?
A: Each fraternity and sorority is self-supported through dues charged to all members. In the first year of membership, a few one-time expenses are assessed. After those initial payments are made, your son or daughters only expense will be his/her regular dues.A variety of payment plans are usually offered.
Q: Being in a fraternity sounds like it takes a lot of time. Does it?
A: 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 his or her Greek Life involvement, your son or daughter will learn how to balance their academic, work, campus involvement, and social commitments.
Q: How does my son/daughter go about joining a fraternity or sorority?
A: This usually depends on which organization your son/daughter would like to join. Most Greek organizations organize a process of meeting people and making friends called "rush." Rush offers your son/daughter an opportunity to meet other people on campus and learn what each fraternity has to offer its members. Each fraternity has its own unique programs and strengths, yet all are primarily based on the development of character, social skills, friendship, service to humanity, and academic skills. Just like researching, visiting, and choosing a college, your son/daughter should seek out the fraternity that best fits his/her personality, needs and desires. He/she will find that there is a place for everyone.
A: Be supportive and learn as much as you can by asking questions of your son/daughter as they meet people through the rush process. Members of Greek organizations will be more than happy to tell him (and you) about their group.