You probably thought the time would never come, but here it is. Your child’s getting ready to start college. And while it’s an exciting moment in his or her life, we also know that for you it can be a little stressful, a little sad and a little confusing all at the same time.

The Greek community at the University of Minnesota can benefit both you and your student, not just through the immediate transition to college life, but throughout your entire lifetimes. Leadership opportunities, lifelong friends and a stellar resume are just some of the benefits that await your student. Knowing that your child is getting the most out of the college experience and will graduate as a successful, well-rounded person awaits you.

We’d also like to take this time to go over some of the misconceptions you may have heard about Greek life.

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Dispelling the myths:

1. Joining a fraternity or sorority can break the bank.
Not true. Yes, there are membership dues each semester, but there are also many scholarships available within the Greek community for your child to obtain. And if your student chooses to live in the chapter house, you can compare the expenses to the cost of living in the residence halls.

2. Alcohol use is rampant in Greek houses.
While it’s true that alcohol can be a problem on college campuses, U of M fraternities and sororities are required to follow strict and detailed risk management policies established by both their respective national organizations and governing councils. In addition, the Greek community at the U of M works hard to educate men and women about responsible drinking behaviors.

3. Hazing is a common practice in the U of M Greek community.
Hazing is against the state laws of Minnesota, and the U of M, the IFC and the PHC have zero tolerance policies in regard to hazing. It’s our responsibility to make sure that your child is in a safe environment and we take that responsibility very seriously.

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Just the facts…

> The Greek community works hard to give back to the surrounding community and in 2007, fraternity and sorority members donated 26,000 hours of their time through community service.

> As of Fall 2007, the All-IFC Fraternity Grade Point Average is 3.07, while the All-Men's GPA at the U of M is 3.01. The All-PHC Sorority Grade Point Average is 3.15, which is tied with the All-Women's GPA.

> Together, the fraternities and sororities at the U of M have more than $15,000 in freshman scholarships available.

> Philanthropy is a huge part of the Greek philosophy. Over $148,000 was raised by our fraternities and sororities in 2007-08.

We don’t have a magic wand to make all of the natural uneasiness you may be feeling disappear, but we do have strong facts supporting the decision to go Greek. Leadership and career opportunities, lifelong friendships, exciting activities...going Greek really will provide your student opportunities and memories that will last a lifetime. And you’ll know that you were there at the very beginning of it all.

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For more information, please contact:

Marjorie Savage
University Parent Program
109 Appleby Hall
Minneapolis, MN 55455
(612) 626-9291
parent@umn.edu
http://www.parent.umn.edu/greekfaq.html

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