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Welcome to UND Greek Life!

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You probably thought that this day 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.

Fraternity and sorority life is all about opportunities – both now and in the future – for your student. The fraternity and sorority community at the University of North Dakota can benefit both you and your student, not just through the immediate transition to college life, but throughout your student’s entire lifetime. Leadership opportunities, lifelong friends and stellar resumes are just some of the benefits that await your son or daughter.

Fraternities and sororities also offer academic assistance and connections to academic resources at UND, career and internship connections and networking, and lots of hands-on leadership experiences. Knowing that your child is getting the most out of the college experience and will graduate a successful, well-rounded person awaits you.

Dispelling the myths:

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• Joining a fraternity or sorority can break the bank
  Yes, members of fraternities and sororities are expected to pay membership dues each semester, but there are also many scholarships available within individual chapters for your child to obtain. If your student decides to live in the chapter house, prices are comparable and often times less than living in the residence halls

 

• Alcohol use is rampant in fraternity and sorority houses
  While it is true that alcohol can be a problem on college campuses, the UND fraternities and sororities are required to follow strict and detailed risk management policies established by their respective inter/national organizations. In addition, there are many educational opportunities available for members to learn how to make responsible choices when it comes to alcohol use. In fact, some organizations require their members to participate in the AlcoholEdu online course before they can become initiated into the chapter. In addition, the sorority houses and some of the fraternity houses have policies in which no alcohol is allowed in the facility at any time. 

• Hazing is a common practice in the UND sorority and fraternity community.
  The University of North Dakota has a zero-tolerance policy regarding hazing. Hazing includes any activity that subjects members to harassment, ridicule, intimidation, physical exhaustion, abuse, or mental distress. Hazing is not a principle that is consistent with the values of fraternities and sororities. If you or your student ever feels he/she is being mistreated or is being expected to participate in activities that are inappropriate, as a result of membership in a fraternity or sorority, you can contact Alyssa Walker (701.777.3620) or Cassie Gerhardt (701.777.3667) in the Student Involvement Office at any time.

• My student’s grades will be negatively affected as a result of joining a sorority or fraternity
  There are many academic benefits to joining a fraternity or sorority. Most, if not all chapters, have a minimum GPA requirement to be a member. If students do not meet this expectation they are supported through scholastic programs created by the chapter. If the member’s GPA continues to lack, he/she is usually removed from membership or suspended from membership until he/she raises his/her GPA. All members are supported in their academic endeavors through required study hours, group study sessions, academic programs, and faculty advisors. Many chapters have members who serve as private tutors to help students with classes that they have previously taken.

 

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

 

For more information, please contact: