Parent Information

Fraternity and sorority life is all about opportunities – both now and in the future – for your son or daughter.

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, connections to academic resources, career and internship connections, networking opportunities, and lots of hands-on leadership experiences. Your child will get the most out of the college experience and will graduate as a successful, well-rounded person.

Greek @ UND

Sorority and fraternity members are never alone and will always have someone to turn to if they need assistance. All fraternities and sororities are self-governed organizations supported by:

Chapter advisors
Faculty advisors
UND Coordinator for Fraternity & Sorority Life
University administrators and staff
UND Dean of Students Office
Inter/national headquarters staff members

In addition, each fraternity and sorority has a team of officers who work to manage the chapter's finances, plan events, hold members accountable for their actions, and manage the chapter facility. As self-governed organizations, chapter officers rely on the assistance of local chapter advisors who are alumni of the organization that live in Grand Forks and the surrounding areas. Further, each of the chapters at UND are affiliated with a national organization which is composed of staff members who work at the fraternity/sorority headquarters and trained regional volunteers who are dedicated to ensuring the safety, education, and quality membership for chapter members. Each sorority and fraternity chapter communicates regularly with headquarters staff and volunteers.

Financial Responsibility

Members of fraternities and sororities are expected to pay membership dues each semester. The cost of membership varies between chapters and most chapters offer payment plans in which members can pay their dues in three to four installments throughout the course of the semester. Also, if your student decides to live in the chapter house, prices are comparable and often times less than living in the residence halls or in a residence off campus. To help defray the cost of education, many of the fraternity and sorority chapters offer scholarships that are available to members.

Responsible Social Behavior

Alcohol

While it's true 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 to ensure safety. 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

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, please contact:

Cassie Gerhardt
Associate Dean of Students
2901 University Ave. Stop 8385
Grand Forks, ND 58202
701.777.3667
cassie.gerhardt@UND.edu

Academic Achievement

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.

Volunteer and Service Leadership

All chapters at UND participate in philanthropy and service activities. Each chapter hosts a philanthropy event which is an event that raises money for a non-profit organization in the community or that is supported by their national organization.

FAQ's

Who is "in charge" of the fraternity/sorority?

All of our fraternities and sororities are self-governed organizations; meaning the students are responsible for managing the chapter's finances, planning events, holding members accountable for their actions, and managing the chapter facility. Support is offered through:

Chapter advisors
Faculty advisors
UND Coordinator for Fraternity & Sorority Life
University administrators and staff
UND Dean of Students Office
Inter/national headquarters staff members

What is the time commitment? Will joining negatively affect my son/daughter's academics?

Fraternity and sorority membership does include a time commitment; however, depending upon your child's involvement in chapter leadership positions, the time commitment will vary. In general, most chapters have Monday night formal meals and meetings each week. In addition, in a given semester, members attend brotherhood/sisterhood events, attend educational programming, volunteer in the community, host and attend philanthropic events, and dance the night away at social events. Academics always comes first for chapter members and chapter leaders often work with members to ensure that they are able to complete their academic requirements. In addition, many fraternity and sorority members work part-time jobs while participating as a member in their chapter.

What advice should I give my child who is considering joining a fraternity or sorority?

Since joining a fraternity or sorority is a lifelong commitment and there is an expense associated with membership, it is important for you and your child to communicate about their decision to join a fraternity/sorority. Here are some points that you should tell your son/daughter to consider:

Research the national organization's website and learn more information about the fraternity/sorority. Discover the organization's values and ensure that they align with your son/daughter's personal values.
Find out what is expected of fraternity/sorority members.
Find out which leadership opportunities are available to students as both new and active members.
Ask if the chapter performs hands-on community service and if so, how often.
Ensure that your child understands the financial commitment and the expectations of financial payment.
Ask questions of chapter members, the Rho Gammas, IFC/PHC officers, and Greek Life staff!