Fraternities and sororities offer multiple opportunities for your student to get involved
on campus, succeed in class, and have a social network to lean on during school and
after graduation. The FSL community values scholarship, brotherhood/sisterhood, community
service, and leadership. These values steer students to form life-long friendships
with peers, work vigorously in their classwork, give back to those in need, and gain
experience and responsibilities that they can carry over into the working world.
We encourage parents of FSL students to get involved with their child's organization
and to stay connected to their student throughout their college career. Many of our
organizations offer Parent/Family Weekend activities where parents can come to Lubbock
and meet the other members and alumni of their student's organization. Often times,
parents serve as the link between a student's school life and home life. Parents offer
stability and encouragement to their child as they work to balance their social life
and academics, so we encourage parents to be present and involved with their student's
fraternity or sorority involvement.
Be supportive and learn as much as you can by asking your student questions prior
to and throughout their membership. It is important that you understand the financial
commitment your student is making including the cost of membership, when monies are
due, how the bill is paid, etc.
Be an advocate for your student and encourage them to take advantage of all the opportunities
their membership in the fraternity or sorority provides. Your awareness and education
on their participation allow you to understand their experience, providing benefits
to you and your student. Your student should never be asked or required to do anything
that is a violation of the state, local or federal law, Texas Tech University Code
of Student Conduct, or does anything that would cause them harm.
There will be several opportunities for you to participate in your student's fraternity
or sorority through Parent/Family Weekends, Mother's Clubs, community service opportunities,
awards recognition events, etc. We recommend you take advantage of these opportunities
and attend events as appropriate.
There is potential for hazing to occur in any student organization on a college campus.
Hazing within fraternity and sorority organizations may not always be obvious to outsiders.
As a parent or family member, it is important you know what hazing looks and sounds
like to help provide guidance and protection should it be a part of your student's
experience.
While hazing can be simply defined as, "any action taken or situation created intentionally
to cause embarrassment, harassment or ridicule AND/OR risks emotional and/or physical
harm to members of an group or team, regardless of the person's willingness to participate,"
it is not always clear where the line of team building/tradition is crossed and hazing
begins.
Still confused? Answer some of these questions to determine if the behaviors you are hearing about
might be related to hazing.
Texas Tech actively inquires, investigates, addresses, and holds organizations or
individuals accused and found responsible for hazing accountable. Click here to learn more about your options as a parent when reporting organizational behavior.
We encourage everyone to research the current topics and trends being addressed within
this community to set expectations for what the experience may look like. Fraternity
and sorority culture has changed quite a bit in the past decade, and it is critical
that even those who were involved in a fraternity or sorority in college understand
that times have changed. The following websites might be helpful in setting the stage:
Like many opportunities for involvement in college, there is a financial commitment
associated with joining a fraternity or sorority. These costs go toward inter/national
headquarters' fees, chapter operating expenses, philanthropy events, social functions,
and in some cases facility expenses. Financial obligations differ among individual
organizations.
One-time Fees. Potential members should expect higher fees in their first semester of membership
to account for one-time fees. Each fraternity and sorority council provides a range
to help prospective members plan accordingly.
Ask questions. When looking at organizations, inquire about the cost of membership. Consider:
- Do they offer payment plans?
- Do they offer scholarships?
- Are fees paid upfront? Annually? Per semester?
- What is included?
(Hint: organizations that are at the top end of the range are likely "all-inclusive,"
while organizations with a lower base fee may offer/require payment for other aspects
of membership, to the point where all organizations are likely at the top end of the
range.)
Prepare. Preparing for the cost of membership is important. We encourage students to use
the free services provided by Red to Black Peer Financial Coaching to establish a budget that allows for membership costs while
also achieving your other financial goals.
Sororities and fraternities serve as great resources for students academically through
study hours and tutoring programs. Most fraternities and sororities have a GPA requirement
for initial membership and to remain active members in the organization. These requirements
are often higher than the general campus average. Organizations often regulate study
hours, maintain resource files, reward those who do well academically and help those
experiencing difficulties. The Fraternity & Sorority Life community releases a grade report with each individual chapter each fall and spring.