A PARENT’S GUIDE TO
Greek Life
COMMON CONCERNS ABOUT GREEK LIFE... COST?
Financial obligations differ among individual chapters. The new member semester is generally the most costly, as one-time fees are incurred, such as initiation and your membership badge. Semesterly dues may include national and chapter dues, social activity fees, insurance, parlor fees, and Panhellenic or IFC dues. Most chapters offer payment plans, which allow members to pay on a monthly basis. Sorority New member cost first semester Sorority New member cost second semester Fraternity New member cost first semester Fraternity Active member cost per semester
Average: $856.00 Average: $526.00 Average: $550.00 Average: $640.00
AT THE UNIVERSIT Y OF SOUTH AL ABAMA
∗This is just an average. Each sorority/fraternity will be able to provide you with exact costs.
Fraternities and sororities were founded on strong moral, social, and academic principles. Hazing, or any activity which subjects members to harassment, intimidation, physical exhaustion, or mental distress is entirely contrary to those founding principles. Each of the (inter)national organizations at the University of South Alabama as well as the University Code of Student Conduct and state law forbid hazing in all student activities at the University.
COMMITMENT?
While there are certain attendance requirements, a wellbalanced schedule is encouraged for all members. Through involvement with the chapter, students will learn to better manage their time by balancing academics, work, and other commitments. Academic commitments are the first priority and many Greek members hold student jobs as well. Greek organizations are conscientious of the full schedules that most students have and offer flexibility as much as possible. Students find that being active in a fraternity or sorority is well worth the time they put into it.
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH ALABAMA Office of Student Activities and Greek Life 111 Jaguar Dr RM 1324 Mobile, Alabama 36688-0002
SAFETY?
WHAT IS
E M O C L E W
a m a b a l A h t Sou FAMILIES
As your son or daughter begins his or her college career at South Alabama, he or she will find that there are several organizations to become involved in on campus. Although each and every one of these organizations will contribute to your child’s development as a student, none of them is quite as exciting and rewarding as becoming a member of a sorority or fraternity. Greek membership provides your child with the opportunity to develop valuable leadership skills, pursue academic excellence, serve the USA and Mobile communities, and make lasting friendships that will be treasured forever.
Greek Life ALL ABOUT? SCHOLARSHIP
Scholarship remains an important part of life for all University of South Alabama students, especially for Greek organizations. The primary purpose of the Greek community is to encourage and develop high scholastic performance among its members. Individual chapters promote scholarship by providing academic resources for their members including tutoring, study hours, and scholarships. Most chapters require members to maintain a minimum grade point average to remain in good standing and offer support to help them do so. More often than not, the Greek organizations grade point average is higher than the all-student grade point average. GRADES SPRING 2012 All Greek All University
COMMUNITY SERVICE
2.93 2.79
Philanthropy is a major part of Greek Life at the University of South Alabama. Greek organizations pride themselves on community service participation. All Greek students are involved with philanthropies locally and nationally. Annually, Greeks donate more than 1000 hours of community-based service and donate more than $75,000 to support worthy causes.
LEADERSHIP
One of the significant opportunities afforded by Greek membership is leadership development. Each chapter is self-governed and relies on the individual talents and leadership skills of its members to run effectively. These leadership roles often provide a place where students can gain valuable experience managing events, balancing budgets, leading their peers, or representing the entire Greek community to incoming students to the University.
BROTHERHOOD/SISTERHOOD
Brotherhood/Sisterhood represents bonds of friendship and unity that last a lifetime. These bonds are not only shared by individual chapter members, but also between chapters around the nation. Membership is more than wearing Greek letters and attending chapter meetings and events. It is a feeling and sense of belonging. It is the feeling of being yourself and being respected for your individuality.