Parent FAQ’s
How will my student benefit from joining a fraternity or sorority?
There are many benefits to being a member of a fraternity or sorority. Below is a list of how membership can shape your student’s college experience to being more than the average student at East Carolina University.
- Offers a home-away-from-home environment
- Enhances education that happens in the classroom through academic achievement and plans to support members as well as hold them accountable
- Provides opportunities to give back to the surrounding community, help others and raise awareness to causes through hands-on service and philanthropic donations
- Increases the student’s involvement on-campus and within the community.
- Provides leadership skills, activities and experiences that aren’t available to non-affiliated students
- Gives members an advantage of networking with distinguished alumni
- A proven higher percentage of Fraternity/Sorority students that are retained over four years and graduate within four years over their non-affiliated peers
- Develop lifelong friendships, memories and a strong sense of accomplishment
- Allow students to be part of something greater than themselves
How will joining a Fraternity/Sorority organization affect my student’s academic pursuits?
The number one goal for your student at East Carolina University, should be to graduate. Fraternities and sororities can help your student achieve this as long as they work hard and commit themselves to being successful in the classroom. Most fraternities/sororities not only have a minimum GPA requirement to join but also to remain a member. Typically, each individual chapter has an elected official who is responsible for keeping track of members and their academic performance. Furthermore, many fraternities and sororities have educational programs, such as tutoring and study sessions, which can assist the entire chapters in excelling academically. Most chapters also offer member scholarships. Since obtaining a degree is the main reason for attending college, our organizations are working to help all of their members be successful in the classroom.
What is the time commitment for my student while they are joining an organization and after they join?
On average, your student should expect to contribute a few hours per week for meetings and activities. If your student has the time and desire, they can also choose to participate in optional activities, such as holding an office, attending social events, helping out with various projects, etc. Some organizations require more time than others. Advise your child to ask questions regarding time commitments during their recruitment/intake process.
What are the financial responsibilities?
Your student will have financial responsibilities when it comes to joining a fraternity or sorority. In most organizations, there is a one-time new member/initiation fee as well as semester membership dues. Depending on which organization your students wants to join will determine the amount of dues they will have to pay each semester. If your students is really interested in becoming a member of an organization, we suggest that you sit down with him or her and work out a college budget to determine whether or not joining a fraternity or sorority is within reason.
The dues that are paid cover a wide range of areas to keep the organizations in existence. These dues are used to pay for community service and philanthropic projects, social events, chapter houses (organization pending), parent and alumni events, insurance and national fees as well as general chapter expenses. We feel that is important to share a general breakdown of the costs and averages based on each council membership. Below is the average breakdown and we encourage students who are interested in joining to ask questions to clarify what is expected of them before they join.
| Fees | Interfraternity Council (IFC) | Multicultural Greek Council (MGC) | National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) | Panhellenic Association |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average new member fee | $550 | $362 | $1500 | $1052 |
| Average Semester Dues | $575 | $100 | $200 | $863 |
What about hazing?
It is important to understand that hazing is not an activity or behavior that is supported by East Carolina University. In addition to this, it is important to recognize that hazing happens in a variety of different organizations and venues on college campuses. Hazing may include the actions that produce bodily harm or danger, mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, fright, or ridicule. Today, all fraternity and sorority policies strictly prohibit any type of hazing activity. In fact, the organizations have taken on a zero-tolerance stance on this issue. Some states even have legislation that makes hazing a third-degree felony. If you feel that your student may be participating in inappropriate activities associated with hazing, you should fill out an incident report.
Who is actually in charge of the fraternities and sororities?
Individual chapters elect officers to manage the day-to-day operations of the organization. These officers are assisted by alumni who act as advisors. Each chapter is also responsible to their Inter/national organization, which offers support, advice, and direction through paid professional staff and regional volunteers. At ECU, six professionals make up the Department of Student Engagement and five serve as direct contacts for the fraternity and sorority community.