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For Parents
What Greek chapters are recognized by Washington University?
Currently, Washington University recognizes 12 national fraternities that make up the Interfraternity Council:
Alpha Epsilon Pi - (AEPi)
Beta Theta Pi - (Beta)
Kappa Sigma - (Kappa Sig)
Phi Delta Theta - (Phi Delt)
Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE)
Sigma Alpha Mu - (Sammy)
Sigma Chi - (Sigma Chi)
Sigma Nu - (Sig Nu)
Sigma Phi Epsilon - (Sig Ep)
Tau Kappa Epsilon - (TKE)
Theta Xi - (Theta Xi)
Zeta Beta Tau - (ZBT)
What percentage of Washington University students belong to fraternities or sororities?
Approximately 25-30% of undergraduate students are members of Greek organizations.
How will being a member of a Greek organization contribute to and/or hinder my son's educational experience?
Making the decision to join a Greek organization is a significant one. It is a life long commitment that extends beyond a student's college career. Washington University strongly encourages parents to be involved in the important decision making process.
Greek Life at Washington University provides students with a variety of opportunities to get involved in their campus community. With 25-30% of the campus population being Greek, these enthusiastic students plan philanthropy events, serve as student leaders for campus organizations, host social events and participate in Washington University intramurals.
The expectations associated with being a member of a fraternity do place demands on a student's time. However, these are not only social and philanthropic. Our Greek organizations place a high emphasis on successful academics. In fact, most organizations offer scholarship programs for new members to follow. However demanding "pledging" can be, there is always room for flexibility within one's pledge program. The key concept for parents to be aware of is communication! Just as Washington University students are expected to communicate their difficulties to their professors, it is no different within a fraternity. If your son or daughter experiences being overextended or overwhelmed, encourage him to talk the New Member Educator or Chapter President. Once those difficulties have been communicated, the chapter should make every effort to assist their member. If the problem persists after discussing it with the New Member Educator or Chapter President, please have your son contact the Greek Life Office at 314-935-3939.
Do the Fraternities have houses?
9 of the 12 fraternities have houses, which are located in The Village and in the area commonly referred to as "Fraternity Row." One fraternity, ZBT, has a house just off campus. The University's Greek Life Office strongly encourages members to live in their house for at least one year and believes that living in the fraternity house can be a unique and rewarding experience. Fraternity room charges (except for the off-campus fraternity house, ZBT) are billed through your son's Washington University student account. In this 2008-2009 academic year, a single rate is $8346, double is $7318, and a triple is $5382 per year. Fraternity residents are billed for their room based on how the room is being utilized (e.g. single, double, triple) so your son's room rate may change depending upon room occupancy per semester. The following fraternity houses have "full-service" kitchens: Sigma Nu, Theta Xi, Phi Delta Theta, and Kappa Sigma. The University requires residents of these fraternities to purchase the off-campus meal plan ($536). The remaining fraternities: Sigma Alpha Mu, Sigma Phi Epsilon, Tau Kappa Epsilon, Alpha Epsilon Pi, and Beta Theta Pi, have residential kitchens in their houses and are required to purchase the minimum on-campus fraternity meal plan ($2380).
Will my son have to worry about hazing as a part of their Greek experience?
Hazing is perhaps the biggest disgrace of the American fraternity system. Popular movies and television shows have created the impression that all chapters include hazing activities as a step in becoming an active member of the organization. This is not true. Hazing is forbidden amongst all the National Fraternities and Sororities and not to mention in the state of Missouri and on the campus of Washington University. As a conscientious parent of the WU Greek community, it is imperative that you help us to eliminate any potential hazing. That includes an obligation to report hazing if you see it or hear about it through your son. If your son needs to report a hazing incident they should contact the Greek Life Office. We want to support a Greek community that is rooted in the values and principles of our 11 fraternities and with your help this can be possible.
Do you have any helpful hints for me as a parent?
The following is a list of suggestions that may help ease your student's transition to both the University and the Greek community.
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Be happy and supportive with your son's choice of fraternity .
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Encourage your son to attend programs sponsored by Greek Life Office and the Office of Student Activities.
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Know the name and phone number of the chapter president, new member educator, and chapter advisor.
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Ask for details about the financial aspect of membership. If you are paying, you have the right to know. Many one time dues are paid during the first year, so expect the first year to be the most expensive.
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Initiation is an important time for the new initiates. Be supportive and respectful of this time for your student.
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Talk with your son. Stay in touch with phone calls, letters, and care packages.
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Attend Parents' Weekend as well as special events sponsored by the chapter.
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Expect to see numerous new t-shirts, photos and Greek paraphernalia.
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Encourage your son to be a part of the University community and to take advantage of its many resources.
Who should we contact if we have questions or concerns about Greek Life at Washington University?
Washington University takes its commitment to individual Greek students as well as Greek chapters very seriously. Your son may use the resources found within the Greek Life Office whenever needed. The Greek Life Office is located on the first floor of the Danforth University Center. The professional staff consists of Ryan-Jasen Henne, Director of Greek Life; Lucy Morlan, Coordinator for Chapter Development, and David Wallace, Coordinator for Greek Housing Programs. If, at anytime, you would like more information about Greek Life or would like to speak with a member of the staff, please do not hesitate to contact us at 314-935-3939.
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