Info for Parents
Q: Aren’t fraternities just like the one shown in the movie “Animal House?”
A: Nobody likes stereotypes. Unfortunately, after the showing of that movie, fraternity members have been categorized as partiers, irresponsible, and abusive. In reality, our fraternity is a value-based organizations dedicated to the development of character and lifelong friendship.
Q: What is it really like with alcohol in the fraternity?
A: Alcohol abuse is unhealthy and inconsistent with fraternity ideals. Our fraternity upholds all laws and university policies regarding the consumption of alcohol. In addition, yearly alcohol education seminars are mandatory for all members.
Q: I’m concerned about my son’s grades–what impact would fraternity membership have?
A: Students often find managing their time difficult when moving from the highly structured high school environment to the freedoms of universities. Our fraternity assists in that transition by offering scholarship programs which include study partners, weekly structured study sessions, and time management workshops. Your son can access the network of fraternity members who already know how to use campus resources like the library, study skills centers, computer labs, and academic advisors.
Q: What about pledging or hazing?
A: New fraternity members all experience a period of orientation. During this time, your son and the other new members will participate in weekly meeting to learn about the university and the fraternity, leadership retreats, community service projects, and activities designed to build friendships among the new members and the older fraternity members.
Our fraternity strictly opposes hazing and is committed to a membership education period which instills a sense of responsibility and commitment in the new members. This period will assist your son in overcoming some of his concerns about success in univeristy.
Q: Who is actually in charge of the fraternity?
A: Fraternity members elected to officer positions manage the day-to-day operations of the organization. These officers are assisted by members serving on committees and by alumni who act as advisors.
In addition, our fraternity is part of an international organization which offers support, advice, and direction through a paid professional staff and regional volunteers. The University of Alberta also has a permanent Greek Advisor to assist and monitor the activities of fraternities. As you can see, a variety of individuals oversee the operations of the fraternity.
Q: Doesn’t it cost a lot of money to be in a fraternity?
Our fraternity is self-supported through dues charged to all members and through rigorous fundraising. For $250.00/semester, with no extra fees, your son would get a meal a week, access to all team sports offered by Campus Rec, access to a residence on campus with its own wireless internet and kitchen, and access to subsidized fraternity events.
Q: Being in a fraternity sounds like it takes a lot of time.
A: Participating in any worthwhile activity always requires an investment of one’s time. Research has shown that involved university students are more likely to graduate and they report greater satisfaction with their university experience. Through his fraternity involvement, your son will learn how to balance his academic, work, campus involvement, and social commitments.
Q: How does my son go about joining a fraternity?
A: Our fraternity emphasizes seeking potential recruits at any time of year. We are constantly organizing and participating in events that are open to anyone interested in accompanying us. All your son would have to do is contact us (here, for example), and we’d go about inviting him.
Q: What is my role as a parent?
A: Be supportive and learn as much as you can by asking questions of your son as he meets people through the rush process. Fraternity members will be more than happy to tell him (and you) about their group.
