Greek FAQs
Q: Why should I Go Greek?
A: Fraternity and sorority membership
offers a “one-stop shopping” experience
that enhances your Salisbury University
co-curricular resume. No other
academic program, activity or campus
office can offer you the complete
package of:
-
a home-away-from-home
-
a supporting community of caring brothers and
sisters
-
life-long friendships
-
a values-based organization that stresses moral
and ethical self-development
-
history and traditions
-
leadership and team-building experience
-
academic support and resources
-
opportunities for volunteerism and civic
engagement
-
intramural participation
-
awards and recognition
-
career networking with alumni from across the
country
-
national conventions and leadership conferences
-
never a dull weekend
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Q: What does it cost to Go Greek?
A: You may have heard the cliché that Greeks “buy their
friends” or that fraternities and sororities are only
for “rich kids.” Nothing is farther from the truth. The
Greek experience should be looked at as an investment in
your future. Like any national organization, there are
bills to pay and costs of membership. All collected dues
go toward activities, programs, insurance and services
that will positively impact you. The reality is that
membership in a Greek organization is quite affordable.
In fact, less than 2 percent of an average college
student’s expenses go toward fraternity and sorority
membership. In the first year of membership, a few
onetime initiation fees are assessed. After that,
regular semester dues generally average about $200-$300,
depending on the chapter. Most organizations offer a
variety of payment plans and billing options and will
supplement their income with fundraising projects.
Additionally, national fraternity and sorority
headquarters offer millions of dollars in scholarships
and educational grants to deserving Greeks each year.
[Top]Q: What kind of time
commitment should I expect if I decide to Go Greek?
A: Participating in any worthwhile activity always
requires a time investment. The old saying “you get out
of it what you’re willing to put into it” couldn’t ring
more true. Most of our Greek students are successfully
balancing academics, a part-time job and a social life
alongside chapter membership. While there are definitely
some mandatory commitments that are set well in advance
(i.e. weekly meetings, community service projects, new
member education, etc.), a student can be as involved as
they choose to be. Time requirements vary from group to
group depending upon how ambitious of a programming
calendar the chapter has. In our experience, the
students that are most active and involved are usually
the ones most satisfied with their decision to Go Greek.
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Q: How accurate is the media’s
portrayal of fraternities and sororities?
A: Fraternities and sororities were founded as
values-based organizations. The majority of our chapters
and Greeks members across the country live these values
on an everyday basis. Unfortunately, you only seem to
hear about the minority of groups who continue to
perpetuate the Animal House stigma or have put someone
in harm’s way. There are some great chapters on every
college campus that are hard at work debunking these
negative stereotypes. At SU, our fraternities and
sororities are held accountable for behavior that is not
consistent with the University Code of Conduct or the
values of the national organization.
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Q: I’ve heard some fraternities and
sororities described as “social” Greeks. What does that
mean?
A: The term “social” should not be used synonymously to
convey a “party” or “alcohol” atmosphere that some Greek
organizations might try to promote. The purpose of
“social” fraternities and sororities can vary greatly
from the missions of “honorary,” “professional” or
“culturally-based” fraternities and sororities. A
“social” organization is characterized by providing
opportunities for establishing personal relationships,
making connections on campus, teamwork, civic engagement
and career networking.
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Q: Will I be hazed if I decide to
Go Greek?
A: All new members participate in some form of
orientation and education period. During this process,
you will attend meetings to learn about chapter history
and the SU Greek system, leadership workshops, community
service projects, and other activities designed to build
friendship and camaraderie among new and initiated
members. Hazing has no place at this University or in
any legitimate Greek organization. Hazing is prohibited
per the University Code of Conduct, national
fraternity/sorority headquarters policy and Maryland
state law. Consent to hazing is not an acceptable
justification or legal defense. Salisbury University
seeks to promote a safe and secure environment where the
rights and dignity of all community members are
respected. New and initiated chapter members are
provided with relevant hazing information and
educational resources to eliminate its practice.
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Q: Who is actually “in
charge” of each organization?
A: In business terms, think about each chapter as a
local franchise of a national corporation. Undergraduate
members are elected to officer positions and manage the
day-to-day operations of the organization. These
officers are assisted by members serving on committees
and by alumni serving as advisors. The national
headquarters provides each chapter with oversight,
support and guidance through paid professional staff and
regional volunteers. Professional college staff are also
employed to assist, educate and monitor the activities
of Greek organizations at Salisbury University.
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Q: When am I eligible to Go Greek and how
do I join?
A: Salisbury University practices a “deferred joining”
policy, which prohibits first-semester freshmen from
pledging a Greek organization. To be eligible, a
potential new member must:
-
be a regularly enrolled, full-time student at
Salisbury University
-
have earned at least 12 college credits
-
have at least a 2.3 college GPA However, students
may participate in the recruitment process at any
time.
Commonly referred to as “rush,” fraternity and sorority
recruitment activities and events occur both formally
and informally throughout the year. Recruitment is an
opportunity for you to learn more about each
organization and get to know the members. Similar to how
you researched, visited and chose to attend Salisbury
University, you should also seek out an organization
that best fits your values, personality and interests.
This is a mutual selection process; and therefore, we
encourage you to keep an open mind. Explore as many
chapters as possible in order to make an educated
decision. Be careful not to rely too much on
word-of-mouth or the rumor mill. Evaluate each
organization on merit and make up your own mind. Ask
lots of questions!
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Q: I want to Go Greek,
but I can’t find the right chapter?
A: So you’ve done your homework and researched the
existing chapters, but you haven’t been able to find
“the one.” Salisbury University is committed to offering
a variety of fraternal experiences to our diverse
student population. We’ll help you find a national
organization that is right for you and work with you
through the expansion process of chartering a new
chapter.
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Q: My parents are reluctant to
support my decision to Go Greek. How can I reassure them
that I’m making a good choice?
A: Congratulations, you’re probably in the majority! At
some point, most of our chapter members also had to have
“the talk” with their families. We encourage you to pass
along the information provided in this brochure. If your
parents have specific questions or concerns, we can help
you answer them. There are numerous undergraduate
leaders, alumni, fraternity/sorority national
headquarters staff, University administrators and even
other parents who are more than willing to share their
personal insights and experiences.
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