Joining a sorority was something I never thought about until I went to college. I had never given it much thought so I never really talked it over with my parents. Neither of my parents are Greek and neither is anyone in my family. When I first discussed the possibility of me joining a sorority with my mom she was lost. I did not know much about what it meant and neither did she. She asked questions and I did my best to answer them, but neither of us had a full understanding of what it meant. Luckily, she supported me in my decision to join. I accepted my bid to my sorority and dove head first into the murky waters of sorority life.
Today, I am constantly asked by parents why joining a sorority is a good thing for their daughter. I have listed some of the most common questions I receive below. I think answering these will help parents better understand sorority life.
What benefits does my daughter receive by joining a sorority?
Joining sorority is a huge benefit to your daughter. Not only will she find a home at school, but she will also make some of her best friends here. In addition, she has more accountability academically. She will also have several opportunities to get involved on campus and in her community. Finally, she will have the tools to network with not only alumnae from her sorority, but also alumni from all Greek organizations.
Are sorority girls as catty as they seem in the movies?
As a member of a sorority, your daughter is encouraged to get to know members of other sororities and fraternities. No sorority believes that you should only have friends in your sorority. We all promote unity.
What do dues cover?
Typically, dues cover membership dues, initiation fees, housing fees, insurance fees, and activities. Most of these fees are one time only and that is why new member fees are so much higher than general membership fees.
Can my daughter live in the house as a freshman?
On most campuses, freshman/new members are not allowed to live in the house until they are at least a sophomore or no longer a new member. This could be her second semester of college or her second year in college. It just depends on the chapter and university requirements.
What is the time requirement for my daughter on a weekly basis?
Generally speaking, your daughter may be required to attend two hours worth of meetings per week. There are also some events that she will notified of at the beginning of her new membership that are mandatory. She may also elect to attend sisterhood events, social events, and more. The level of involvement is dependent on each member.
What about hazing?
Sororities, as well as universities, follow the state and federal laws when it comes to hazing. Any incidences that may be considered hazing are to be reported immediately. Sororities and universities have a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to hazing.
Can I attend my daughter's initiation?
If you are a member of her sorority, then you may attend her initiation. If not, sororities do have a very strict policy on who may and may not attend. There may be open portions of the ceremony, but overall their ceremonies are very secret.
What events can I attend?
When your daughter receives her calendar of events, ask her for it. You will need to know about Dad's Day, Mom's Day, Parent's Weekends, etc. so you can work those dates into your schedule. She will want you there!
Don't sorority girls just party?
No. Sorority women have academic requirements to maintain their membership in their sorority. If a member or new member falls below that requirement they may be asked to resign their membership.
What benefits does my daughter receive by joining a sorority?
Joining sorority is a huge benefit to your daughter. Not only will she find a home at school, but she will also make some of her best friends here. In addition, she has more accountability academically. She will also have several opportunities to get involved on campus and in her community. Finally, she will have the tools to network with not only alumnae from her sorority, but also alumni from all Greek organizations.
Are sorority girls as catty as they seem in the movies?
As a member of a sorority, your daughter is encouraged to get to know members of other sororities and fraternities. No sorority believes that you should only have friends in your sorority. We all promote unity.
What do dues cover?
Typically, dues cover membership dues, initiation fees, housing fees, insurance fees, and activities. Most of these fees are one time only and that is why new member fees are so much higher than general membership fees.
Can my daughter live in the house as a freshman?
On most campuses, freshman/new members are not allowed to live in the house until they are at least a sophomore or no longer a new member. This could be her second semester of college or her second year in college. It just depends on the chapter and university requirements.
What is the time requirement for my daughter on a weekly basis?
Generally speaking, your daughter may be required to attend two hours worth of meetings per week. There are also some events that she will notified of at the beginning of her new membership that are mandatory. She may also elect to attend sisterhood events, social events, and more. The level of involvement is dependent on each member.
What about hazing?
Sororities, as well as universities, follow the state and federal laws when it comes to hazing. Any incidences that may be considered hazing are to be reported immediately. Sororities and universities have a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to hazing.
Can I attend my daughter's initiation?
If you are a member of her sorority, then you may attend her initiation. If not, sororities do have a very strict policy on who may and may not attend. There may be open portions of the ceremony, but overall their ceremonies are very secret.
What events can I attend?
When your daughter receives her calendar of events, ask her for it. You will need to know about Dad's Day, Mom's Day, Parent's Weekends, etc. so you can work those dates into your schedule. She will want you there!
Don't sorority girls just party?
No. Sorority women have academic requirements to maintain their membership in their sorority. If a member or new member falls below that requirement they may be asked to resign their membership.
I realize that I'm extremely late, but I just want to say thank you so much for posting this! My parents think sororities are catty and all about partying. I will be sending them this article.
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