Go Greek | Parents

Information for Parents

Scholarships are now available for male students interested in Rush! For more information and the scholarship application please see:

ifc.truman.edu/scholarship

Question and Answer for Parents

Q: Aren't fraternities and sororities just like the movie "Animal House" and the TV show "GRΣΣK"?
A: Nobody likes stereotypes. Unfortunately, after the showing of movies and shows, fraternity and sorority members have been categorized as partiers who are irresponsible, arrogant, and abusive. In reality, fraternities and sororities are values-based organizations dedicated to the development of character and lifelong friendships. Organizations have public standards regarding academics, behavior, and community.

Q: What is alcohol really like in a Greek organization?
A: Alcohol abuse is unhealthy and inconsistent with Greek ideals. All fraternities and sororities are expected to uphold state, county, and city laws, as well as university policies regarding the consumption of alcohol. In addition, fraternities and sororities are not allowed to purchase alcohol with chapter funds.

Greeks at Truman participate in many alcohol-free social activities, including intramural sports, philanthropy events, community service, lip sync and educational activities. Students who choose not to drink will know that it's ok and feel comfortable with their decision. They will be in an environment where they can experience the same brotherhood or sisterhood, regardless of their decisions concerning alcohol.

Q: I'm concerned about my student's grades--what impact would membership have?
A: Students often find managing their time difficult when moving from the highly structured high school environment to the freedoms of college. Greeks assist in that transition by offering scholarship programs which might include study partners, mandatory study hours, and time management workshops. Your son or daughter can access the network of their Greek brothers and sisters who already know how to use campus resources like the library, study skills centers, computer labs, and academic advisors. Greeks can also take advantage of the knowledge older members have about their major, classes, professors, internship and other academic opportunities.

Q: What about pledging or hazing?
A: New members all experience a period of orientation. During this time, new members will participate in weekly meetings to learn about the university and the fraternity or sorority, leadership activities, community service projects, and events designed to build friendships among the new members and with the older members. New member programs often mirror the operations of the active chapter. A pledge class may be expected to plan a social or philanthropic event. Often, fraternity pledge classes will complete a house project involving raising money or building something for a chapter house.

All fraternities and sororities oppose hazing on a local and national level and are committed to a membership education period which instills a sense of responsibility and commitment in the new members. This period will assist your son or daughter in overcoming some of his concerns about success in college.

Hazing is against the policies of the University, local and national offices, and the Greek Councils that govern Truman's Greeks.

Q: Who is actually in charge of the fraternity or sorority?
A: 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 advisers.

Collectively, the Interfraternity Council, the Panhellenic Council, and the National Pan-Hellenic Council oversee the policies and the recruitment processes for fraternities, sororities, and historically black organizations, respectively.

Truman also has professional staff that provides direction and guidance to the Greeks on campus. This staff is headed by the Greek Director, Beth Tuttle.

In addition, most of Truman's chapters are part of national organizations, which offer support, advice, and direction through a paid professional staff and regional volunteers. Professional staff from the college and university are also employed 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?
A: Each fraternity is self-supported through dues charged to all members. In the first year of membership, a few one-time expenses are assessed. After those initial payments are made, the only expenses will be regular dues and possibly rent.

Many fraternities offer housing to their members. In almost every case, it is less expensive to live in fraternity housing than on campus. Most houses are located near campus as well. Fraternity houses offer many of the same amenities as in campus housing: internet, cable, and phone service, study areas, recreation areas, and a great community!

Q: Being Greek 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 college students are more likely to graduate and they report greater satisfaction with their college experience. Through Greek involvement, your student will learn how to balance their academic, work, campus involvement, and social commitments. Your son or daughter will make their own decision about how involved to become in a Greek organization.

Q: How does my student go about joining a fraternity or sorority?
A: Fraternities organize a process of meeting people and making friends called 'Rush.' Sororities do the same under the title 'Recruitment.' Rush and Recruitment offer your son or daughter an opportunity to meet other people on campus and learn what each Greek organization has to offer its members.

Each organization has its own unique programs and strengths, yet all are primarily based on the development of character, social skills, friendship, service, and academic skills. Just like researching, visiting, and choosing a college, your student should seek out the Greek organization that best fits their personality, needs and desires. Rushees will find that there is a place for everyone.

Q: What is my role as a parent?
A: Be supportive and learn as much as you can by asking questions of your son or daughter as they meet people through the recruitment or rush process. Greeks will be more than happy to tell him or her (and you) about their organizations. If you have questions, please feel free to contact our Greek Director, Beth Tuttle. She has both the experience of being in a Greek organization and being a professional in charge of the same. Beth can answer your questions or direct you to individual organization advisers, students within organizations, or student officers within the Councils that organize Rush and Recruitment.

Questions to Ask Your Son or Daughter

Why do you want to join a Greek organization?

Do you understand you are joining this organization for life?

Do you have the financial resources to pay for chapter dues and possibly for rent?

Will you have the time to participate in leadership positions, meetings, service events, intramurals, and other chapter events?

What is the GPA of the chapter?

What is the GPA for the most recent new member class?

What percent of the most recent new member class was initiated?

What is the percentage of members involved in student organizations?

What is the percentage of chapter members who graduate?

If the chapter has a housing facility, is it well-kept and clean?

Do the members respect the property?

What alumni connections are available through the organization?

Will this organization help build your resume for a successful career after you graduate?

Does the organization support the academic mission of Truman State University?

Lastly, and perhaps most important, what group do you "fit in" with and feel the most comfortable around?

Advantages of Going Greek

Going Greek is more than parties, wearing letters, and attending meetings. Going Greek means making friendships that will last a lifetime. Going Greek means a commitment to the ideals of scholarship, leadership, and service. Going Greek makes a university like Truman smaller and more personal.

Friendship Finding the right peer group at a large institution is imperative. Fraternities and sororities offer instant peer networks and a structured environment involving academics, social events, service activities, intramurals and alumni networking.

Leadership There are dozens of leadership positions available within each chapter, such as president, treasurer, house manager, or website chair. Fraternities and sororities are also involved on campus and members hold leadership positions in student government, school councils, honor societies, sport clubs, and many other student organizations.

Scholarship Truman's Greek organizations produce a "Greek Report" every year that demonstrates the academic success of every organization. Also, each organization has its own programs and resources to encourage members to pursue academic endeavors.

Service and Philanthropy Greeks chapters have a rich tradition of sponsoring philanthropic events both on and off campus to raise money for charities. Greeks also participate in collective philanthropy events, such as the annual Greek Week celebration and Up 'Til Dawn, an event that raised nearly $70,000 for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Social Chapters sponsor mixers, date parties, formal dances, trips to Mizzou sporting events and Cardinals games, among many others. State law, Truman's Student Code of Conduct, and local and national interfraternal policies dictate how social functions are conducted, whether in the chapter facilities or other locations.

Housing Many of Truman's Greek organizations provide housing for their members on and off campus. New fraternity members often move in the year after they join, usually for at least two years. Room and board prices are competitive with University Residences and off-campus apartments. Chapter housing capacities vary from group to group, as does their policy on living in. Sororities do not have chapter houses, but they are allotted rooms in Brewer Hall, which is located on campus. Each sorority also has a chapter room in Brewer Hall so that the members can spend time together.

Additional Information

For additional information please contact:

Beth Tuttle: btuttle@truman.edu

Beth is a member of Alpha Gamma Delta and is the Director of the Office of Greek Life, the University Department that oversees the operations and development of Truman's Greek Community. Beth's office is located in the Center for Student Involvement on the first floor of the Student Union Building. She can be reached by email or at 660-785-4222.

Kevin: kga051@truman.edu

Kevin is the President of the Interfraternity Council, the student organization that runs the Men's Rush program and governs the operations of Truman's fraternities.

Lauren: lmk935@truman.edu

Lauren is the President of the Panhellenic Council, the student organization that runs the Women's Recruitment program and governs the operations of Truman's sororities.