What is My Role as a Parent?
Encourage your son or daughter to attend as many campus events as possible during their time here. Being involved is the best way to meet active fraternity and sorority members and learn about their chapters. Involvement in other student organizations is looked favorably upon during the membership selection process of the Fraternity or Sorority your student is interested.
Students need support throughout the process of recruitment and new member education. Be supportive and learn as much as you can about fraternity and sorority life. You can do so by asking questions of your student as they meets members in fraternities and sororities.
Keep an open mind… Fraternity and Sorority Life is not for everyone. Just because you have been a fraternity/sorority member does mean that it is the right choice for your student. The same can be said if you were not a member of a fraternity/sorority.
Fraternities and sororities are different on every campus. Groups that may have been strong on the campus where you, a family member, friend, colleague attended school may not be the same at Shepherd University. Let your student choose the group that they feel the most comfortable joining.
Talk to your child beforehand about the financial obligation. Determine who will pay for what and where the limits are.
Know that the system of fraternity/sorority recruitment is competitive. Not everyone who wants to be in a fraternity or sorority will receive a bid.
Do not become too involved in the sorority/fraternity recruitment process. This is your student’s decision. Too often, parents do not allow their students to “fight their own battles.” By allowing your child to make their own decision, students become more mature, assertiveness and gain self advocacy tools.
Keep the Fraternity and Sorority Life Office contact information on hand if you have any questions or concerns about Fraternity and Sorority Life at Shepherd University.
Additional Information
Fraternity and Sorority Life Academics
Fraternity & Sorority Life Terms