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Welcome to Fraternity and Sorority Life at ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø

By joining one of the prominent fraternities or sororities on the Pleasantville Campus, students gain access to invaluable connections and a strong sense of community. ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø administration works diligently with collegiate, alumni, and national offices to assure the highest quality of experience for each student. As a parent or family member, you are undoubtedly concerned about your student’s college experience and the choices they make. If you have any questions about Greek life, please call at (914) 773-3767.

There are many myths about the Greek community, but the reality is that students in fraternities and sororities are committed to their academics, volunteer time in the community, developing and strengthening their leadership skills, and forming a campus network with other Greeks.

Parents often ask...

How will my student benefit from joining a sorority or a fraternity?
Sororities and fraternities have been on college campuses since 1776. These organizations are rooted in founding principles that foster academic achievement, student involvement, community service, and life-long friendships. Greek organizations are groups of students who come together to form a personal network of individuals with similar ideas, interests, and a mutual pursuit of a well-rounded college education. Some advantages of membership include:

• A support group to help make the adjustment to college easier;
• Scholastic resources to help students achieve their academic goals;
• Leadership skills acquired through hands-on experience;
• Encouragement to get involved and maximize their potential on campus; and
• Opportunities for active participation in community service projects.

How will joining a fraternity or sorority affect my student's academic pursuits?
Sororities and fraternities serve as a great resource for students academically, through study hours and tutoring programs. Most chapters require a high GPA for initial membership into the organization as well as to remain active within the organization. The minimum GPA to participate in Greek recruitment is a 2.5.

What are the social aspects of fraternity or sorority membership?
Because the fraternity and sorority community at ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø contributes to the social activity on campus, it has taken great strides toward creating a responsible and safe environment for its members. All fraternities and sororities have strict policies regulating the management of social events on- and off-campus. Organizations work closely with the fraternity and sorority life staff and security to conduct safe social activities. All organizations are held accountable to the ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø Alcohol Policy and New York State Law.

What is the financial obligation?
Like any opportunity for involvement in college, there is a financial commitment associated with joining a fraternity or sorority. The costs go toward inter/national fees, chapter operating expenses, and social functions. Financial obligations differ for men and women and among individual chapters. New members can expect to pay higher dues their first semester. Dues range from $200-$700 per semester. Additional costs throughout the semester will go to meals, formals, trips, pictures, gifts, social events, T-shirts, etc. In addition, the local fraternity and sororities have to maintain liability insurance at all times. There are payment plans available for students, as well as scholarships within the individual chapters. While your son or daughter is participating in the recruitment process, make sure that he or she asks about the financial obligations of membership specifically for new member education.

Is hazing a part of the culture at ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø?
ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø has a zero-tolerance policy regarding hazing that is consistent with New York State law. Hazing includes any activity that subjects members to harassment, ridicule, intimidation, physical exhaustion, abuse, or mental distress. Hazing is contrary to the purposes of the community and the University. Hazing is not tolerated. If you sense your student may be participating in inappropriate activities as a result of membership in a fraternity or sorority, you should contact the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life. All calls will be handled in a discreet manner.

Who is actually in charge of the fraternities and sororities?
Individual chapters elect officers to manage the day-to-day operations of the organization. These officers are assisted by alumni who serve as advisors. Each chapter is also responsible to their inter/national organization, which offers support, advice, and direction through paid professional staff and regional volunteers. At ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø, the associate director for fraternity and sorority life is on staff within the Center for Student Engagement and serves as the primary contact for the community.

What is recruitment and intake?
At ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø, we have what's called a deferred recruitment process for traditional new member education. Deferred recruitment delays or defers the joining process for all entering first-year students until their second semester. Incoming first-year students may not join a fraternity or sorority their first semester. This allows students the opportunity to explore the full range of student-run organizations and activities.

However, throughout the fall semester, all students will have the opportunity to meet and interact with fraternity and sorority members. Although these events are not considered a part of "formal" recruitment, they serve as opportunities for new students to informally get to know these members. The membership intake process to join a National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) organization happens at various times during the year at the discretion of each group. It is heavily encouraged that students do extensive research into the NPHC organizations by visiting their websites and reading historical documents about each group.

What is my role as a parent/family member?
Encourage your student to attend as many campus events as possible. Being involved is the best way to meet active members and learn about their chapters. Involvement in other student organizations is looked favorably upon during the membership selection process.

Students need support throughout the process of recruitment/intake and new member education. Be supportive and learn as much as you can about fraternity and sorority life by asking questions of your student as they meet other members of fraternities and sororities.

Keep an open mind. Fraternity and sorority life is not for everyone. Just because you may have been a fraternity or sorority member doesn't mean that it is the right choice for your student. Fraternities and sororities are different on every campus. Groups that may have been strong on the campus where you attended school may not have the same reputation at ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø. Let your student choose the group that they feel the most comfortable joining.

Talk to your student beforehand about the financial obligation. Determine who will pay for what and establish how much you intend to pay. Know that the system of fraternity and sorority recruitment at ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø is competitive. Not everyone who wants to join will receive a bid.

Tips to help your student

• Students need support throughout the process of recruitment/intake and new member education. Learn as much as you can about the ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø fraternity and sorority community by asking questions of your student as they meet other members in fraternities and sororities.
• Keep an open mind. Being a member of the ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø fraternity and sorority community is not for everyone. Just because you have been a fraternity or sorority member doesn’t mean that it is the right choice for them.
• Fraternities and sororities are different on every campus. Let your student choose the group that they feel the most comfortable joining.
• Joining a fraternity or sorority is a great support system, a means to get involved on campus, and a way to develop personally and professionally.
• Talk to your student beforehand about the financial obligation. Determine who will pay for what and set any limitations needed.

For more information

Too often, parents do not allow their students to "fight their own battles." It helps the student mature and gain some assertiveness when allowed to call various offices if they have questions or concerns about their decision to go Greek. Should you have any questions, concerns, or if you would like more information about fraternity and sorority life at ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø, please email the Student Engagement team or call the office:

• Phone: (914) 773-3767
• Fax: (914) 773-3160