Greek Life Parents

Parent Information

College is an exciting time in a one’s life; participation in Fraternity and Sorority Life can be a great way to enrich the student experience. You will find our fraternity men and sorority women dedicated to bettering themselves through service, scholarship, and leadership opportunities.

It is a good idea for parents to learn about fraternities and sororities so that you are able to assist your student in making the best decision about whether he/she should consider joining an organization. If your student decides to join a Greek-letter organization, you should stress the importance of finding a balance between fraternity and sorority Life and academics. Participation in Fraternity and Sorority Life can enhance the college experience, but academics are important in order to continue involvement.

Joining a Greek-letter organization can be a great thing. National research projects, conducted by the Center of Advanced Social Research at the University of Missouri, provide data that supports the beneficial qualities of membership in a fraternity or sorority.

Students who join fraternities and sororities are 28% more likely to return to school the following year than students who choose not return. Following graduation, Greek-affiliated alumni often secure employment closely matching their career path due to alumni networking opportunities.

Please be aware that hazing has no place in any organization. Reinhardt University will not tolerate hazing in any student organization. In addition, hazing is against the law in the State of Georgia. All fraternity and sorority members know that hazing is against their national policies, university policy, and the law. All reports will be taken seriously. If you feel you or someone you know is participating in inappropriate activities, you should contact the Office of Student Activities immediately.

What is my role as a parent?

Encourage your student to get involved on campus before joining a Greek-letter organization. Reinhardt’s spring recruitment schedule allows students to find their place on campus before making a lifelong commitment to a fraternity or sorority. We offer a full semester for students to find a balance between their academic, student involvement and social priorities before deciding to add a Greek-letter organization that may compliment their experience.

Help your student compare their personal and family values to the values of each chapter.

Greek-letter organizations were founded to create better people through membership in values-based organizations. Understanding this is a key component to helping your student choose which organization to join.

Be a consultant

Listen and learn about your student’s experience. Make suggestions and ask thought-provoking questions, but encourage your student to take the lead on their own decision making.

Set expectations regarding membership before the recruitment/intake process begins.

Discuss who will be responsible for financial obligations and consider discussing how your student will balance their time and how they might respond to peers’ influence.

Be open minded.

There is a lot of myth and legend surrounding fraternities and sororities. Know that your perception or fraternity/sorority experience will be somewhat different from the experience of your student. Greek-letter organizations differ from campus to campus, as campus culture and climate impact the overall fraternity/sorority life experience of students. Listen and let your student make the choice that is right for them.

Keep our office information handy.

We are happy to help and committed to providing our students and their families with the best holistic learning experience possible.

How can fraternity/sorority involvement help my student succeed academically?

One of the central purposes of fraternities and sororities is to promote academic excellence. Each organization requires a minimum GPA to remain an active member of the chapter. All chapters emphasize the value of academic success and will help their members achieve through scholarship programs, study halls, incentive programs and peer tutoring.

How can fraternity/sorority involvement help my student succeed academically?

Does being a member of a Greek-letter organization have benefits after graduation?

In today's job market it is not only important what your student knows, but who your student knows. When someone joins a fraternity or sorority, he/she not only becomes friends with the members of that chapter, but also begins building relationships with the families and friends of those members and alumni from all over the country. By joining a Greek-letter organization, a person can create an entire network of people, from which he/she may meet a future employer, spouse or lifelong friend.

Does it cost a lot join a fraternity or sorority?

Joining a fraternity or sorority does carry a financial commitment. Each chapter is self-supporting through dues paid by their members. When students join a Greek-letter organization, they also agree to pay dues and fees while in school to maintain membership. Although chapters may make accommodations for special needs, students should discuss the financial obligations with their parent(s) before deciding to join.

For more information:

If you are interested in joining a Fraternity and Sorority, please contact Rebecca Worsham, Assistant Director of Campus Engagement and Recreation at greeklife@reinhardt.edu or call 770.720.5991.