Parents and Families
As a parent, you are no doubt interested in your son or daughter getting the best education they can. Certainly the education they receive in the classroom is the primary reason for coming to Stetson University. But here are some ways that Greek life can benefit your student...
What are the advantages of becoming a member of a Fraternal Organization?
Becoming a member of a fraternal organization will provide your child with a number of experiences that will help prepare them for not only a career, but for life. These advantages include:
- Leadership skills: learned through offices in the chapter, through governing Greek councils, or Auxiliary Fraternity/Sorority Organizations.
- Academic success: provided through planned study sessions, partnering with older members of the chapter and hearing guest professors speak at meetings.
- Educational programming: each chapter hosts a number of guest lecturers on topics ranging from alcohol awareness, personal safety, to study skills.
- Enduring friendships and alumni contacts: Being in a Fraternity/Sorority does not stop at graduation. When someone joins, they are a life-long member. As such, they develop contacts and acquaintances that can help them when looking for a job or when they need advice. With 100 some years of history to draw from, Stetson's Fraternity/Sorority community has an array of alumni who are there to help.
- Reaching out: One of the most gratifying aspects of fraternity and sorority life is the sense of satisfaction and pride that comes with involvement in their philanthropy. Throughout the year each chapter spends time fundraising and volunteering for a national organization in need of aid.
It is fun?
The most immediate benefit for your son or daughter is the activities and social events sponsored by each chapter. Whether it is a chapter event, or a Greek Week event, your son or daughter will be around a group of students who know how to enjoy themselves responsibly.
Who is actually in charge?
Students elect their own officers from their members. These officers deal with the day-to-day operations of the organization. Each member learns cooperation and planning skills. Alumni act as advisors to the officers and general chapter members.
Each group is governed by a national/international headquarters, which establishes chapter regulations and offers advice and direction through professional staff that visit the chapter at least once a year. Additionally, the University employs the staff members with in the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Involvement, who works directly with the governing Fraternity/Sorority councils, as well as the individual chapters.
Do members participate in service?
One of the most gratifying aspects of fraternity and sorority life is the sense of satisfaction and pride that comes with involvement in their philanthropy. Throughout the year, each chapter spends time fundraising and volunteering for a national organization. On Stetson's campus, many chapters do additional volunteering within the DeLand community. Service and philanthropy are a key component of the Greek experience here at Stetson, so if your son or daughter joins a Greek organization, they most definitely will participate in both service and philanthropy.
Will my student's academics be affected if her or she joins a Greek organization?
Academics are a priority in the Greek community which is why our chapters strive for academic excellence and improved scholastic achievement. Each chapter has a grade point average requirement that must be met before a prospective member can join. Chapters offer study hall sessions, peer tutoring, time management and study skill workshops, scholastic awards, and incentive programs as well as scholarship opportunities for their members. As a result of the Greek Community's academic goals, the All-Greek GPA is usually higher than Stetson's All-Student GPA.
What is my role as a parent?
As a parent, you can be supportive of your son's or daughter's efforts to join a chapter. Learn as much as you can about the fraternities and sororities at Stetson. Many groups provide written statements concerning activities, finances and policies. Allow your son or daughter to make their own choice (especially if you were Greek). Participate in chapter sponsored events for alumni and parents. Come to homecoming, if possible. Your support should not end after Recruitment, but continue throughout your son's or daughter's years at Stetson.