Advice for Parents

By joining a sorority or fraternity, your daughter or son is joining many other new members in their search for a sense of community at Delta State University. Women and men in these Greek organizations volunteer time in the Cleveland community, are committed to their academics, form connections with other Greeks, and develop and strengthen their leadership skills.

How does joining a sorority or fraternity assist my child?
Greek organizations are communities in which men and women come together to encourage student involvement, community service, academic achievement, and friendships that will last a lifetime.  Joining with other individuals of similar ideas and interest can always benefit your child.

Will joining a sorority or fraternity help or harm my student's academic career?
Study sessions, tutoring programs, and homework help are a few of the many resources new members may access when joining a Greek organization.  Sororities and fraternities at Delta State require a high GPA for admittance into the chapter;

Will the social aspects of a Greek organization take up all of my child's time?
Greek social life may help your student receive more out of his or her college experience.  As the saying goes, you get out what you put in.  Being involved may take up some time, but the rewards are well worth the time spent.  Being a Greek member can be a substantial time commitment.  Members will likely have one chapter meeting, one new member meeting during his/her first semester, possibly a committee meeting, and one or two social activities.  Intramural sports and community service events are also included in the mix.  Greek students quickly learn time management skills, which can help academically and will also help later on in the workforce.  However, the more time members spend with their sorority sisters or fraternity brothers, the more they will take out of their Greek experience.  Living within a sorority or fraternity residence can offer a closer atmosphere.  Chapters offer many opportunities to meet new people and encourage personal development through the swaps, formals, get-togethers, and athletic events held throughout the year. 

Do the Greeks at Delta State participate in hazing?
Hazing is any act which harasses, ridicules, abuses, intimidates, or subjects members to physical exhaustion or mental distress.  Hazing includes any act which inflicts extreme physical, emotional, or psychological pressure or injury on an individual or which purposely demeans, degrades, or disgraces an individual.  Delta State University and the state of Mississippi do not tolerate hazing by any of its Greek organizations.  Hazing contradicts the purpose of the University and its Greek community. 

How large of a financial responsibility will Greek life be to my student? 
Just as in any other opportunity for involvement in college, joining a sorority or fraternity is a financial commitment.  Fraternities and sororities pay their own way through dues, membership fees, and, in many chapters, one-time initiation fees.  These dues go to chapter operations, Inter/National dues, social activities, and philanthropic functions.  Women and men, along with individual chapters, vary financial obligations.  Pictures, gifts, social events, t-shirts, and such may be additional costs you and your student may want to consider.  Payment plans are available to members, and many chapters offer scholarships.  Make sure your son or daughter understands the financial obligation while going through Recruitment.

How should I participate as a parent?
• Remember that your student will need support throughout the recruitment and new member education process.
• Be open-minded.  Greek life may not be for everyone.  Although you may have been involved in a Greek organization, it may not be the right fit for your son or daughter.
• Sororities and fraternities differ on every campus.  Allow your child to choose the group that he or she feels most comfortable joining, instead of the one you were a member of during school.
• Discuss the financial obligation with your son or daughter beforehand.
• Know that the system of sorority/fraternity recruitment is competitive. Not everyone will receive the bid they were hoping to receive.