Information for Parents and Families

Sororities and fraternities serve as a great resource for students academically. Through comprehensive academic programs, outreach to campus academic resources, and internal mentoring programs, sorority and fraternities tend to have higher average GPA’s than those not affiliated with a Greek-letter organization. All chapters at Ohio University are required to hold a minimum cumulative grade point average of a 2.5; however, many of our chapters pride themselves on their outstanding achievements and hold grade point averages much higher than the minimum requirement. 

While the Office of Sorority and Fraternity Life provides the direct oversight to the 30 member sororities and fraternities and serve as the primary contacts for the community on Ohio University’s campus, the Interfraternity Council (IFC), National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC),  Multicultural Greek Council (MGC), and Panhellenic Council (PC) serve as the governing bodies for the fraternity and sorority chapters on campus, helping to unify and oversee the groups, and serve as a link to campus, community, and University administration.

Fraternities and sororities at Ohio, as at most colleges and universities in the United States, are considered private, independent, social entities that freely associate and determine their own membership. Individual chapters elect officers to manage the day-to-day operations of the organization. These officers are assisted by alumni chosen by the chapters, who act advisors.

In cases where there are fraternity and sorority houses, those dwellings are located off campus and are generally privately owned by the fraternity’s alumni board or other third-party landlord.

Each chapter also is responsible to its Inter/national organization, which offers support, advice, and direction through paid professional staff and regional volunteers.

Sororities and fraternities have a rich history at Ohio University dating back to December 5th, 1776 with the establishment of Phi Beta Kappa at William + Mary College. These organizations are rooted in the founding principles that foster academic achievement, student involvement, community service, and life-long friendships. Fraternities and sororities are groups of men and women who come together to form a person network of individuals with similar ideas, interests, and a mutual pursuit of a well-rounded college education. Advantages include:

• A support group to help make the transition to college life less overwhelming
• Academic resources to help students achieve their educational goals
• Leadership skills acquired through hands-on experience
• Encouragement to get involved and maximize their potential on campus
• Opportunities for active participation in community service projects

Hazing, which is against Ohio Law, should not be a part of joining any organization, and Ohio University has a zero-tolerance policy regarding hazing . Hazing is a serious offense of the Ohio University “Student Code of Conduct” and, therefore, is subject to the full range of sanctions (reprimand, disciplinary probation, suspension, and expulsion). An individual may be subject to other outcomes, as the university has the right to take action regardless of the actions of a governing body. 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 sorority and fraternity community and the University, and is not tolerate.

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 Sorority and Fraternity Life immediately. Or, you can file an incident report .

There is a financial commitment associated with joining a sorority or fraternity. The fees go toward Inter/National organization dues, chapter operating expenses, and social functions. Financial obligations differ among individual chapters. New members can expect to pay higher dues their first semester than in subsequent semesters. Additional costs throughout the semester will go toward chapter meal plans, pictures, gifts, t-shirts, etc. While the student is participating in the recruitment process, encourage him/her to ask about the financial obligations of their membership.

The fraternity and sorority community at Ohio is making serious efforts to create a more responsible and safe environment for its members at social events. While each member sorority and fraternity are encouraged to follow the stricter policy (that of their Inter/National organization and that of the Office of Sorority & Fraternity Life) our we have our own health & safety guidelines . for events with alcohol. All organizations are held accountable for violations through the Greek Standards Board for any violation of this policy.

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 he or she meets members in our organizations.

Keep an open mind. Sorority and fraternity life is not for everyone. Just because you may have been in a fraternity or sorority, doesn’t mean that it is the right choice for your students.

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 Ohio. Let you student choose the group the he or she feels the most comfortable with joining.

Talk to your student about dangerous behaviors that come with alcohol misuse. Reiterate that underage drinking is illegal and a violation of the Student Code of Conduct . According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, half of all sexual assaults in the United States involve alcohol consumption by the perpetrator, the victim, or both. Ohio University is committed to fostering an environment free from sexual or gender-based harassment or misconduct. Alcohol misuse can lead to poor academic performance and lower grades.

Have frank conversations with your son or daughter about activities that may occur in a group situation, such as hazing, that make them uncomfortable or put them or other at risk. There are many avenues for reporting misconduct at Ohio University. Be sure to discuss the importance of bystander intervention with your student.

Talk to your student beforehand about the financial obligation. Determine who will pay for what and what the limits are.

Know that the system of fraternity/sorority recruitment at Ohio University 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 and fraternity recruitment/intake process; this is your student’s decision. There will be plenty of activities and events for you to attend or even help plan once your student joins one of our organizations.

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 join a sorority or fraternity.

Keep the Office of Sorority & Fraternity Life contact information on hand if you have any questions or concerns.