A Guide to FrAternity And Sorority LiFe - Virginia Tech

FrEquENTLy ASkEd quESTIONS
Q: will i be hazed?
A: Hazing has no place in our fraternity community. You absolutely should not be hazed. You should never participate in any activity
that makes you feel uncomfortable, or may make others uncomfortable. If you are ever in doubt, know that you can contact the Office of
Fraternity and Sorority Life or your fraternity headquarters for more information or clarification.
Q: How do i know if my son is being hazed?
A: Keep the lines of communication open and make sure that you ask what activities he is participating in. If he hesitates or says he cannot
tell you, probe a little further. Except for the ritual, he should be able to describe everything. Some signs to look for: missing classes, excessive
tiredness, change in regular communication habits, exclusive focus on the fraternity, and radical appearance changes.
Q: How do i know if i am being hazed?
A: You should never be made to do anything that makes you or others feel uncomfortable, causes you pain or anguish, or makes you
question your personal, emotional, or physical well-being.
Q: what are the total costs to be a member of a fraternity?
A: Each fraternity’s dues structure is different. Cost will depend on the fraternity’s activity level and whether everything is included up
front. Joining a fraternity will usually require a one-time fee. Additional costs will depend on whether or not the fraternity has a house.
Insurance will also be a major expense. do not forget regular dues. The dues and fees should not pay for alcohol.
Q: How will my grades be affected?
A: Ideally, your grades should improve. Academics must be your first priority. The fraternity can offer support in time management,
tutoring, study enhancement and incentives, and class assistance. It is up to you to make sure that you do well and that you ask your
chapter about available academic resources.
Q: what will i get out of this?
A: You will be amazed at what you will get from your fraternity commitment. Joining a fraternity rounds out the collegiate experience.
In a fraternity, you get a complete education. Fraternities offer lifelong friends, leadership opportunities, social and athletic activities,
academic support, and networking opportunities. Check out www.fraternityinfo.com for more information.
Q: Do i have to live in the fraternity house?
A: It depends on the chapter. It is likely that you will want to live in the house to take advantage of the opportunities it presents. Living in
the house may provide some of your best memories. You should make sure that the house has passed its safety inspections and is clean.
Talk to the men who currently live in the house to gain more information about what it is like to live there. Make an unannounced stop
during the week to get a sense of how the brothers live.
Q: if i have questions about fraternity and sorority life, where do i go?
A: You can always contact the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life. You may e-mail us at gogreek@vt.edu or you can visit the website at
www.studentprograms.vt.edu/greeklife. If we cannot answer your questions, we can certainly refer you to those who can. Our office has many
resources and information available to help our students succeed.
IFC
Portico 2009-2010
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