91´«Ã½

Greek Life

Information for Parents & Families

We know that for many families, the words "fraternity", "sorority", or "Greek Life" might bring to mind outdated media stereotypes. However, the modern fraternity and sorority experience at 91´«Ã½ is deeply rooted in fostering an inclusive, supportive environment where all students can build lifelong organizational bonds, excel academically, and find a true home away from home. ÌýIf you and your student are wondering whether this community is the right fit, we want to share what the latest national, peer-reviewed research says about the real, tangible value of the fraternity and sorority experience and share some great data points from our FSL community at 91´«Ã½.Ìý

Building a Strong Foundation for College SuccessÌý

Starting college is a massive transition, and finding a supportive peer group early is crucial. A found that the benefits of joining a fraternity or sorority are actually strongest during a student's first year. The data shows that affiliated students experience:

  • Stronger Peer Collaboration: Members demonstrate significantly higher levels of collaborative learning, meaning they actively study and solve problems together rather than isolating themselves academically.
  • Increased Faculty Connection: Joining an organization actually bridges the gap between students and professors, leading to substantially higher rates of meaningful student-faculty interaction.
  • Broader Perspectives: Despite historical structures, fraternity and sorority members report significantly higher levels of "Discussions with Diverse Others" (engaging with peers of different races, ethnicities, religions, and political views) than students who do not join.
A Built-In Network for Mental Health & Well-Being

We know that student wellness is a top priority for families. The transition to college can be stressful, but our chapters provide a vital, built-in support system. According to :

  • Higher Rates of "Flourishing": Students active in the fraternity and sorority community report significantly higher levels of positive mental health and overall psychological well-being compared to non-affiliated students.
  • Lower Depression & Anxiety Scores: Affiliated students report lower current clinical scores for depression and anxiety, thanks in large part to the strong social support networks their chapters provide.
  • Proactive Views on Wellness: A larger percentage of fraternity and sorority members have utilized therapy or counseling services in their lifetimes, reflecting a mature community culture that reduces the stigma around asking for help.
  • The safety and inclusion of every single student is our absolute priority. 91´«Ã½ enforces strict . Rather than waiting for issues to arise and pausing operations, we engage our chapters in continuous, proactive education regarding alcohol safety, bystander intervention, and risk management.
Academic Balance

It is natural to worry about how joining an organization might impact your student's grades or time. Research acknowledges that because our members are highly ambitious and heavily involved on campus, balancing schedules can be a learned skill.

At 91´«Ã½, we don't leave students to figure this out alone. Our office works directly with chapters to provide structured academic support systems, study hours, and time-management workshops to ensure that your student's academic performance thrives alongside their social connections. 91´«Ã½ Fraternity & sorority members' grade point averages are generally higher and they are graduating within 4 years at higher rates than their non-affiliated peers.

Long-Term Value: Career Prep & College Success
  • Immediate Leadership Growth: demonstrates that fraternity and sorority members exhibit higher levels of personal growth and leadership development than independent students, with the most significant developmental leap happening in their very first semester.
  • Staying on Track to Graduate: Membership is statistically linked to higher college retention rates. The "sense of belonging" a chapter offers serves as a protective anchor, making students more likely to persist through graduation.
  • A Massive Professional Network: Your student will gain access to a network of millions of living alumni nationwide, offering mentorship and career connections that extend far past graduation.
Costs

There is no exact amount to put on the experience of Fraternity & Sorority Life. However, there are monetary costs to membership. Dues vary according to chapters. Most chapters charge an application fee to cover the cost of your new member period. Upon your activation into the chapter, members are charged an initiation fee. Finally, active members are charged chapter dues. These finances are billed either per semester or annually. Please feel free to inquire about each chapter's financial obligations during recruitment.

Many organizations also offer payment plans and/or have opportunities to apply for organizational scholarships.

Supporting Your Student

Here are some ways that you can support your student:

  • Research their national organization.

  • Learn the history, core values, founding location and date of their organization of interest.

  • Encourage them to seek opportunities for leadership positions.

  • Ask if there is a family and friends club or family and friends events.

  • Get to know their close friends in the organization.

  • Support their chapter's philanthropic or community services events.

  • If you are local, come to an event.

  • Contribute!

More Information

Thoughts on Being Greek

What is the best part about being Greek?

The best part is all the formals and dances. I love homecoming and greek week and all the activities. I like being apart of something positive and I have enjoyed all the new friends I have made.

-- Nicole M Capone

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