On many college campuses, first year orientation has commenced! If the school has a Greek Life system, he will inevitably see a Greek Life Information Fair on the Quad or become friends with first-year students who are interested in pledging.
Is Greek life the big social scene at her school? How many sororities and fraternities are on campus?
Here are a few issues to discuss with your teen before he or she decides to pledge.
1. Can First-year Students Pledge?
Many universities have policy and procedures as to when and how an underclassman can pledge. It is important for your teen to know this before deciding. It is wise for a school to not permit first year students to pledge, or at least during their first semester. Many have this rule in place due to the volatility it can cause in the student’s experience.
Students should be allowed to transition to college without the pressure of pledging during the first term or year. This will allow the student to develop the needed social and emotional skills, time management, and study and test taking skills needed to succeed.
2. Not every Organization is the same: Research the back story of the Greek Organization and Chapter:
Has the sorority been on campus for decades? Is the fraternity a national organization or local group? Google and research for any negative information and talk to others who may be familiar with the sorority or fraternity.
3. Is your Teen ready?
Does your college student have the maturity to balance school, Greek life and other responsibilities such as a part time job or sport? Waiting to pledge till sophomore year will help your student see if he has the skills needed to succeed as a fraternity member.
4. Discuss the Benefits:
Your teen can reap the benefit of becoming included in a group that may focus on community service work, a certain industry and/or future networking with older alumna. It can help develop a sense of security during her college years and she can graduate with a network that can help with both social and career goals.