FAQ's
Greek Parent & Family Commonly Asked Questions & Answers
Why should my student go Greek? What will Greek life provide that is different from other college organizations and activities?
As your student makes the transition from high school to college, the Greek Community at Iowa State University can provide a valuable network of support that makes their transition easier. Greek students view their membership and support structure as a "home away from home". Graduation and retention rates of Greek students at are higher than their non-Greek peers. Chapters provide academic support, alumni involvement and mentoring, and meaningful relationships that last a lifetime. In addition to the brother/sisterhood, every chapter promotes the values of enhancing leadership, scholarship, philanthropy/service, and financial responsibility in their members. [Back to top.]
How will joining a chapter now benefit my student after college?
The life long friendships your student will make through their chapter will last into post-college years. Membership in a chapter is a life-long experience. Joining a Greek chapter is an investment in your student's future. Wherever a member ends up after college, chances are he/she will be able to find an alumni chapter or other members of their fraternity or sorority in the area. In addition, Greeks have national professional networks for their members that assist in job searching, geographical relocation and life-long learning and social opportunities. [Back to top.]
Will my student's academics be compromised if they join a Greek chapter?
Historically, Greek-letter organizations were founded on the principles of academic success and camaraderie. Today is no different. Our members realize that academic achievement is the priority of Iowa State University students. Greek-letter organizations continue to strive for academic excellence and promote scholarship by providing academic resources for their members including tutoring, academic advisors, study groups, scholarships, and awards. Chapter members know the importance of helping new students to adjust to university academics. Greek member GPAs are traditionally higher than their non-Greek peers. Greek Academic Reports. [Back to top.]
Who much time does chapter membership take?
The time commitment varies from chapter to chapter. The first semester is generally a weekly meeting as your student goes through the chapter's member education program. These programs last from 3 days to an entire semester, but the majority of the chapter new member programs are 6-8 weeks. The time spent in this program will give your student the opportunity to develop their leadership and time management skills, learn about the history of the organization, develop friendships, and allow them to become involved with other organizations. After initiation as a full member of the chapter, expectations will vary. Each chapter has a weekly chapter meeting and other required events including initiation, recruitment, and philanthropies throughout the year. Events are planned well in advance. The more your student puts in to the chapter, the more they will get out of being a member. [Back to top.]
What is a philanthropy or service project?
Greek chapters make it part of their mission to support their national philanthropies (nonprofit causes) financially and physically. Throughout the year, each member of the chapter spends time fundraising and volunteering to further the cause of their national philanthropy. Many of the services benefit the Ames and Iowa State University community. The time spent on these events is one of the many ways that fraternity brothers and sorority sisters can bond, while making a difference in the lives of others. Examples of some of the philanthropies and service projects include: breast cancer research, Ronald McDonald House, Special Olympics, Alzheimer's research, Habitat for Humanity and literacy. [Back to top.]
What are the financial obligations of membership?
The Greek experience is an investment in your student's future. The leadership skills, academic assistance and friendships will benefit your student beyond their college days. The perception that fraternities and sororities are only an option for wealthy students is widespread and false. The costs go toward the Inter/National fees, chapter operating expenses, and social functions. Financial obligations differ among individual chapters, as well as living in a chapter house or not. New members can expect to pay higher dues their first semester, as these expenses cover one-time membership fees (badge, magazine subscription, etc). Greek organizations are affordable. Chapters offer scholarships and grants. While your student is participating in the recruitment process, make sure that he or she asks about the financial obligations of membership. [Back to top.]
Are fraternities/sororities primarily social in nature?
There is a social aspect to the Greek community and these "social" events include educational programs, community service events, intramural sports, Homecoming activities, VEISHEA activities, Varieties, dinner exchanges, parties and other socials. Today's Greek communities across the nation have adopted a stringent approach to socializing thereby creating a safer, more beneficial environment for members. Each governing council has risk management and alcohol policies. In addition, each organization may have national rules to follow regarding the hosting of social events. [Back to top.]
How is alcohol use managed in Greek chapters? Will my son or daughter be pressured or forced to drink?
The Greek community at Iowa State University contributes to the social environment on campus. The university, Office of Greek Affairs, Greek governing councils and national organizations, have worked towards the creation of a responsible and safe social environment. All fraternities and sororities have strict policies regarding the consumption of alcohol by underage members and guests. All Greek organizations are held accountable to local, state, federal, university, governing council and national policies. The use of alcohol is a personal choice that your student will need to make. He/she should be aware of all local, state, federal, university, governing council, chapter and national policies as they govern individual members as well as individual chapters. [Back to top.]
What about hazing?
Iowa State University has a zero-tolerance policy regarding hazing. The Greek community shares the university definition of hazing, "Hazing is any intentional, knowing, or reckless action, request, or creation of circumstances that: endangers the health or safety of any individual, causes or presents a substantial risk of physical injury, serious mental distress, or personal humiliation to any individual, or involves the destruction or removal of public or private property in connection with initiation or admission into, or continued membership in, any group affiliated with the university, including but not limited to, any student, campus, fraternal, academic, honorary, athletic, or military organization. It is not a defense to the violation of this section that the hazing participant provided explicit or implied consent. Apathy or acquiescence in the presence of hazing are not neutral acts; they are violations." Your student will sign that he/she understands this policy when they sign their membership acceptance card (bid card) with the chapter that they join. Hazing may be reported to the Office of Greek Affairs, the Office of Judicial Affairs, Iowa State Police Department or the Dean of Students. [Back to top.]
What is my role as a parent?
Be supportive, and learn as much as you can by asking your student questions before they join. Many groups will provide written statements concerning activities, finances, and policies. Your student should be encouraged to obtain and read this information. In addition, allow your student to make their own choice (especially if you yourself are Greek). Your support should not end after the recruitment period but continue throughout your student's years in school. Once your student joins a chapter, take advantage of the Mom's and Dad's weekend activities and during the fall participate in Iowa State University's Cyclone Family Weekend. These are great opportunities for you to see your student interacting with their chapter members, and one more way for you to spend time with your student. [Back to top.]
How does my student get involved?
Incoming freshmen and transfer students receiving mailings about Greek recruitment beginning the Fall prior to their enrollment. Visit the Greek information sessions and the Resource Fairs at Experience Iowa State Days and Orientation. Check out the Prospective Member information on our website. Recruitment and Intake are mutual selection processes with the hope that there's a place for everyone. [Back to top.]
How are chapters managed? Are their staff members responsible for the chapters?
Individual chapters elect officers to manage the daily operations of the organization. Officers are assisted by alumni advisors. Chapters at Iowa State University are required to have a university advisor that is a staff or faculty member working on campus. Each chapter is also responsible to report to their inter/national organization; which offers support, advice, and direction through paid professional staff and regional volunteers. The majority of chapters with houses at Iowa State University employ a full-time live-in house director that provides much of the same support as a hall director in the Department of Residence. Chapters with houses also have a corporation board that provides fiscal responsibility, maintains insurance and facilitates annual and long-term capital maintenance. [Back to top.]
What is rush/recruitment/intake?
Chapters at Iowa State practice either recruitment or intake. There are two forms of recruitment, formal and informal. Formal recruitment is often held prior to the beginning of the fall semester each year for the Collegiate Panhellenic Council chapters. Formal recruitment for the Interfraternity Council is part of the Greek Getaway weekend held annually each spring for incoming freshmen and transfer students. The formal process allows your studnet to explore the full range of student organizations and activities. Throughout the remainder of the calendar year, both men and women have the opportunity to meet and interact with fraternity and sorority members. The Membership Intake process to join a National Pan-Hellenic Council or Multicultural Greek Council organization occurs at various times throughout the year at the discretion of each organization. To join a National Pan-Hellenic Council or Multicultural Greek Council chapter, students generally are required to have 15 credit hours at Iowa State University with a minimum GPA of 2.0 or higher (some organization require more than 15 credits and/or a higher GPA). Intake begins with an Informational that will be publicized on campus. Students interested in the National Pan-Hellenic Council and Multicultural Greek Council organizations are strongly encouraged to do research about the organizations by visiting their web sites and reading historical documents about each group, prior to contacting the respected organization or attending an Informational. [Back to top.]
What are the Greek governing councils?
The Greek community is a self-governing community providing a multitude of opportunities for both personal and professional development. Greek chapters at Iowa State are required to be a member of one of four governing councils, which operate much like a city council. The governing councils are responsible for the community budget, activity calendar, programming and policies.
Collegiate Panhellenic Council(CPC) - sororities
Interfraternity Council(IFC) - fraternities
Multicultural Greek Council(MGC) - fraternities and sororities
National Pan-Hellenic Council(NPHC) - Black Greek Organizations both fraternities & sororities (BGOs)
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Who do I contact with questions about Greek life?
Office of Greek Affairs can provide you insight to all of your questions about Greek life. The office can also connect you with chapter leadership, local alumni and inter/national headquarters.
The contact information for the Office of Greek Affairs:
515-294-1023
Chapter billing information: Chapter Treasurer, Chapter Financial Advisor, Chapter Advisor
Chapter membership information: Chapter Recruitment Chair, Chapter President
Move-in and -out information: Chapter House Manager, Chapter President, Chapter Advisor
New member information: Chapter New Member Educator, Chapter President, Chapter Advisor
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