Parents

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can joining a fraternity or sorority help my child succeed academically?
  
  Greek Letter organizations were founded on the principle of successful scholarship. The Greek community provides study sessions, workshops, strategies, time management skills, and class scheduling assistance. It also provides a number of incentives and recognition to those Greeks who achieve academically. For example, ASU fraternity and sorority members average higher GPAs compared to the university average!
• Does being a member have benefits after graduation?
  
  With the job market becoming increasingly competitive, a college degree no longer guarantees a job upon graduation. When someone joins a sorority/fraternity, they not only become friends with the members of that chapter, but they also begin building relationships with the families and friends of other members. There are alumnae chapters in almost every city in the United States. By joining, you can create an entire network of people. This helps explain why 76% of US Senators and so many CEOs are Greek.
• Does it cost a lot?
  
  Joining a sorority/fraternity does carry a financial commitment. Each chapter is self-supporting through the dues paid by each member, each semester. Many chapters may make accommodations for special needs. Students should discuss the financial obligations with their parent(s) before deciding to join. Each chapter has different financial expectations and several have substantial scholarships available.
• Are Greeks really like the characters in the movie "Animal House" or on MTV?
  
  No. Actually, the ASU Greek community focuses on responsibility in our activities. The university promotes alcohol responsibility in a number of ways. Each fraternity and sorority is required to complete at least one program on risk management per semester. If this topic is of particular interest please check out "Myths on Hazing," the Policy section of the Greek Life web site and ASU's Student Health resources.

Myths & Facts about Hazing

Myth

Hazing is a problem for fraternities and sororities primarily.

Fact

Hazing is a societal problem. Hazing incidents have been frequently documented in the military, athletic teams, marching bands, religious cults, professional schools and other types of clubs and/or, organizations. Reports of hazing activities in high schools are on the rise.

Myth

Hazing is no more than foolish pranks that sometimes go awry.

Fact

Hazing is an act of power and control over others --- it is victimization. Hazing is pre-meditated and NOT accidental. Hazing is abusive, degrading and often life-threatening.

Myth

As long as there's no malicious intent, a little hazing should be OK.

Fact

Even if there's no malicious "intent" safety may still be a factor in traditional hazing activities that are considered to be "all in good fun." For example, serious accidents have occurred during scavenger hunts and kidnapping trips. Besides, what purpose do such activities serve in promoting the growth and development of group team members?

Myth

Hazing is an effective way to teach respect and develop discipline.

Fact

First of all, respect must be EARNED--not taught. Victims of hazing rarely report having respect for those who have hazed them. Just like other forms of victimization, hazing breeds mistrust, apathy and alienation.

Myth

If someone agrees to participate in an activity, it can't be considered hazing.

Fact

In states that have laws against hazing consent of the victim can't be used as a defense in a civil suit. This is because even if someone agrees to participate in a potentially hazardous action it may not be true consent when considering the peer pressure and desire to belong to the group.

Myth

It's difficult to determine whether or not a certain activity is hazing--it's such a gray area sometimes.

Fact

It's not difficult to decide if an activity is hazing if you use common sense and ask yourself the following questions:

1. Is activity illegal?
2. Will active/current members of the group refuse to participate with the new members and do exactly what they're being asked to do?
3. Does the activity risk emotional or physical abuse?
4. Is there risk of injury or a question of safety?
5. Do you have any reservation describing the activity to your parents, to a professor, or University official?
6. Would you object to the activity being photographed for the school newspaper or filmed by the local TV news crew?

If the answer to any of these questions is "yes," the activity is probably hazing. (Adapted from Death By Hazing, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, 1988.)

Last updated: May 19, 2008 by Memorial Union WebTeam