PARENTS GUIDE TO THE GREEK COMMUNITY

A great concern for parents when sending their child to college is how well they will transition from high school to college. Fraternities and Sororities provide students with an amazing college experience by offering hands-on leadership development, academic support, service to the community, and ever-lasting friendships.

QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE ABOUT YOUR STUDENT’S MEMBERSHIP IN A FRATERNITY OR SORORITY:

Will my student be hindered academically if she/he joins a Greek-letter organization?

Coastal Carolina’s Greek Community strives for academic excellence. Scholastic achievement is top priority for fraternal organizations. First and foremost, students come to CCU for academics. Each Greek-letter organization has grade point average requirements which each member and chapter must maintain to be active. Individually each chapter offer academic assistance such as peer tutoring, positive reinforcement, and study tables. Collectively, the Greek Community has created a scholarship plan to support its groups and field a community-wide effort to stay at or above the all-student average.

Should alcohol and/or drugs be a concern if my son or daughter joins a Greek organization?

Coastal Carolina University has a strict alcohol policy. The University recognizes that substance use and abuse can adversely impact its greatest concerns: academic performance and student development and safety. All fraternal organizations have stringent policies regulating the consumption of alcohol at all times. These risk management guidelines are set by each inter/national headquarters. The Office of Student Activities requires members of Greek-letter organizations to attend an educational session regarding the use and abuse of alcohol before they are initiated into their organization of choice. In addition each semester fraternal organizations are required to have a minimum of three members become TIPS (Training for Intervention Procedures: an alcohol education program) certified. Individually, the fraternities and sororities conduct programs to educate and instill standards and expectations for their members.

What about Hazing?

The University has a strict policy on hazing which can be found under the “Documents” button of this web site. This policy is enforced to the fullest extent with support from the Office of the Dean of Students and the Office of the Vice President of Student Affairs in conjunction with the Office of Student Activities.

How much does it cost?

Each fraternity and sorority is supported by the dues paid by its members. The cost is slightly more during the first year of membership due to one-time initiation fees. Dues are used to fund educational speakers and experiences, social functions, and retreats.

What is the time commitment?

Participation in a Greek-letter organization is like participating in any co-curricular activity; it requires a time investment. Research has proven that those students involved in their college communities are more likely to graduate and have a greater college experience. The national average graduation rate for Greek-affiliated students is 20% higher than non-affiliated students. Coastal Carolina Greeks have the opportunity for a well-rounded college experience including academics, campus and community involvement and social events.