Resources for Parents
Welcome to the Rochester Institute of Technology community. Entering college will be an exciting and challenging time in both you and your student’s life. She or he will find RIT to be a diverse university with almost unlimited choices and opportunities. There are many activities and lifestyles available on campus in which your student may elect to participate. As a professional staff member in RIT’s Center for Campus Life, we encourage students to become involved in activities outside the classroom in order to enhance their academic experiences. We hope your student will consider sorority or fraternity membership as a viable option.
Unlike many other universities, RIT takes a “hands-on” approach with its Greek community. While we encourage and support the community in its attempts at self-governance, we also provide continuous advice, education and resources for a positive sorority or fraternity experience.
Among the vast student population, sorority and fraternity members become a part of a smaller group that works to achieve common goals. Sororities and fraternities strive to achieve the greatest potential from each individual member, utilizing each person’s talents and addressing success. In choosing the Rochester Institute of Technology and its Greek community, your student is choosing and outstanding institution of higher education and a Greek community that is recognized as one of the best.
Rochester Institute of Technology is proud that your student has chosen our institution. We believe the Institute’s experience will be beneficial to his or her individual and academic growth. As the advisor to RIT’s Greek community, please feel free to contact me at (585) 475-7123 or jrbccl@rit.edu if I can be of assistance.
Sincerely,
Jessica R. Berner
Assistant Director of Campus Life/
Coordinator of Greek Life
You Probably Have Some Questions...
Perceptions of fraternities and sororities tend to differ widely among both parents and students. Hopefully these responses will begin to clarify some of those perceptions and, at the same time, provide you with the answers to some of the questions most commonly asked by parents.
Won’t a fraternity or sorority have an adverse effect on my student’s grades?
Actually, it’s more likely that a fraternity or sorority will help your student’s grades. When a student joins a fraternity or sorority, he or she becomes a part of a larger group of students who have already made it through their first year at RIT. Not only does the group understand what a first-year student is facing, but they can also provide assistance in most of the courses your student will be taking. There are few other places where a student can gain access to the variety of resources that the Greek community can provide. Ultimately, the responsibility for succeeding in the classroom is the individual student’s. With the broad range of resources available within the Greek community, however, students are more likely to achieve their academic potential.
Are Greeks really like the actors in ANIMAL HOUSE?
Many people have the misconception that the image of Greek organizations depicted in Animal House is really what is happening on college campuses across America. In reality, the Animal House image of Greek Life could not be further from the truth. The RIT Greek community focuses on responsibility in our activities. The university promotes alcohol responsibility in a number of ways; including sponsoring a national educational organization called Greeks Advocating the Mature Management of Alcohol (GAMMA) as well as many national risk management speakers. Although an individual’s actions are entirely up to him/her, Greeks hold their members accountable for their actions and use their founding principals as guides in their activities.
What does being Greek really mean?
Membership in a Greek letter organization is a lifetime obligation. Choosing the Greek community means working with a group of men or women who can exchange and stand for common goals and ideas while being held to a higher standard than other college students. The Greek experience during the college years is a gateway to many rewards and connections later in life. Each chapter develops a special bond called brotherhood and sisterhood. Both are nurtured thorough common work, laughter, service projects, intramurals and the shared success and frustrations of all. Throughout the student’s life, membership will be an unwritten bond of friendship no matter what course his/her life takes.
Does it cost a lot to be Greek?
Joining a fraternity or sorority does carry a financial commitment. Each chapter is self-supporting through dues paid by their members. When students join a Greek letter organization, they also agree to pay dues and fees while in school to maintain membership. Although 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 dues for membership that cover such things as chapter and national dues, due to the Interfraternity, Panhellenic, and National Pan-Hellenic Councils, social activities, resources and other miscellaneous costs.
What about hazing and alcohol abuse?
Hazing is a big concern to parents. RIT and New York State Law prohibit hazing of any kind. New members experience a period of orientation. During this time, your child will attend a new member retreat to learn about hazing, leadership retreats, community service projects, and activities designed to build friendships among the new members and the older members. Each new member is asked to sign an anti-hazing statement stating that they will not allow themselves to be hazed and will report any such wrongdoing. Hazing will not be tolerated!
Alcohol abuse is unhealthy and inconsistent with fraternity and sorority ideals. All fraternities and sororities are expected to uphold state, county, city laws, and university policies regarding the consumption of alcohol. In addition, chapters are not allowed to purchase alcohol for their members due to national risk-management policies. The Interfraternity, Panhellenic, and National Pan-Hellenic councils will also take proper actions against the chapter if alcohol is being abused.
Won’t working while in school conflict with participation in a fraternity or sorority?
Actually, many students involved in the RIT Greek community are also employed outside of the classroom. In today’s world, the reality is that only the lucky few can afford to attend college without outside employment. Fraternities and sororities recognize that it is important for members to be able to meet their financial obligations and that many students will work to help finance their educations. Working students can still take advantage of the opportunities available through the Greek community.
Who is actually in charge of the fraternity or sorority?
Fraternity and sorority members elected to officer positions manage the day-to-day operations of the organization. These officers are assisted by members serving on committees and by alumni who act as advisors. In addition, most Greek organizations at RIT are part of a national organization which offers support, advice, and direction through a paid professional staff and regional volunteers. Professional staff from the university are employed to assist and monitor the activities of Greek organizations. As you can see a variety of individuals oversee the operations of the fraternity.
What is my role as a parent?
Be supportive and learn as much as you can by asking questions of your son or daughter as he/she meets people through the recruitment/intake process. Also be an active parent during your child’s years in a fraternity or sorority. Remember, being in a fraternity or sorority can only benefit your child. Encourage and support your child. Greek members will be more than happy to tell him or her (and you) about their group. If you ever have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the Greek Advisor.