Parent FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
How will my student benefit from joining a sorority or fraternity?
Sororities and fraternities are rooted in founding principles that foster academic achievement, student involvement, community service, and life-long friendships. Advantages include:
- A support group to help ease the adjustment to college
- Scholastic resources to help students achieve their academic goals
- Leadership skills acquired through hands-on experience
- Encouragement to get involved, stay involved, and maximize their potential on campus
- Opportunities for active participation in community service projects
Furthermore, national studies conducted annually consistently indicate that students who choose to join Greek-letter organizations experience many positive benefits, including the following:
- Greek students are more likely to stay in college than non-Greek students.
- College graduates who belong to a sorority or fraternity tend to be more financially successful than other college graduates.
- Greek alumni give both more money and more frequently to their alma maters than non-Greek alumni.
- Greek students are more active on campus and in community activities. Upon graduation, these members are also more likely to get involved in volunteer and charitable organizations.
How will joining a Greek organization affect my student's academic pursuits?
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 main priority of CU 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.
Many chapters have a rewards system based on GPA. Prospective members must meet a minimum GPA in order to be initiated and then must maintain a minimum GPA to remain an active member. In fact, Greek members' GPAs are traditionally higher than their non-Greek colleagues.
What are the social aspects of sorority and fraternity membership?
Because the Greek community at Colorado contributes to the social activity on campus, the University, Office of Greek Life, council executives and national organization have worked toward the creation of a responsible and safe environment for its members. All sororities and fraternities have strict policies regarding the consumption of alcohol by underage members and guests. All Greek organizations are held accountable to the University of Colorado Alcohol Policy and Colorado state laws.
What is recruitment and when does it take place?
Click here to learn about recruitment and the important dates your student needs to know.
How much will it cost?
With the large number of
chapters at CU Boulder, costs will
vary. The average cost for room,
board, and dues for a National Panhellenic
Sorority is $____ a semester. The
average new member semester cost is $_____including pledge and initiation fees. Out-of-house
dues for members are approximately
$____ a semester.
Is housing available?
Most sororities at CU-Boulder
have housing available to the members.
CU-Boulder requires
all first year students to live in the residence
halls. Most members will move into the house
their sophomore year. All of the sorority
houses have a meal plan in the house.
What is hazing?
What about alcohol misuse?
The use of alcohol is forbidden in the Panhellenic and local sororities.
How can I get more information on Greek Life?
Contact Greek Life at 303-492-6359.
