In general, fraternities are Greek-letter organizations for men. Some women's organizations are referred to as women's fraternities. On the other hand, all sororities are Greek-letter organizations for women. Both place emphasis on scholarship, community service, leadership and social activities. Men and women are eligible for membership at any time during their undergraduate career.

Since joining a fraternity or sorority is a lifelong commitment, and there is an expense associated with membership, it should be a joint decision between student and parent. Consider sitting down with your son or daughter and researching all the organizations available to join on campus. Utilizing local chapter and national websites is a great, convenient way to gather information. Feel free to contact current students, their parents or families, and ask them about their experience. In most cases, both students and families will speak candidly about their Greek involvement.

o Ask questions. Ask what organizations will offer your student in order to make the best decision for them. Fraternities and sororities are different on each campus, so allow your student to pick the group with whom they feel most comfortable.
o Keep an open mind. Fraternity and Sorority Life is not for everyone. Just because you may have been a fraternity or sorority member doesn't mean that it is the right choice for your student and vice versa.
o Discuss the financial obligations with your student. Determine who will pay for what and the limits those expenses may include. Each fraternity and sorority has its own dues/costs for their organization and it is important for your student to ask about financial expectations before joining. Many one-time fees are paid during the first semester of membership, so expect the first few months to be the most expensive. Joining a fraternity or sorority is a lifetime commitment, both personally and financially!
o Above all be supportive! Help guide your student in making a decision that best suits them.

o What values does this organization promote?
o What is expected of chapter members?
o How will membership affect your academics?
o What does the fraternity/sorority do to contribute positively to members’ academic success?
o What leadership opportunities are available to students as both new members and active members?
o Does the chapter perform hands-on community service? If so, how often?
o What type of member is the chapter looking for?
o What is the time commitment?

It depends. Joining a fraternity or sorority and the time associated with that decision varies greatly based on the chapter and council you decide to join and the type of involvement in the organization you seek. Generally, there are required weekly chapter meetings and during the new member/intake process there are additional education meetings. Most chapters also offer a variety of additional opportunities in which a member can participate, including brotherhood or sisterhood events, academic success workshops, educational programming, social programming, and service and philanthropy opportunities. Like most things, the time and energy put into the chapter is what you will receive back from the chapter in the personal and professional development of being a student at Georgia Tech.

All fraternities and sororities have strict policies regulating the consumption of alcohol at social functions. All chapters are expected to uphold state, county and city laws, as well as Georgia Tech's Policy on Alcohol and Other Drugs. Risk management guidelines are set by each chapter's local or national board and must adhere to Georgia Tech's Policy on Alcohol and Other Drugs. Alcohol abuse is unhealthy and inconsistent with fraternity and sorority ideals. In response, the university's fraternities and sororities are sponsoring and participating in many alcohol-free social activities throughout the year. Therefore, students are encouraged to ask about the risk management guidelines at each sorority or fraternity.

No. The only secret information is that which is learned at the official initiation ceremony held at the end of the new member education period. All other information should be easily obtainable by your student and shared with you. In addition, most national fraternities/sororities include information for Parents/Families on their websites. When in doubt, check with the Fraternity and Sorority Life Staff.

o Typically at the first new member meeting of the semester the organization will supply your student with all of the information they need to know - a calendar of events, contact information for the student officers and alumni/ae advisors, a financial contract to sign and a list of expectations for the new member (typically this outlines the requirements that must meet before becoming a fully initiated member of the organization.)
o All this information can be shared with parents. In addition, your student should be able to direct you to the national and local websites so you can begin to learn more about the organization they are joining.