Parent Resources

Fraternities and sororities are rooted in founding principles that foster academic achievement, student leadership, community service and lifelong friendships. Fraternal organizations are composed of students who have common interests and values who form a network of support for one another during their college years. Advantages include:

• A support group to help make the adjustment to college easier
• Scholastic resources to help students achieve their academic goals
• Leadership skills acquired through hands-on experience
• Encouragement to get involved and maximize their potential on campus
• Opportunities for active participation in community service projects

What is my role as a parent?

• Encourage your son or daughter to attend as many campus events as possible during the fall semester. Being involved is the best way to meet active fraternity & sorority members and learn about their chapters. Involvement in other student organizations is looked favorably upon during the membership selection process.
• Students need support throughout the process of recruitment and new member education. Be supportive and learn as much as you can about Fraternity & Sorority Life by asking questions of your student as they meets members in fraternities and sororities.
• Keep an open mind…Fraternity & 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 son or daughter.
• Fraternities and sororities are different on every campus. Groups that may have been strong on the campus where you attended school may not have the same reputation at Florida Gulf Coast University. Let your son or daughter choose the group that they feel is the most comfortable for them to join.
• Talk to your son or daughter beforehand about the financial obligation. Determine who will pay for what and where the limits are.
• Parents are often uncomfortable allowing their students to take responsibility for making their own decisions and responding to the consequences of those decisions when mistakes are made. However, in doing so, it helps the student to mature and take ownership over their experiences and lives. Be involved, but don't take the responsibility away from your student. Hold them accountable and help them to learn from their mistakes.

Fraternities and sororities pride themselves on being a “step above the rest” in terms of academics. Each chapter maintains a certain grade point average that members must strive attain during their college experience. Most chapters require a high GPA for initial membership into the organization, and then utilize resources such as study hours and tutoring programs to keep members above the minimum standard.

Social Aspects

The fraternal community at FGCU strives to maintain a safe and responsible environment in terms of social activities sponsored by its chapters. All fraternities and sororities have strict guidelines that must be followed in order to hold social functions, both on and off campus. All fraternal organizations are held accountable to the Student Code of Conduct and Florida State Laws.

Financial obligation

Like joining other campus clubs and organizations, there is a financial commitment associated with joining a fraternal organization. These fees go towards operating costs for the chapters, International fees, and social activities sponsored by the chapters. Financial obligations differ by chapter. Be sure that your son or daughter checks with chapter officers while going through the Recruitment process in terms of the financial obligations of membership.

Time Obligations

On average, a student can spend 10-15 hours per week being involved with their fraternity or sorority. As a member they will be expected to attend weekly chapter meetings, monthly philanthropy or service events, as well as other required programs and events hosted by the university, national organization, or chapter. 

Absolutely not. Hazing is not tolerated under any circumstances. The hazing policy at FGCU coincides with Florida state law. Fraternities and sororities are required to sign Anti-hazing compliance forms as a part of keeping their recognition at the University. Hazing includes any activity that subjects members, or prospective members, to harassment, ridicule, intimidation, physical exhaustion, abuse, or mental distress. Hazing is contrary to the purposes of the fraternal community and the University. If you sense your student may be participating in inappropriate activities as a result of membership in a fraternity or sorority, you should contact the Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life at (239) 590-7900. Calls will be handled in a discreet manner. Additionally, reports can be made at the following site: http://fraternallaw.com/contact/anti-hazing-hotline/

Individual chapters elect officers to manage the day-to-day operations of the organization. These officers are assisted by a faculty or staff member who serves as an advisor. Each chapter is also responsible to their national headquarters, which offers support, advice, and direction through paid professional staff and regional volunteers. At FGCU, there are professional staff members who serves as the primary contact for the fraternal community, where they lead leadership development programs, risk management trainings, and meetings with fraternity and sorority life leaders.