Q. Why should my son join a fraternity?

A. Fraternities at DePaul are value biased organizations, dedicated to brotherhood and community.  A fraternity member will acquire leadership, work ethic, and social skills necessary to get ahead of the competition for jobs and internships.  Greek life in general also offers many ways for its members to get ahead after college, using networks and alumni resources.  In addition to leadership and work ethic, Fraternity men are also taught to promote the values of community, academics, and financial responsibility. 

Q. How important are academics?

A. The most important value that every fraternity on campus stresses with their members is academics.  To be an active chapter in good standing with the IFC community and DePaul University, each fraternity collectively must meet at least a 2.5/4.0 GPA.  Some fraternities have a set standard or recommended GPA that is higher in order to join.  Fraternities also hold study sessions, and enforce sanctions against members who do not meet their GPA requirement.  Currently, the collective GPA of the IFC community is 3.0/4.0.     

Q. What is IFC?

A. Every fraternity at DePaul is part of the IFC community.  The Interfraternity Council (IFC) is the governing council of fraternities at DePaul University.  The Executive board of the Interfraternity Council consists of six members from different chapters, and are charged with the task of promoting fraternity life, making sure the fraternities are functioning properly internally and financially, and holding chapters accountable for their actions. 

Q. What do fraternities give back to the community?

A. In addition to training its members to be productive and active in the world outside of college and school, fraternities at DePaul University also focus on Philanthropy and Community Service.  Every year, fraternities at DePaul put on many community service projects and raise money for their national philanthropy (national non-for-profit causes).  As it stands, the IFC community is the leader in philanthropy dollars raised and community service hours volunteered in the Greek community.  

Q. What is the time commitment to a fraternity?

A. The very least a member can give to his fraternity is 1-2 hours a week, usually for chapter meetings (times vary by chapter).  However, fraternities are organizations that give back what you put in.  If a member only puts in the bare minimum in time and commitment, then he will only get back the minimum.  Yet if a member dedicates his time and works hard for his fraternity by getting involved, becoming an active leader, and following his fraternity's ritual, the rewards he will reap are unlimited.        

Q. How much does it cost to be a fraternity member?

A. The experience a member gets when he is involved with Greek life is an investment in their future.  DePaul University fraternities have an average membership fee of $600, some more, some less.  Most fraternities also offer scholarships to students to make their experience affordable, because the worst thing a potential member can do is not join because of not being able to pay.   

Q. Where does the money go?

A. The money a member pays to his fraternity is vital to the fraternity's operations.  The bulk of the money goes to their national organization for dues and insurance companies.  

Q. What about hazing?

A. DePaul University and the IFC do not condone hazing, and both bodies have a zero tolerance policy when it comes to hazing.  Any member or fraternity caught hazing are brought up for review by the IFC community and DePaul University.  In most cases, fraternities caught hazing are given sanctions such as suspension from campus and are help liable for their actions on their own accord.  There is also a national, toll free, and confidential hazing hot-line that members or prospective members can call for help:

1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293).    

Q. How can my son get more involved in Greek life?

A. Getting involved is fairly simple.  Your son can become an active member in his fraternity by being a leader on their committees or executive boards, doing community service hours, attending philanthropy events, and spending time with his brothers.  

Q. What can I do as a parent?

A. Ask questions.  The more knowledge you have the more comfortable you can be about your son's decision.  Read what comes in the mail addressed to you as a parent, attend some events and get to know his brothers.  The main thing you can do is support him.  While a fraternity member is a brother for life and joins a family of brothers, you are the only Family he'll ever have.