fraternity and sorority Life
Parents Section
As parents,
you probably have many questions regarding fraternities, sororities, and
college life in general. You want your child to fit in and make new
friends, but to also
develop new skills and attain academic success. The Greek
system at Towson University offers:
-
Scholarship: One
of the main principles of Greek organizations is academic
achievement. Fraternities and sororities provide a great network of
support for academic success
-
Leadership: Fraternities
and sororities emphasize the development of leadership skills of all
members. Some of the most active leaders on campus are members of
the Greek community
-
Community service:
Each year, Greek organizations host fundraising and volunteer events
to benefit local/ national charities. Members discover the
gratification that results from volunteering to help others.
-
Campus Involvement:
Each chapter encourages its members to be involved in other
activities and organizations on campus. Intramural sports also play
a large part in fraternity and sorority life.
-
Friendship:
Greek organizations offer students the chance to meet people who
share similar interests and values. Being in a sorority or
fraternity helps to provide a larger network of friends on campus.
WHAT IS GREEK LIFE AT TOWSON?
Fraternities and sororities have been active on campus since
the early 1970's and have played an integral role in the campus community.
Today, Greek Life at Towson University includes:
- 28 chapters, 14 fraternities,
14 sororities, and 4 governing councils
- These organizations represent
approximately 7% of the total campus population
with over 900 active members
- All chapters are open to all
full-time degree-seeking candidates
- Guidance for all chapters and
councils is provided by one full-time Coordinator of Student
Activities and one Graduate Assistant.
The Greek community members on campus are committed to
academic excellence, community service, leadership development, and
brotherhood/sisterhood. Additionally, they are also
actively involved and committed to other
student-based organizations on campus, such as:
- Student Government Association
- Student Ambassador Program
- Campus Activities Board
- Council of Student Leaders
- Omicron Delta Kappa
DOES IT COST A LOT OF MONEY TO BE A MEMBER?
Joining a fraternity or sorority does carry a financial
commitment. Each chapter is self-supporting through dues paid by its
members. The dues for membership cover such things as chapter and
national dues, social activities, and other resources. Greek
organizations are quite affordable and are open to all students,
regardless of age, race, religion, disability, and socioeconomic
background. Many chapters have some type of financial assistance
program, if needed.
ARE GREEKS LIKE THE ACTORS IN
THE MOVIE "ANIMAL
HOUSE?"
No, this is a common
misconception about Greeks. In reality, Greeks at Towson University
focus on Taking responsibility for their actions. The university and
the Greek community promote alcohol awareness and responsibility in many
ways. Hazing is against the law in Maryland and is not tolerated at
Towson University.
HOW DO I LEARN THE "GREEK"
TERMINOLOGY?
Look no further mom and dad, below is a listing of the most
commonly used words in the fraternity/sorority community. Try your
best to memorize the words below so you can better understand what your
son/daughter is talking about.
-
Bid:
A formal invitation to join an IFC/PHA sorority or
fraternity
-
Brother/Sister: A term
used to refer to a member within a Greek organization
-
Interfraternity Council
(IFC): The local governing body affiliated with the National
Interfraternity Conference which governs the 10 recognized
men’s social fraternities
-
Intake: The membership
affiliation process for the National Pan-Hellenic chapters
-
Initiation: A formal
ceremony in which a new member becomes a full initiate of a Greek
organization
-
Legacy: A rushee who has
an immediate family member as member of a Greek organization
-
National Pan-Hellenic Council
(NPHC): the governing body associated with the historically
African American male and female Greek chapters; there are 7
recognized chapters in this council
-
Neophyte: the term that
refers to the newly initiated members of the NPHC
chapters
-
New Member: A
non-initiated person of a IFC/PHA organization
-
Panhellenic Association
(PHA): the local governing body affiliated with the National
Panhellenic Conference which governs the 8 recognized
women’s social sororities
-
Rushee: A perspective
member of a IFC/PHA organization
-
Rush: The membership
recruitment process for the IFC and PHA chapters
WHO CAN I CALL IF I HAVE A
CONCERN?
Please make sure to copy the information below and post it on your
refrigerator.
Greek Advisor
(410) 704-3307
Director of Student Activities
(410) 704-3307
Dr. Teri Hall - Assistant Vice President of Campus Life
(410) 704-2332
thall@towson.edu
If you would rather speak to an official in person you can visit the following
offices:
Office of Student Activities - University Union, Room 217
Campus Life - University Union, Room 236
Office of Judicial Affairs - Administration Building, Room 236
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