WHAT IF MY CHILD JOINS A FRATERNITY?

If your son joins a fraternity then he will sign or accept a bid card, which will state he has accepted membership into the respective fraternity. From then on he is a member of that fraternity and thus is responsible for his individual obligations as a member of that fraternity. Basically, signing a membership with a fraternity is signing a contract with an organization. An organization where he is responsible for his respective duties and roles. The parents may provide support however being in a fraternity is an adult choice and thus it is up to your son to keep in good standing with his fraternity.

IS THERE HAZING IN A FRATERNITY?

There is NO hazing allowed in ANY IFC affiliated Fraternity. If any IFC fraternity fails to abide by these rules, then they will be referred to the IFC and University conduct process. Incidents of hazing should be reported to the Center for Fraternity and Sorority Life (541)-737-5432 or Student Conduct and Community Standards (541)-737-3656

WHAT IS RECRUITMENT AND HOW DOES IT RELATE TO ME OR MY CHILD?

Recruitment is the formal process in which a fraternity recruits a new member to their fraternity. Usually it is a freshman that are being recruited in the process, however; international students, upperclassmen, and transfer-students can also be recruited. This formal process of recruiting varies in structure from fraternity to fraternity. The IFC sets the dates and timeframe for Recruitment Weeks and recruitment which traditionally occur during the first week of each quarter; however, recruitment is ongoing throughout the year.  All IFC affiliated chapters are not allowed to haze, force, or make your son choose their respective fraternity. Recruitment is a process where your son is being introduced to individual fraternities and he is deciding for himself if he would like to join a certain fraternity.

WHAT ARE THE ROLES OF YOU AS A PARENT?

You can take the time to find out more about the Greek Community at OSU. Ask questions about what each organization will offer your student and allow them to make the best decision for themselves. Check out any information your student gets in the mail over the summer related to Greek Life. Once your student joins a chapter, there will be opportunities for your involvement as a parent such as Parent's Weekend activities, or joining the chapter's Mom's Club, etc.