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Greek Life

Information for Parents about Greek Life

Dear Parent/Guardian,

Welcome from the Office of Student Activities and Leadership at Old Dominion University! We would like to offer you answers to a few of the questions you might have concerning the Greek community at ODU.

Fraternity and sorority life at any university can offer your student a "home away from home," provide friendship, scholastic support, and involvement opportunities. At our university, the Greek community is strongly united and growing in numbers. Students affiliated with Greek letter organizations are our student leaders, athletes, scholars and are among our most involved students and successful alumni.

Old Dominion University is currently home to 10 sororities and 12 fraternities. Each organization has unique qualities and is diverse in its membership and scope. Your student will not have trouble choosing an organization in which he/she will feel comfortable.

If you have any questions concerning Greek life at ODU, please do not hesitate to contact me via phone at 757-683-3446 or via e-mail at kkarnes@odu.edu.

Sincerely,

Kelly Jo Karnes
Associate Director

Frequently Asked Questions

Costs Academics Hazing & Alcohol Why Join?

Costs of Membership

At first glance, joining a fraternity or a sorority might seem expensive. However, the benefits outweigh the costs. Fraternities and sororities are self-sufficient and are supported through the dues/fees paid by their members. The dues/fees are used to finance programs and to support operating expenses that include scholarship incentives, liability insurance, social expenses, national dues and one-time initiation fees. The chapters vary in the amount of dues charged and other expenses. This should be a key question for your student to ask as they are exploring Greek membership.

Academics

One of many concerns families have regarding their students' involvement with a Greek organization is academics. Fortunately, academic standing on campus is also a concern for the organization itself; thus, the Greek chapters at ODU offer tutoring, study halls, awards and scholarships to insure academic success. In order to function as strong organizations, all fraternities and sororities have GPA requirements for students to become members and to maintain memberships.

During the Spring 2006 semester, the All Sorority GPA exceeded the All University Women's GPA.

However, responsibility ultimately rests with the members to take advantage of opportunities made available to them. Services such as academic support services and tutorial services are also available to help students achieve academic success while involved in co-curricular activities.

Hazing & Alcohol

There are many misconceptions about Greek life that often overshadow the positives. Two such issues are hazing and alcohol abuse. Hazing is an age-old practice that has been banned on campuses across the country. Our university and the inter/national fraternities and sororities represented on our campus have strict policies prohibiting this practice. Hazing is inconsistent
with fraternity and sorority ideals. For further information regarding the university's hazing policy, please see our student handbook.

All fraternities and sororities are expected to uphold the state, city and university policies regarding the consumption of alcohol. In order to steer clear of any problems, the University strictly prohibits underage drinking. The Greek community at ODU often sponsors speakers and workshops so that members can learn about ways to act responsibly in situations where alcohol may be present.

Why should my student consider joining a Greek Organization?

Greek life at ODU offers students a unique and unforgettable experience. Believing that service, scholarship, friendship and leadership are the foundation of existence, the Greek community has been serving as a vital complement to a student's development.

One of the many positive aspects about fraternity/sorority life is the leadership opportunities available to students within the organization. Positions such as historian, treasurer and chapter president are just a few examples of how Greek life helps mold future leaders. Greeks often hold many of the leadership positions on campus. Currently the Student Body President is a fraternity man.

Greek life also offers students the opportunity to demonstrate their care for the community and ideals of service through philanthropic works. Some charities that benefit from the ODU Greek community include American Cancer Society's Relay for Life, Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, the Ronald McDonald House and Habitat for Humanity, among many others.

With Greek life offering so much to students, one of the most attractive things about joining is the potential to make lifelong friendships. Being involved in Greek life will have a lasting impact on individuals through the connections they make with their peers. Thus, brotherhood/sisterhood is a strong characteristic of Greek life and often one of the most appealing qualities.

Studies have shown that students who are involved on campus have a higher rate of retention and ultimately become strong alumni.