For Parents

As a parent or guardian of a current or future college student, there are a number of things to think about when sending your student off to college. Even the most basic things are cause for concern: where will they live? What will they eat? Who will do their laundry?!! For some, hearing the words, "I want to join a sorority/fraternity" causes bells, whistles, and alarms to go off! Rest assured, universities across the globe would not continue to promote Greek life if they didn't believe in the numerous benefits of joining a Greek organization.

Greek organizations have existed in North American universities since December 5, 1776, with the founding of Phi Beta Kappa. This 233-year history and tradition, in addition to the historical legacies of each individual fraternity and sorority, gives many students a sense of pride and ownership, a value respected in life after college.

Fraternity and sorority brothers and sisters provide many students with a family, a home away from home! The structures of Greek organizations help develop accountability and integrity in our students. Greeks hold each other accountable to exceeding GPA requirements, meeting financial obligations (paying dues), and being supportive of each other and their organization.

Throughout their experience in a Greek organization, students will have the opportunity to develop leadership roles by holding officer positions or serving on councils, boards, or committees; enhance career skills; support a national philanthropy; volunteer in the local community; develop relationships with American University faculty, staff, and alumni; grow academically and receive academic support; develop social skills; and, most importantly, make incredible new friends from all over the country and abroad.

For more information on the benefits of Greek Life, please visit the quick links listed on the right of this page.