<p>My son is thinking of pledging a fraternity and I was wondering if anyone could give me an idea of how a couple of them are viewed by FSU students...what are their reputations on campus. Lambda Chi, Chi Phi, Delta Tau Delta, and Theta Chi (I think that's the correct name)
Thanks</p>
<p>I just texted my D. She rushed and pledged the week before school, and now as a pledge, has "duties" attending fraternity rush. I'll see if I get any response ;).</p>
<p>S called last night delighted he got a bid from Theta Chi. He seemed to like them because the group is diverse, committed to getting involved, size wise a bit smaller around 80. H and I checked out website and found out they have one of the highest gpa requirements and have statement about the dangers of hazing. They told him that school comes first so if he can't attend a rush event due to school work they understand. The House is in Heritage Grove. He also said they have socials, football events ...of course.</p>
<p>Thanks Sunnyflorida and Blueskymom...I think he has decided on Chi Phi, so we will see how it goes. He seems excited and happy with his decision. It is interesting that his high school friends are all choosing different fraternities...I am happy to see that they are branching out and choosing what is right for themselves as individuals. Best of luck to both of your kids :)</p>
<p>funny I was thinking same thing. I thought he and freinds from summer C would try for same frat. Not the case they are each interested in different frats. Good for them for being independent and finding the right fit. BTW S also looked at Chi Pi and went to events there this summer. He said they are very good guys. One of his friends got a bid with them and is very happy!</p>
<p>OK, I was never into the greek life at all. But my son is definitely showing interest when he attends college. Please someone tell me something positive. My first and only knowledge about fraternities is major drinking parties.</p>
<p>While I was never a member of a frat when I went to school (back in the day), it seems like fraternities can offer several positive elements to ones college experience..... If its the right fit for the student.</p>
<p>Yes you are correct, some fraternities are more social then others, but most have a certain social aspect to them. In the case of my s, his fraternity has mandatory study times, is very involved in the campus community and encourages its members to get actively involved. Fraternities can also act as a source of networking. Depending on your students major, there will undoubtedly be upper classman that are in that major and can offer direction and support. There are also some networking opportunities with alumni who could possibly help with career opportunities.</p>
<p>For me, joining a frat wasn't something I wanted to do when I was in school and that is the case with many college students. I believe the non-greek population at fsu is about 80% (I could be wrong on this). As a parent, one of the best parts of FSU is that it offers students so many diverse opportunities. Every student can certainly find an association with a group, club etc that is of interest to him/her. Frats are only one of those options.</p>
<p>There are also academic frats that focus on deeper involvement with your area of study. These also offer great opportunities for students.</p>
<p>I will update you all periodically on how our s is doing with the pledge process. He sounds really happy about the opportunity and one thing I was happy to hear him say, was that the fraternity told him that his school work and p/t job take priority over frat related activities. </p>
<p>Hope that helps.</p>
<p>Rudysmom</p>
<p>I can understand your apprehension concerning Greek organizations. The reputation that precedes them is many times not a favorable one. Some may deserve the comparison to "Animal House", but most offer many positive aspects to their members.</p>
<p>Growing up in the south the Greek part of college life was very prevalent. Back in the day, I was a member of a sorority and a little sister to a fraternity (who were known on campus as the "Milk & Cookie Boys" although every active in their group would not fit this description). Through my college years and observing my sisters after my own, I have had my share of watching the happenings that go with Greek organizations. </p>
<p>The truth of the matter is that all Greek social organizations are not identical and actually take on the personality of their membership. While rushing finding a group that is the right fit is imperative. (Taking a close look at the actives who are sophomores and juniors is most important because they will be the leadership of this group after the seniors have graduated.) Rushees who do not choose carefully sometimes decide to depledge when they find they have picked a group that is not a good "fit" for them. (My husband was one who became disenchanted with his Frat and chose to depledge.) </p>
<p>Since there are a large number of Greek organizations at FSU, chances are a rushee has good odds of finding what they are looking for. Some groups will be heavier partiers, some put greater emphasis on academics, some have the stronger intramural sports teams, etc. Occasionally, you will have diverse groups, as nycollegedad referred, where the membership is quite diverse and not cookie cutter.</p>
<p>I have to say I enjoyed spending time with my fraternity brothers far better than my sorority sisters as a whole during my college years. Where you find large groups of females major drama usually follows lol, but with this frat (I never dated any of my brothers - they were all just my buddies) they were leaders on campus, successful competitive students who were supportive of one another, made the college experience a richer more fulfilling one and were just a great group of guys! </p>
<p>My own daughter, who is currently a freshman at FSU, has chosen the non-Greek route for her college life experience. Even though she is a legacy to a sorority that is very strong at FSU, she has no desire to pursue it. She is very happy at FSU and is very fulfilled in the activities she is involved. Greek life is definately not a prerequisite for a happy college experience for each and every student.</p>
<p>If your son is really interested in Greek life, I hope he finds the group that will be the right fit for him and will encourage him in all that he pursues at FSU.</p>
<p>Skibird,</p>
<p>You make it sound much more acceptable than what I am familiar with. However, I grew up in the south too, and have been around it enough to actually fear the thought of my son joining a fraternity! The ones I knew and still hear about today, were (& are) HEAVY partiers. But he is determined and he doesn't even know anything about it. Really, he has no clue. </p>
<p>We will certainly have to do research on the choices. His interest or major is music. He's already very social so that's usually not a problem. And so far, he's not interested in alcohol, but I know that will likely change in college. Right now he thinks it's stupid. (I wonder what he will think when he gets to college, what will he think then?!)</p>
<p>Thank you for your helpful post. You've explained it in a much more favorable light. :)</p>
<p>My D pledged a sorority, and has many nice things to say about the Frats. Sure there are the party frats. But seeing all those collared shirts and ties at a football game! I think some of Greek organizations breed fine southern gentlemen! And like the sororities, they have study times, study/computer rooms at the houses, and provide lots of opportunities for leadership development. They provide an easy outlet for internurals, and the campus involvement with activities such as homecoming, and large fund raisers like the danceathon really add to campus spirit. Alumnae networking can e a real asset as well.</p>
<p>Pi Kappa Alpha is a fraternity that has alot of clout at FSU.</p>
<p>A Rumor that their members/alumni are mixed up in the controversial Burning Spear society.</p>
<p>Burning</a> Spear Society - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</p>
<p>I'm glad to hear that Pi Kappa Alpha has a lot of clout at FSU! That is the organization I was a little sister to way back in the day. (at another university) But of course I have no way of knowing if FSU's chapter is anything like the guys with which I was associated. </p>
<p>Rudysmom</p>
<p>I understand your apprehension completely. I've seen enough frats with major boozing, drug atmospheres, etc. that give the word fraternity a truly bad name.</p>
<p>A point I failed to make in my earlier post is that I am a believer in waiting until your sophomore year or at least spring term to pledge a sorority or fraternity. The sororities at FSU rush before fall term starts so the only exposure the brand new freshman rushees get is not necessarily the "true view" of day to day in those groups. The rush for fraternities starts shortly after fall term begins and doesn't really allow enough time for the observer to get the complete picture of those groups either. The students who wait to pledge have the advantage of examining these groups from a distance and analyzing in a non-impulsive manner if a specific frat or sorority really appeals to them. </p>
<p>Freshmen who start at FSU during the summer may have opportunities to become aquainted with some of the Greek organizations due to upperclassmen also being on campus in the summer terms. </p>
<p>Unfortunately, most students who pledge as first term freshmen are taking a bit of a gamble that their judgement in choosing a group with which they will be associated with for their entire college career has been competent. If the individual student chooses to pledge to a group it is indeed a major commitment of time, finances and personal values. It isn't a decision that should be jumped into before this young person has found their bearings and really viewed the groups objectively.</p>
<p>Please feel free to PM me anytime if you want.</p>
<p>Skibird</p>
<p>Thanks Skibird, VERY good advice.</p>
<p>rudysmom</p>
<p>You are very welcome! I hope the advice will come in handy!</p>
<p>I am so thankful for all the kind hearted Nole parents on CC that have passed on tremendously helpful information to my daughter and to me as well as offered their support over a vast array of topics pertaining to the college adventure in regards to FSU. Even though most of us have not met, we are an extension of the Nole family. </p>
<p>I'm sure if ever you have a question concerning anything where FSU is concerned, all you need to do is pose the question and someone will take the time to give you an answer. It's a very friendly message board - just like FSU.</p>
<p>it seems to me thus far --on the listening end ---that pledging is demanding in terms of time . I think the positives are time mangement is stressed, along with responsibility and respect for authority. It also seems - thus far -to be in within reason and w/in a structure. lots of rules to be followed but based in respect and stress leadership and good manners.</p>