Not sure about the specific engineering fraternity, but many academic fraternities, and clubs also have hazing rituals. This is true even of kids in the marching band, for example. Just because it is academically affiliated doesn’t mean it won’t have some of the aspects OPs child finds undesirable.
Theta tau is co-ed which suggests hazing is much less likely to occur. (As a data point of one my D has a close friend in Theta Tau and he decided to pledge bc they don’t haze).
As far as academic clubs and hazing, the same potential exists at ND.
If OP’s son’s priorities are no Greek life and a highly integrated college sports culture, ND is the clear choice.
Fraternities geared towards majors are not a deciding factor for us. Most schools have them. If not, there are clubs for students’ academic interest.
It is more about the other aspects of the two schools I’m interested in. ie: The feel of the school, the engineering department itself, how transfers are welcomed/ integrate into the student body are what I am trying to discern, the overall social feel of the campus, etc.
Again, looking for the total college experience. He’s not just there for the academics.
Thanks for the help so far!
Yes, students are assigned their first year to a residence hall. They can switch after that, but I understand that is unusual as students generally form strong attachments to their hall.
The lack of “rushing” and “pledging” doesn’t mean that halls avoid “classic” frat conduct – Zahm was closed because of a supposed culture of vandalism, hazing, sexual misconduct and resistance to changing that culture over a period of years.
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Any update?
He chose ND! It’s the right choice for him.
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