Students often find managing their time difficult when moving from the highly structured high school environment to the freedom of college life. Fraternity & Sorority Life membership assists in this transition by offering scholarship programs that may include study partners, mandatory study hours, and time management workshops. You can also access the network of chapter members who already know how to use campus resources like the library, writing center, computer labs and academic advisors. Additionally, some organizations offer scholarship opportunities through their inter/national offices. Nothing, however, can take the place of a disciplined and academically-focused student to ensure success in college.
The time commitment varies from chapter to chapter, but the first semester is the most time intensive as the new member goes through the chapter's new member education program. The time spent in this program will give you the opportunity to develop your leadership and time management skills, learn about the history of your organization, develop friendships with your new member class, as well as the rest of the chapter, and allow you to become involved with other organizations. After initiation into the chapter, expectations will vary. Each chapter has weekly chapter meetings and other mandatory events (philanthropic, service, initiation, etc.) throughout the year both for the chapter and then Fraternity & Sorority Life as a whole, but they are planned well in advance. The more you put into the chapter and the community the more you will get out of being a member.
The Fraternity & Sorority Life experience is an investment in your future. The leadership skills, the academic assistance, and friendships will benefit you beyond your college days. The perception that fraternities and sororities are only an option for "rich" students is wide-spread and false. Greek-lettered organizations are quite affordable and fees go to services that will positively impact each member. Member's dues directly support the betterment of the chapter and the national organization. To assist members, chapters may offer various scholarships and grants. We encourage you to ask questions related to finances during the recruitment process.
There are many misconceptions about Fraternity & Sorority 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 international 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, you can view it here.
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 Fraternity & Sorority Life 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.
If risk management concerns you, please feel free to contact Student Engagement & Traditions or the fraternity / sorority headquarters.
Old Dominion University does not offer Fraternity & Sorority Life specific university housing.