General Information
Parents and families,
We are excited that your student is considering membership
in one of our fraternities or sororities on campus. Wofford College Greek Life
is a strong community valuing accountability, scholarship, service, personal
growth, and unity. Membership in a fraternity or sorority can offer your student
an opportunity to develop close bonds of friendship, networking opportunities,
leadership opportunities, academic support, and much more.
We look forward to working with you and your student as part
of our Greek Life community. The Office of Greek Life works very closely with
each fraternity and sorority to ensure the fraternity and sorority experience
is a valuable one. We hope that your student will find the Greek community to
be a meaningful part of his or her college experience as well.
If you ever have any questions, comments, or concerns
regarding Greek Life, please do not hesitate to contact us at 864-597-4040 or joycesb@wofford.edu to let us know how we
can help.
Sincerely,
Brian Joyce
Director of Student Activities and Greek Life
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should my student
join a Greek organization?
Joining a fraternity or sorority is a great way to become
involved in campus life. Greek Life is an opportunity to become a lifelong
member of a national organization, and through that common bond, students can
develop friendships that also last a lifetime. Greek organizations allow
members the opportunity to further develop their leadership skills, serve their
community through philanthropy and service projects, and the potential to
network with faculty, staff, and alumni.
How much does it
typically cost?
There is a financial commitment associated with joining a
fraternity or sorority, including costs for Inter/National fees, chapter
operating expenses and social functions. Financial obligations differ among
individual chapters, and additional costs may occur throughout the semester for
meals, pictures, gifts, parties, t-shirts, etc. Payment plans and scholarships
are usually available, depending on the chapter. Always talk to a new member
educator or another appropriate officer within the chapter to discuss other
options.
Does hazing still
exist during the new member process?
Wofford College has a zero-tolerance policy regarding hazing
and enforces all South Carolina state laws as well as Federal laws regarding
hazing. Hazing may include any person or activity causing or permitting a
person, incident to initiation or membership in a society, club or similar
organized group, to participate in any activity that subjects that person or
others to risks of physical injury or mental distress or personal indignities
of any offensive nature. Whether or not such persons have consented to
participation in the activity, it is strictly prohibited. Please refer
to our Hazing Policy for more information, including how to report hazing
incidents.
How can membership in
a fraternity or sorority contribute to my student’s academics?
Sororities and fraternities can serve as a great academic
resource for their members through study hours and tutoring programs. Most
chapters have a GPA requirement for initial membership as well as for remaining
an active member. Because the Greek community puts so much emphasis on
scholastic achievement, chapters usually have a higher cumulative grade point average than the
non-affiliated students, and has established Order of Omega to recognize the
outstanding members of our Greek community.