Tuesday, November 25, 2008
To Greek or not to Greek?
I'll be the first to tell you that during my years at UTK ('79-'83) I was not into the "Izod" scene ... the Greek life of the Fraternities and Sororities was another world that I just didn't enter into. Maybe I was too busy in the "Geek" life! I left UTK having never set foot into a Fraternity or Sorority and until the few weeks prior to my daughter arriving on campus I didn't give it a thought. The subject did arise during the summer though and although we didn't have first hand experience we did have help with this via other family members ... the encouragement was to "at least go through Rush"... so we gave our blessing for that.
So, now your child comes to you after Rush and says they were accepted by 1,2, maybe 3 different organizations and they want to join a Sorority of Fraternity... what then? What is the cost was one of my first questions? Who are they really with anyway? Will this be a good influence or not? Maybe you did the Greek life and they are a legacy and will pledge your Fraternity/Sorority and you have it all lined up. In any case, for more information see http://sorority.utk.edu/ and http://fraternity.utk.edu/ .
I'm not sure there is a simple answer. The cost most likely varies but my best guess is that it will be at least $1K/year and with formals, fundraisers, etc there are other "hidden" costs that will likely increase that amount. The parents will get a lot of mail asking for additional support. Is it "worth" it? So far we have to say yes. The support network created by my daughter's sorority has been great and we believe her transition to school has been made easier because of the many new friends she has made. They help each other study as well as provide accountability in other ways. There have even been family friends that have said "I was in that Sorority in college" and further networking is made available.
Another question is, who are they really with??? I think you have to know your child and what keeps them grounded (or not). They may be searching for something "new" to experience or they may be looking to surround themselves with like minded people to act as a support structure. My guess is that one way or the other they will get a little (maybe a lot) of both. With the various meetings and events that they are required to participate in they create what will prove to be life long bonds of friendship and maybe just that support structure that will see them through to graduation.
Happy Thanksgiving... we have much to be Thankful for.
So, now your child comes to you after Rush and says they were accepted by 1,2, maybe 3 different organizations and they want to join a Sorority of Fraternity... what then? What is the cost was one of my first questions? Who are they really with anyway? Will this be a good influence or not? Maybe you did the Greek life and they are a legacy and will pledge your Fraternity/Sorority and you have it all lined up. In any case, for more information see http://sorority.utk.edu/ and http://fraternity.utk.edu/ .
I'm not sure there is a simple answer. The cost most likely varies but my best guess is that it will be at least $1K/year and with formals, fundraisers, etc there are other "hidden" costs that will likely increase that amount. The parents will get a lot of mail asking for additional support. Is it "worth" it? So far we have to say yes. The support network created by my daughter's sorority has been great and we believe her transition to school has been made easier because of the many new friends she has made. They help each other study as well as provide accountability in other ways. There have even been family friends that have said "I was in that Sorority in college" and further networking is made available.
Another question is, who are they really with??? I think you have to know your child and what keeps them grounded (or not). They may be searching for something "new" to experience or they may be looking to surround themselves with like minded people to act as a support structure. My guess is that one way or the other they will get a little (maybe a lot) of both. With the various meetings and events that they are required to participate in they create what will prove to be life long bonds of friendship and maybe just that support structure that will see them through to graduation.
Happy Thanksgiving... we have much to be Thankful for.
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