Parents Guide
Each Greek chapter has set their own scholarship
standards, and a minimum GPA is required before joining or becoming
an initiated member. To accomplish these academic standards,
many different programs have been put in place. Members assist
each other in developing study habits through scholarship programs,
incentive programs, study buddies, individual help, and study
halls.
The WFU Greek system is committed to helping you identify
ways to contribute your time and energy through community service
and philanthropy. Brotherhood and Sisterhood are terms that
serve as the cornerstone of Greek organizations. They are meant
to describe the relationships formed by active participation
in the chapter.
A leader in the Greek community will develop such skills as
written and oral communication, goal setting, planning activities,
problem solving, delegating responsibilities, working with
a group, time management, and focused decision making. These
skills will be useful to Greek chapter members for many years
to come. Leadership is more than just what one can learn in
a classroom, and Greek Life gives you the opportunity to learn
these skills.
Mixers, date parties, formals, and other activities guarantee
excitement and an opportunity for members to meet a variety
of new people on campus. Throwing a Frisbee on the Quad, sitting
on a balcony, homecoming events, Greek Week, intramural sports
competitions, and philanthropy projects are just a few popular
ways fraternity and sorority members participate with each
other and the campus community.
Academics come first at Wake Forest, and Greek students recognize
that the purpose of attending school is to receive a quality
education.
Did you know . . .
? 
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52% of the US Senate and 33% of the House of Representatives
are fraternity and sorority members.
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All but two U.S. Presidents since 1825 are fraternity members.
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The first female Senator and first woman astronaut were
both sorority women.
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85% of U.S. Supreme Court Justices since 1800 are fraternity
and sorority members.
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Fraternity and sorority members are 28% more likely to
stay in college than other students.
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Greeks are more financially successful than other college
graduates.
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WFU Greeks' GPA is consistently higher than the non-Greek
average.
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Martin Luther King, Jr., Katie Couric, Jimmy Buffet, Elvis
Presley, Rosa Parks, David Letterman, and Maya Angelou
are all Greek.
FAQs
My child needs to develop skills outside the classroom. Are
there opportunities for this?
Will the cost of membership be an added burden?
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Cost of membership varies among groups but does not add measurably
to the cost of campus life. All chapters are supported by dues.
After some one-time costs in the first year, these dues are
the only expenses. Greek housing is also available. The added
amenities of a Greek lounge are often well worth the modest
additional cost.
What about all the
negative things I’ve heard about,
like wild parties, substance abuse, and hazing?
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Unfortunately, the positive side of Greek life is often not
deemed newsworthy. Greek members are involved in community
and campus service, contributing countless hours and financial
resources to their environment. Greek groups are often leaders
in bridging gaps in their communities by reaching out to varying
educational and age groups. Their tireless energy and fresh
approaches help in solving many campus and community problems.
Is there any practical benefit of membership?
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Many immediate benefits are received through fraternity membership,
including numerous leadership possibilities, academic encouragement
and several philanthropic opportunities. However, the bonds
of brotherhood/sisterhood mean that your child will have intergenerational
friendships, and support when he/she moves to a new community
or even another country. They will also be provided career
networking possibilities throughout their life.
My child is going to college to get an education, how will
Greek
membership contribute to this goal?
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Every Greek organization has scholastic standards for membership.
New members are encouraged in their academic endeavors by both
their peers and alumnae advisors. Required study hours, tutoring,
and other special helps are readily available. In addition,
rewards for exceptional achievement include scholarships.
My child will make friends in the residence hall and classes.
What would be different about Greek friends?
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College friendships will last a lifetime
because they share the unique experiences that make them
adults. Residence hall and class friends will enrich their
lives. However, friends who share the Greek experience will
remain deeply committed to each other throughout life because
they will share a ritual based on time.
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