Parent FAQ's

Dear Parents: As you prepare to send your child to college, you may have asked yourself the following questions: Will my child succeed academically? Will my child be able to get involved in campus organizations and better his/her leadership skills? How can my child best prepare for a career? Will my child feel like a part of the campus community or just a number? Greek life can help personalize the college experience by providing your child with a home away from home. The Greek experience can offer a scholastic support system; hands on experience in leading communities, managing budgets, interacting with faculty administrators; exposure to potential careers through educational programs and discussions with alumni; the chance to give back to the community through service projects; and close friends who will cheer you on when you are successful and support you when times are tough.

WHAT ABOUT GRADES? The Chico Greek Community continually encourages academic success. For academic support, members are provided with structured study halls, scholarships, educational programs, tutorial programs, as well as awards and incentives to challenge members to reach their full academic potential. While fraternities and sororities don't hold any magical keys to academic success, studies have shown that members of Greek organizations are more likely to obtain a degree than nonaffiliated students.

WHAT ABOUT INDIVIDUALITY? While certain values, rules and procedures are very much a part of Greek Life (as in any organization), fraternity and sorority members respect the individual talents, interests, and accomplishments of their members. That's why a "Greek" is many different things. At Chico State sorority or fraternity members are involved in many other activities the are: cheer leaders, camp directors, orientation leader, a Resident Assistant, a graphic artist, an actress, varsity athletes, on Student Government, and more!

TELL ME ABOUT COMMUNITY SERVICE Community service is an important aspect of Chico's Greek life. It is safe to say that no other university entity has dedicated more time and resources, or has raised more money for charity that members of the Wildcat Greek community. From volunteering in elementary schools, to giving blood, to raising money for charities, Chico's fraternity and sorority members can be seen helping the City of Chico community.

WHAT ARE THE LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES? Greek organizations exemplify democracy in action. Officers are elected within the chapter to manage the day-to-day operations of the organization. These officers are assisted by members serving on committees, and by alumni who acts as advisors. In addition, the national headquarters have regional and national leadership conferences where students can learn a variety of leadership skills. Sororities and fraternities provide a solid foundation in leadership training that prepares men and women for the demands and responsibilities they will face in the future.

I HEARD THAT FRATERNITIES AND SORORITIES ARE EXPENSIVE Contrary to the stereotypes, Greek life at Chico does not live Beverly Hills 90210. Many of the students involved in fraternities and sororities are employed outside of the classroom. Rent in a fraternity or sorority house is quite comparable with that of the residence halls and off campus apartments if not cheaper and get more bang for the buck.

WHAT ABOUT HAZING? Physical and mental hazing is banned by the University, the national Greek organizations, and by the laws in the State of California. Fortunately, most Chico Greeks recognize that hazing has no place in their organizations. Hazing will not be tolerated at Chico State.

Today's Greeks May Surprise You Fraternity and Sorority Alumni are much more likely than nonmembers to participate in community service activities after graduation Forty-three of the 100 members of the U.S. Senate are members of a fraternity or sorority Twenty-nine percent of the House of Representatives are Greek affiliated Greeks not only participate in their own fraternity or sorority leadership, but are also involved in the same extracurricular activities as nonaffiliated students Greek alumni are more satisfied with the social and cultural aspects of the college experience than nonaffiliated students Greek affiliation had a significant impact on the current income of alumni Greek affiliated alumni said their was a greater match between what they studied in college and their first job, when compared to nonaffiliated students Greeks alumnae were very satisfied with the relationship that they had with faculty, counselors, and university administrator

Need more information? The Greek Life Staff is here to assist. Please call the Office of Greek Life at (530) 898-5396 and ask to speak with one of our Greek Life Advisors.