Parents and Families

Fraternities and sororities are rooted in founding principles that foster academic achievement, student involvement, community service, and life-long friendships. Advantages include:

• A supportive group of peers to help ease the adjustment to college.
• Scholastic resources to help students achieve their academic goals.
• Leadership skills acquired through hands-on experience.
• Encouragement to get involved, stay involved, and maximize their potential on campus.
• Opportunities for active participation in community service projects.

National studies conducted annually consistently indicate that students who choose to join Greek-letter organizations experience many positive benefits, including the following:

• Greek students are more likely to stay in college than non-Greek students.
• College graduates who belong to a sorority or fraternity tend to be more financially successful than other college graduates.
• Greek alumni contribute more, both financially and in terms of volunteering time, to their alma maters than non-Greek alumni.
• Greek students are more active on campus and in community activities. Upon graduation, these members are also more likely to get involved in volunteer and charitable organizations.

Chapters collect dues and membership fees from members. Most Greek-lettered organizations have higher one time fees to help cover the cost of initiation and the new member process. Dues help cover the cost of programming and vary depending on the organization. The financial obligation tends to range from $0 to $450/semester. All chapters offer payment plans and some offer scholarships to help members meet their financial obligations. 

The University of Minnesota Duluth has a zero-tolerance policy regarding hazing. Greek Life shares the University's definition of hazing, "Hazing means any act taken on University property or in connection with any University-related group or activity that endangers the physical and/or mental health or safety of an individual (including, without limitation, an act intended to cause personal degradation or humiliation), or that destroys or removes public or private property, for the purpose of initiation in, admission to, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in a group or organization". 

Hazing can be reported to Kirby Student Center, the Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution, or the UMD Police Department. 

You may contact the Student Activities Coordinator & Greek Life Advisor by emailing [email protected]. 

Be supportive, and learn as much as you can by asking your student questions before they join. Many groups will provide written statements concerning activities, finances, and policies. Your student should be encouraged to obtain and read this information. In addition, allow your student to make their own choice (especially if you, yourself, are Greek). Your support should not end after the recruitment period, but should continue throughout your student's years in school. Once your student joins a chapter, take advantage of the Mom's and Dad's weekend activities and, during the Fall, participate in UMD’s Family Weekend. These are great opportunities for you to see your student interacting with their chapter members, and one more way for you to spend time with your student.