Parents

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

• A support group 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.

Our members realize that academic achievement is the main priority of UNK Students. Greek-letter organizations continue to strive for academic excellence and promote scholarship by providing academic resources for their members. These include:

• tutoring

• academic advisors

• study groups

• scholarships

• awards

Chapter members know the importance of helping new students to adjust to University academics. Many chapters have a rewards system based on GPA. Prospective members must meet a minimum GPA in order to be initiated and then must maintain a minimum GPA to remain an active member. In fact, Greek members GPA(s) are traditionally higher than their non-Greek colleagues. For chapter academic records, please click here.

Like some opportunities for involvement in college, there is a financial commitment associated with a joining a fraternity or sorority. This financial obligation is best considered as an investment into one's Fraternity and Sorority Life experience. The costs go toward the Inter/National fees, chapter operating expenses, and social functions. Financial obligations differ among individual chapters.

New members can expect to pay higher dues their first semester than in subsequent ones. While your son or daughter is participating in the recruitment process, make sure that he or she asks about the financial obligations of membership.

For Panhellenic Sororities, the average dues are $575 for the first semester. For the semesters to follow, the average dues are $315.
For IFC Fraternities, dues will range from $400 - $500 for the first semester. For the semesters to follow, dues will range from $325 - $465.
For Multicultural Fraternities and Sororities, the average dues are $300 for the first semester. For the semesters to follow, the average dues are $200.

The University of Nebraska at Kearney has a zero-tolerance policy regarding hazing that is consistent with the Nebraska State Laws. If you sense your student may be participating in inappropriate activities as a result of membership in a fraternity or sorority, you should contact the Fraternity and Sorority Life Office at 308-865-8057. Calls will be handled in an immediate and discrete manner.

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 were in a fraternity or sorority). Your support should not end after the recruitment period but 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. 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.

You can go to the Fraternity and Sorority Life homepage at www.unk.edu/fsl for various resources and information. Also, you can contact the Fraternity and Sorority Life office at 308-865-8057 and someone can assist you with any questions you may have.