What opportunities will I have in the organization?
In fraternities, you're in charge. Every member will be able to take
part in organizational activities as officers, committee chairpersons,
or committee members. Fraternities and sororities provide a wide-range
of interesting activities. You'll be able to get involved in planning
a community service project, a dinner with another fraternity or
sorority, a dance, and new member recruitment. The good thing is,
you'll learn by doing. You will be able to put your skills to use
inside and outside the classroom. The leadership skills you will
learn will help you throughout your life.
Does it cost a lot to be in a fraternity?
Fraternities and sororities are not expensive. Each organization is
self-supported from dues paid by its members.
What types of people join fraternities?
All types. While many students join their first and second years, many
transfers and juniors also join. It's a great way to connect with
others regardless of your year at the university. Students from various
backgrounds join fraternities. Each individual is able to offer his
or her own talents toward the betterment of all individuals within
the organization.
How much time will be expected of me?
This depends upon your willingness to get involved and make a difference.
Like any organization, the fraternity will have general expectations
of you. Most importantly, you will be expected to attend meetings
and events. Through your fraternity involvement, you'll learn to
manage your time and balance your academic load, work, and social
commitments. I don't look like the fraternity I've seen in the movies.
Few of us do. Many of the stereotypes about fraternity and sorority
members are myths. Far too often, all the movies show is the social
side of fraternities and sororities-the parties. Hollywood rarely
shows the diversity of the organizations. Fraternity members make
good grades, work part and full-time, come in all shapes and sizes,
and look like you. Within the Greek community at UW Oshkosh, you'll
find members from nearly every religion, race, culture, class, and
orientation.
What happens once I join?
You are going to make many new friends. It will be exciting
for you... electing new officers... planning socials... doing community
service... studying with partners... going on retreats... learning
fraternity or sorority history... discovering facts about the members
of the organization... and finding out more about yourself and how
you function in a group. You'll be as busy as you choose-learning,
having fun, and growing during your college years.
What about housing?
Some fraternities offer housing and others do not. Some members live
in the chapter house, others do not. It's important to remember that
a fraternity is a group of men who join together in pursuit of common
goals and aspirations. Fraternities are not about houses, structures,
or real estate.
I'm new to Oshkosh, wouldn't it be better for me to get my feet
on the ground before I join a fraternity?
Not really. A large place like UW Oshkosh
can be intimidating, confusing, and impersonal. Joining
a fraternity your first year can actually help acclimate
you to the University, as well as provide you with
a support group from day one. The fraternity members
will help you as you begin college life.
I've heard something about hazing. What's that all about?
Hazing is absolutely forbidden. You don't have to prove
anything to others. Each organization does have expectations of membership
though. During the time that you are considering joining a fraternity,
be sure to ask pointed questions about the expectations of new members.
If you do join an organization, and feel something is not right,
contact the Greek Advisor at the Dean of Students Office or the national
organization to which the local chapter is affiliated.
How do I go about joining a fraternity?
Fraternities are always seeking new members. Be sure to
keep your eyes and ears open for information (banners, signs, fliers,
etc.) pertaining to new member recruitment or RUSH once you arrive
at UW Oshkosh. Most of the fraternities recruit new members during
the first few weeks of classes each semester, but all have ongoing
recruitment activities and will advertise them in places like the
Reeve.
The Inter-Fraternity Council is the governing body or organization
for all general Greek Letter Chapters. The Council is made up of
an executive board consisting of the Interfraternity Council president,
Interfraternity Council Vice President of Recruitment, Secretary/Treasurer,
Vice President of Public Relations, Vice President of Membership
Development and Vice President of Philantrophy.
The Inter-Fraternity Council assures that Greek membership is open
to all fully enrolled and matriculated UW Oshkosh students. Further,
the Council upholds high standards for its Chapters and their members
through the IFC Judicial Board and on-going educational opportunities
discussing: diversity, alcohol and substance abuse, health issues,
leadership skills, and finances. Inter-Fraternity Council is an excellent
way to practice your leadership skills and be a leader of leaders.
