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Why should my son participate in Greek Life?

Whether it is being a leader in an organization or being a leader in the classroom, men and women in Fraterinities and Sororities are making a difference all over the world. More and more people are participating in Greek life to not only make a change to their campus, but also to themselves. Here are some other reasons to participate in Greek Life:

  • Fraternity and Sorority alumni are much more likely than nonmembers to participate in community service activities after graduation.

  • 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 affiliated alumni said there was a greater match between what they studied in college and their first job, when compared to nonaffiliated students.

  • Greek alumni were very satisfied with the relationship that they had with faculty, counselors, and university administrators.

How will my son benefit from joining Theta Chi Fraternity?

Since being installed on Longwood University’s campus in 2007, Theta Chi Fraternity has helped over 100 men get the most out of their collegiate experience. Brothers of Theta Chi have included: Student Body Presidents, ROTC cadets, Longwood Ambassadors, Judicial and Honor Board Officials, and Lancer Production members. Theta Chi has made itself known all over campus as a group of true gentlemen who not only want to improve themselves, but also the world around them. Some of the benefits of membership include:

  • A support group to help make the adjustment to college easier.

  • Scholastic resources to help student achieve their academic goals.

  • Leadership skills acquired through hands-on experience during both the New Member program and upon initiation into Theta Chi.

  • Encouragement to get involved, and maximize, their potential on campus.

  • Opportunities for active participation in community service projects organized by both the Chapter and other student and community organizations.

How will joining Theta Chi affect my son's academic pursuits?

The Maxim of Theta Chi, “Alma Mater First, Theta Chi for Alma Mater” is taken very seriously by all members. In order to even be considered for a bid, a Prospective Member must have at least a 2.35 GPA, which is above the minimum GPA set forth by the Inter-Fraternity Council (IFC) the organization which oversees all Fraternities. Additionally, the Brothers of Theta Chi are required to achieve at least a 2.5 GPA, though many Brothers go above and beyond this standard. If a Brother does not meet this standard, our Scholarship Chairman works with the Brother to create a program which works to his strengths so that he can succeed in the classroom.

What will my son get out of Theta Chi that he would not get out of any other college organization?

 

Coming to college is one of the major life changes that your son will go through. Joining Theta Chi will help make the transition easier. Our fraternity experience is multifaceted and offers numerous opportunities to your son. Developing life-long friendships with the Brothers in the chapter and other Longwood chapters helps make the campus seem even smaller. On top of that, for manyBrothers, our chapter becomes a home away from home. In addition to the brotherhood, our chapter is dedicated to enhancing leadership, scholarship, philanthropy/service., and financial responsibility through various programs and opportunities.

What is the New Member Education Program like for Theta Chi? How much time will it take up? Is hazing a part of it?

New Member Education is a period of orientation for both the New Members and for the Brothers. During this time, your son and other new members will participate in weekly meetings to learn about both Longwood University’s and Theta Chi’s history; Create community service projects that the New Member class execute; take part in activities designed to build friendships among new members and Brothers; and allow them to stay or become involved in other campus activities and organizations. After Initiation into Theta Chi, Brothers have weekly chapter meetings and other mandatory events. These include philanthrophy and service projects, recruitment events, intramural events, and initiation, all of which are planned well in advance. The important thing to remember is the more your son puts in to the chapter, the more he will get out of being a Brother! In regards to hazing, Theta Chi Fraternity has a zero-tolerance policy regarding hazing that is consistent with Virginia state law.

What is the financial obligation of joining Theta Chi?

Like any opportunity for involvement in college, there is a financial commitment associated with joining Theta Chi. These fees go toward the International fees which include Re-chartering and insurance for the Chapter, chapter operating expenses, and social functions. New members can expect to pay higher dues their first semester than in subsequent ones due to having to pay both a New Member Fee and an Initiation Fee.

  • New Member Fee: $60

    • The New Member Fee covers the cost of the Manual of Theta Chi, a New Member Badge, and the New Member Education Workbook. This fee is due within one week of joining

  • Initiation Fee: $250

    • The Initiation Fee covers the member’s: Badge, Membership Card, Membership Certificate, and Processing Fee. This fee is due one month prior to Initiation.

Following their New Member semester, Brothers are expected to pay dues to the chapter. Our dues are normally between $250 - $350 per semester; this price is competitive with all other Fraternities on campus. There are payment plans available for Chapter Dues only.

Why are there some things my son can’t talk about? What’s the big secret?

It is understandable that you as a parent might be concerned if you hear that some of the things that go on during your son’s initiation are to be kept secret. Initiation into Theta Chi is an exciting, yet serious, ceremony that conveys the purposes and special values of the Fraternity that bind us together as Brothers. The ceremony is often referred to as ritual. Our chapter prides itself on our ritual that our Fraternity was founded upon, and we strive to live it every day. However, this ritual should not be confused with hazing, and other inappropriate activities. The initiation ceremony is a single day event and your son will be told about it well in advance so that he may plan ahead.

How will joining Theta Chi now benefit my son after college?

The life long friendships your student will make through Theta Chi will last into post-college years. Theta Chi has national networks for its Brothers to use for securing jobs and advancing careers. This is just another way to show that Theta Chi is a life-long experience. For your son, joining Theta Chi now is an investment in his future as he will reap the benefits now and for a lifetime. Wherever a Brother ends up after college, chances are he will be able to find other members of Theta Chi nearby who are there to help him with anything he needs.

 

Are there specific honor societies for Greek students?

Your son will have the opportunity to join Order of Omega. Membership for this group is based on academic excellence as well as student involvement. Both of these qualities are things Theta Chi pushes with its members.

Aren’t fraternities just like the ones in the movies and tv?

Unfortunately, individuals without complete information often define the image of Greek life. Since only 2% of the U.S. population is Greek, most people don’t have first-hand experience and stereotypes are the norm. Greek organizations do hold social events, but most of these do not include alcohol. These “social” events include educational programs/workshops, community service events, intramural sports, Parent’s Days, Greek Week and date events in addition to parties and mixers. Today’s Greek communities across the nation have adopted a stringent approach to socializing thereby creating a safer, more beneficial environment for its members. There are strict guidelines and procedures concerning the availability of alcohol at chapter events, and these rules are enforced by the international Fraternity, the University, and by our internal chapter standards.

Why did some of your members join Theta Chi?

 

 

“My initial reason was to find new friends. When coming out to recruitment events the Brothers were very welcoming and were very interested in who I was and what my goals were. I realized then that this group of men could be more than just my friends and Brothers; they could be leaders and serve as my mentors. The Brothers of Theta Chi challenged me to become active in the Longwood community in some way, whether it was joining a club or some other organization. I am currently involved in many different organizations because of Theta Chi and am continuously learning from each one. In all honesty, joining the Iota Lambda chapter of Theta Chi Fraternity has been one of the best, and most important, decisions of my life and I wouldn't give it up for anything.”

 

~ Ryan Hux, Class of 2009

 

“I came to Longwood University with the mindset not to go Greek since I had the common misconception that a “frat” was a way to simply buy friends. I soon saw that I was ignorant after one week of interaction with Theta Chi. I realized that I was privy to a group of men that were not a “frat” but a Fraternity. These men believed in a higher standard and in going above and beyond all expectations. Even without being a Brother, I was treated with the utmost respect and felt at home when interacting with the Fraternity. I was later given the honor and privilege of becoming a Brother of Theta Chi. I can honestly say that joining Theta Chi was one of the best decisions of my life. Through my experiences thus far, I have grown for the better because of Theta Chi.”

 

~ Cameron Marshall, Class of 2010

 

 

"I have been fortunate enough to be a part of some wonderful student organizations here on campus, but Theta Chi is different because it is something that will stay with me for life. When I came to Longwood I thought that Greek Life was not for me, but my interaction with some of the Brothers changed my view. Knowing that the Brothers of Theta Chi stood for something positive, knowing that they are leaders on campus, and that they take great pride in there campus and community made me want to become apart of this awesome brotherhood. Theta Chi challenges me everyday to better myself and for that I am grateful. Becoming a Brother of Theta Chi Fraternity is the best thing that I have done while at Longwood."

 

~ Cameron Patterson, Class of 2010

 

 

“Theta Chi Fraternity excels with leadership and people who take the initiative to say what is on their mind with out holding back. They get you involved with the school as well as the community. You are encouraged to be involved in something else within the school besides just the Fraternity, and they volunteer their time doing community service for the town of Farmville, which is always a great experience. They are not a "frat", so to speak, they are a FRATERNITY. Theta Chi expects their Brothers to achieve in the classroom, not just in the Fraternity while their main goal is to better you as a person through their processes and enjoy your time doing it. They accept everyone for who they are, not making judgments. It's men like them that I have always wanted to be, and I know they will always encourage me to be a better person than I already am."

 

~ Alex Strittmater, Class of 2012