FAQs from Parents & Families

These organizations are rooted in founding principles that foster academic achievement, student involvement, community service, and life-long friendships. Greek organizations are groups of students who come together to form a personal network of individuals with similar ideas, interests, and a mutual pursuit of a well-rounded college education. OKCU’s sororities and fraternities hold a higher GPA than those who are not members. Advantages 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.
• Encouragement to get involved and maximize their potential on campus.
• Opportunities for active participation in community service projects.

Like any opportunity for involvement in college, there is a financial commitment associated with joining a sorority or fraternity. The costs go toward the Inter/National fees, chapter operating expenses, and social functions. Financial obligations differ among individual chapters. Dues range from $400 - $550 per semester. There are payment plans available for students through their respective chapters. While your student is participating in the recruitment process, make sure that they ask about the financial obligations of membership.

Oklahoma City University has a no tolerance policy regarding hazing that is consistent with Oklahoma state law. Hazing is contrary to the purposes of the Greek community and the University. Hazing is not tolerated. If you sense your student may be participating in inappropriate activities as a result of membership in a sorority or fraternity, you should contact Levi J. Harrel, Dean of Students, at 405.208.6287. Calls will be handled in a discreet manner.

Some of OKCU’s fraternities maintain chapter houses that sleep 8-10 members, and often the men will live in-house. The sororities have meeting houses, which do not offer sleeping facilities. Most Greek-affiliated students live in University Housing.

• Encourage your student to register for recruitment and to attend as many campus events as possible. Being involved is the best way to meet active Greek members and learn about their chapters. Involvement in other student organizations is looked favorably upon during the membership selection process.
• Students need support throughout the process of recruitment and new member education. Be supportive and learn as much as you can about Greek Life by asking questions of your student as they meet members in fraternities/sororities.
• Keep an open mind . . . Fraternity & Sorority Life is not for everyone. Just because you may have been a fraternity or sorority member doesn't mean that it is the right choice for your student.
• Sororities and fraternities are different on every campus. Groups that may have been strong on the campus where you attended school may not have the same reputation at OKCU. Let your student choose the group that they feel most comfortable joining.
• Talk to your student beforehand about the financial obligation. Determine who will pay for what and where the limits are.
• Too often, parents and family members do not allow their students to "fight their own battles." It helps the student mature and gain some assertiveness when allowed to call various offices if they have questions or concerns about their decision to go Greek.
• Keep Ashley Palmer's contact information on hand if you have any questions or concerns about Fraternity & Sorority Life on OKCU’s campus.