How Can Your Son Benefit From Fraternity Membership?
For your son, making the transition from high school to a four-year university may seem like an imposing challenge. One or more of the following questions may be on his mind:
- Will I fit in and make new friends?
- Will I be able to succeed academically?
- Will I be able to get involved in campus organizations and better my leadership skills?
- Will I find other people interested in the same things that I am?
- How can I prepare for my career?
- Will I feel like a part of the campus community or just another number?
A fraternity can help personalize your son’s college experience by offering an immediate social and scholastic support system; hands-on experience in leadership, exposure to potential careers through educational programs and discussions with alumni; the chance to give back to the community through service projects; and close friends who will cheer him on when he is successful and support him when times are tough.
With all these opportunities available to them, it is no wonder that fraternity members tend to graduate from college at a higher rate than those men not involved in fraternities.
In addition to having an excellent support system from their brothers, members also enjoy the following benefits by living in the Sigma Pi house:
- Fresh cooked meals twice daily Monday through Friday by our personal chef
- Grab and go breakfast daily
- State of the art housing that includes study rooms
- 24 large bedrooms with moveable furniture
- Washer and dryers on site and free of charge
- Weight room
- Secure housing with free parking
- Opportunities for leadership
- Alumni connections
- 8 hours of required study time a week
- A minimum of a 2.75 GPA or higher required by all brothers
- Strong sense of brotherhood
- Friendships that last a lifetime
We’re Here to Answer Your Questions
What will my son get out of Greek life that they would not get out of any other college organization?
Attending college is one of the major life changes that your son will go through. Joining a fraternity will help make the transition easier. The fraternity experience is multifaceted and offers numerous opportunities to your student. For many members, these chapters become a home away from home. In addition to the brotherhood, every chapter is dedicated to enhancing leadership, scholarship, philanthropy/service, and financial responsibility through various programs and opportunities.
How will joining a chapter now benefit my son after college?
The friendships your son will make through a fraternity can last into post-college years. Greeks also have national networks for their members to use for securing jobs and advancing their careers. Membership in a chapter is a life-long experience that the member and the fraternity enjoy together.
Will my son’s academics be compromised if they join a fraternity?
Students often find managing their time difficult when moving from the highly-structured high school environment to the freedom of college life. Greek membership assists in that transition by offering scholarship programs that may include study partners, mandatory study hours, and time management workshops. You can also access the network of chapter members who already know how to use campus resources like the library, study skills center, computer labs, and academic advisors. Nothing, however, can take the place of a disciplined and academically-focused student to ensure success at Missouri S&T. Thanks in part to the chapter’s academic goals and these programs, the average GPA among Greek members has been consistently higher than the all-university student’s GPA.
Are fraternities primarily social in nature?
There is definitely a social aspect to the Greek community but these “social” events include education programs/workshops, community service events, intramural sports, Parent’s Day, Homecoming Parade and dinner exchanges in addition to parties and socials. Today’s Greek communities across the nation have adopted a stringent approach to socializing thereby creating a safer, more beneficial environment for members.
Is there an alcohol policy?
Sigma Pi prohibits the consumption of alcohol exceeding 15% ABV at or on Sigma Pi’s premises or events.
What about hazing?
Sigma Pi prohibits all forms of hazing. A holistic definition of hazing can also be found in every university’s Code of Policies and Regulations Applying to All Students. The fraternity investigates all allegations.
What is my role as a parent?
Take the time to find out more about the chapter your son is joining. Ask questions about what the organizations will offer your child and allow them to make the best decision for themselves. Once your child chooses to join a chapter, there will be opportunities for Mom’s and Dad’s weekend activities, as well as football games, or a number of other activities. Parents are welcome and encouraged to visit the house throughout the school year.
As you look into the Greek Community with your son consider the following information compiled by national studies:
Fraternity affiliation can positively influence retention through graduation. Fraternity affiliation directly impacts campus involvement and overall student satisfaction with college. Fraternity affiliation can positively influence involvement in civic organizations after college.
Some statistics compiled by the North-American Interfraternity Conference include:
- 48% of all US Presidents have been Greek
- 42% of US Senators are Greek
- 30% of US Congressmen are Greek
- 40% of all US Supreme Court Justices have been Greek
- 30% of Fortune 500 Executives are Greek
- And Greeks only make up 3% of the US population.
National Greek Websites:
North-American Interfraternity Conference: www.nicindy.org
Listen to what our parents have to say about our Chapter!
For more information, please contact our alumni:
Jeff Mockaitis
President, Alpha Iota Building Association & Prospector’s Club Alumni Association
773-648-3951
jeff.mockaitis@gmail.com
Michael Munsell
President, Alpha Iota Educational Foundation
314-807-1516
mmunsell@atllp.com
Jeff Tottleben
Capital Campaign Chairman
314-852-1910
jtottleben@rswgroup.net