FSL Parents & Families
Sending a child to college can be a stressful time in their parent’s or family’s life. During their time at college, they will experience many opportunities both inside and outside of the classroom. We hope they will explore what it looks like to be a member of the fraternity and sorority community, and to be a partner with you in your student’s journey.
Letter to Families
January 2024
Dear Denison Families,
Happy New Year! I am excited to provide important information about Fraternity and Sorority Life at Denison. For first-year students who may have interest in joining, the membership process for Greek-lettered organizations begins in the early spring semester. In support of our students’ academic success, Denison delays the membership process to allow for positive adjustment to the academic rigor and general life of college. Students are eligible to join recognized Greek-lettered organizations after they have completed twelve credit-hours, have earned the minimum 2.50 GPA, and have completed the Collin’s Law Anti-Hazing training requirement under the Ohio Revised Code. In partnership with the Provost’s office, we also do not allow students with an academic conduct record to join fraternities and sororities at Denison.
There are currently nineteen (19) values-based fraternities and sororities recognized at Denison. Each of these organizations is formed around common values, goals, and aspirations, as well as the core values of: Academic excellence, Career-Readiness, Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Anti-Racism, Leadership Development, Service and Civic Engagement, and Social Responsibility. Fraternities and sororities have specific member requirements including and fees associated with membership, that are outlined throughout the recruitment processes.
It is important for students and families to take note that sometimes fraternities or sororities participate in behavior that does not align with their organization’s or Denison’s established values. Denison is committed to providing safe and health involvement for fraternity and sorority members, specifically around anti-hazing and hazing prevention. Each student completes anti-hazing and hazing prevention training annually, and staff provide regular checkpoints throughout the new member education process to ensure compliance with our Code of Student Conduct. If you believe that your student is participating in hazing-related activities, we encourage you to contact Campus Safety at 740-587-6482, or the Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life, Ashley Metzger, at metzgerad@denison.edu or 740-587-6660.
Additionally, sometimes fraternities or sororities that were once recognized by the University and/or their national headquarters, have lost or no longer maintain that recognized status due to organizational behavior. These organizations are deauthorized by Denison to continue operations or recruitment members. If you believe your student is being recruited by one of the deauthorized organizations, please report that through Denison’s anonymous reporting system.
We hope you will explore with your student their anticipated involvement on campus and encourage participation in clubs and organizations that align with their values and interests. For more information regarding Fraternity & Sorority Life, please visit our website. Students can also fill out the Fraternity/Sorority Interest Form to receive more information regarding specific organization information sessions and events.
Sincerely,
Ashley Metzger
Director, Fraternity & Sorority Life
metzgerad@denison.edu
Kyle D. Fowler
Associate Director, Fraternity & Sorority Life
fowlerk@denison.edu
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the role of Student Life and Fraternity & Sorority Life?The staff in the office work with students, campus partners, national organizations, alumni, faculty, and families to ensure being a member of a fraternity or sorority is a beneficial experience. Our staff works with student members to provide support and guidance, educational opportunities, leadership development, and life long skills beyond the classroom.
What is being a fraternity/sorority member all about?Fraternities and sororities have many life-long benefits; they provide students a community and support away from home, leadership development opportunities, experience networking with alumni and future employers, and provide skill-building opportunities for their future careers. As a life-long member, students are offered the opportunity to serve their local communities, focus on their academics, and give back to their alma mater.
My student is considering joining, what advice should I give them?Since joining a fraternity or sorority is a life-long commitment, and there are expenses associated with membership, it should be a joint decision between students and parents. Consider sitting down with your student and researching the organizations that are recognized on campus. Utilizing local chapter and national chapter websites is a great place to start gathering information about the values, purpose, and opportunities within those organizations.
Some additional questions to consider:
- What are the student’s individual values / what do they hope to gain from membership? Do they align with the organizations?
- Is this organization recognized by the University?
- What is expected of fraternity/sorority members?
- What is the time commitment associated with membership?
- What is the semester/annual expense associated with membership? How does this vary as a new member?
- What does the chapter’s new member process look like?
- What are key programs the chapter hosts?