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Greek Life

A Guide for Parents

Greek Life in General:

Sending a child to college can be a challenging and stressful time in a parent's life. While at Chico State, your child will encounter many opportunities to become involved outside of the classroom. It important that you, the parent, are educated about the experience that your son or daughter will have by being involved in a fraternity or sorority at Chico State.

Despite the media's portrayal of Greek life, fraternities and sororities provide an environment where:

  • the principles and ideals of each organization are encouraged on a daily basis
  • safety from physical and mental harm is paramount
  • academic achievement of the individual and the group is valued and rewarded
  • the process of becoming a member of a fraternity or sorority is inclusive of all Greeks at Chico State and supports the non-discrimination policy of the University
  • the fraternity/sorority experience can enhance the quality of the undergraduate collegiate experience
Greek Values:

Membership in a Greek organization is a life-changing experience for the students who choose to join. Members develop a bond of brotherhood and sisterhood that is unique to fraternities and sororities. These friendships last a lifetime and are nurtured by alumni activities and world-wide networking opportunities.

The Greek community offers a home away from home and encourages individual development within a smaller group of friends in a larger environment. Greek organizations are values-based and committed to worthwhile endeavors: they encourage academic achievement, the development of leadership skills, brotherhood and sisterhood, community service, and philanthropic activities.

Academics:

Greek organizations expect each member to fulfill their academic potential. The University and each organization have set grade point average (GPA) standards. They also have a faculty advisor whose focus is scholastic achievement that includes awards, scholarships, and various forms of recognition every year. In addition, students must have a minimum GPA to join and to maintain membership.

Eligibility

Recruitment is held at the beginning of each semester. Students are eligible to join depending on their class standing and GPA. Any student who is in his or her second semester of college may join a fraternity or sorority. Please be advised, first-time, first-semester freshmen are not eligible to join until spring 2008.

Cost

Joining a Greek organization carries a financial commitment. Each organization is self-supporting through the dues paid by each member. While your student is participating in the recruitment process, make sure that they ask about the financial obligations of membership since dues vary depending on the organization.

Safety

At Chico State, our first priority is student safety. We continually educate students on ways to be safe, make wise choices and take care of each other while still having fun. Chico State works hand in hand with law enforcement and students in order to enforce alcohol and hazing policies in accordance with California state law. If you sense your student may be participating in inappropriate activities as a result of membership in a fraternity or sorority, you should contact the Student Activities Office.

A Final Word

We encourage you to sit down with your son or daughter and research all of the recognized organizations that are at Chico State. Utilizing Greek Organization Web sites is a smart, convenient way to gather information. Feel free to contact students who are involved, along with their parents, and ask them about their Greek experience. In most cases, both students and parents will speak candidly about the Greek community at Chico State.

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Recruitment Dates

Sororities:

Greek Open House September 13, 2007

Fraternities

September 10-14, 2007

Multicultural Greeks

Various dates throughout the semester.

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Contact Information

www.chicogreeks.com
www.csuchico.edu

Larry Bassow
Program Coordinator for Greek Life
530-898-5396

Connie Huyck
Program Coordinator for Greek Life
530-898-5396

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