Information for Parents
A PARENT'S GUIDE TO FRATERNITY/SORORITY LIFE
As your student prepares to attend The University of Montana, they have many opportunities to become involved in campus life. The UM Office of Greek Life wants to make sure parents know the numerous benefits of joining the Greek community that currently consists of 10 nationally-strong fraternal organizations. Chances are there is a fraternity or sorority that is right for your student.
Want to know more about finances and housing? Click here for finances and here for housing!
What will my student get out of Greek Life that they would not
get out of any other college organization?
Coming to college is one of the major life changes that your student will
go through. Joining a fraternity or sorority can help make the transition
easier. The fraternity or sorority experience offers a home away from home
by fostering life-long friendships with members in their chapter. Every
chapter is dedicated to enhancing leadership, scholarship, and philanthropy/service
through various programs. These opportunities help make the campus feel
smaller and allow your student to determine their level of involvement and
overall experience that they want to have in the organization. Also, the
Greek community has remarkable relations with alumni that often assist with
finding jobs and introducing undergraduates to active members of the Missoula
community and other communities that they may move to after graduation.
Will my student’s academics be compromised if they join a
Greek chapter?
Students often find managing their time difficult when moving from the highly
structured high school environment to the freedom of college. Greek membership
assists with academic success by offering scholarship programs, such as
time management workshops, inviting professors to the chapter house as guest
speakers, and organizing study partners. Your student can also access the
network of chapter members who already know how to use campus resources
like the Mansfield Library, writing center, computer labs, and academic
advisors. Thanks, in part, to the chapters’ academic goals and these
programs, the average GPA among Greek members consistently remains comparable
to the all undergraduate GPA.
What does it cost to be a member?
The Greek experience is an investment in your student’s future. The
leadership skills, academic assistance, and friendships will benefit your
student beyond their college days. Since the costs of memberships vary among
chapters, we encourage your student to ask questions related to finances
during the recruitment process. We also encourage you to call the Office
of Greek Life if you have any questions about the obligations regarding
finances. Overall, the cost of living in a fraternity or sorority house
is comparable, if not less than, any other housing option on campus but
will vary greatly depending on what each chapters’ budget supports
such as facility, cook, housemother, etc.
Are fraternities/sororities primarily social in nature? What is
the alcohol policy?
There is a large social aspect to the Greek community; however, note that
these “social” events entail happenings, such as education programs/workshops,
community service events, intramural sports, Homecoming parade, and alumni
gatherings in addition to dances and socials. Across the nation, Greek communities
have adopted policies and educational programs to create a safe, beneficial
environment for its members. The sororities in the UM Greek community have
never allowed alcohol in chapter houses. UM fraternity houses also are prohibited
from permitting underage drinking and from having alcohol in common areas
of their facilities. Indeed, each chapter is required to abide by UM policies,
their organization’s inter/national alcohol policy, and all local,
state, and federal guidelines.
Where can I go to learn more about recruitment and the UM Greek
community at large?
Your student will receive information about recruitment today and throughout
the summer by mail. Recruitment is a mutual selection process with the hope
that there is a place for everyone.
Contact the Office of Greek Life at (406) 243-2005 or visit
online at www.umt.edu/greek to learn more about the UM Greek community.
Helpful Links:
Financial Information
Policies
Housing Information