Student Life

Helping your Student Choose Social Activities: Greek Life

Parents and college students should discuss the benefits of joining campus social organizations, such as Fraternities or Sororities. There is a tremendous upside of being a member of fraternities, sororities, and other social organizations – but there can also be negative downsides to such a decision.
As a parent, it's a good idea for you to learn about fraternities and sororities so you can help your son or daughter make the best decision about whether or not he or she should be part of the Greek life. Educate yourself by reading our guide to fraternities and sororities.

Parent’s Weekend: What to Expect

Parents and Family weekends are an integral part of the college experience. The focus of these events is to welcome the parents, family members, and family friends of undergraduate students to campus so that they have the opportunity to experience a portion of their student's life at the school. Parents are generally encouraged to participate in a variety of academic, athletic, and social events especially designed to give family members a taste of the school. Read more to learn what to expect over parent’s weekend.

Where can we find discount priced computers for college students?

Typically, your student's on-campus bookstore will have the best rates and will offer student discounts. You can check out the bookstore online or in-person. Apple offers a hefty student discount here.

Packing for College: the Ultimate Packing Lists to get your Student Organized

Relax. While packing your student for college may feel like an overwhelming task, it doesn't have to be. In fact, you might even have some fun with it.

Saying Goodbye: Helping your Student Transition Successfully to College – while maintaining your own peace of mind

This article explores the complicated feelings of saying good-bye, while also providing you, the parent, tips on how to help your student be successful in the first chapter of their adult life.

What should my student do if he/she becomes homesick?

First year students face numerous challenges and some struggle at first. We advise them to give it a little time, get engaged with their academic work, eat the right foods, engage in regular exercise, get enough sleep, invest in their relationships with their roommates, join a club or organization, and establish a good working relationship with their advisor or another faculty or staff member.

What is the biggest challenge my student will face during the fall semester?

The biggest challenge college students have is accepting responsibility for their educational experience, living arrangements, social life, and free time. College classrooms require initiative and independence, critical thinking and writing skills, and independent research. Life in the residence halls is similarly challenging as students with a diverse range of experiences and values work together to develop rhythms for studying and living together. All of these freedoms and responsibilities are intertwined with students’ explorations of old and new identities.

When is the best time to travel home for the first time?

Students recommend that new students wait a couple months before going home for the first time, citing Thanksgiving to be a good goal. Staying at school forces your student to connect.

Can parents be involved in their student's Greek experience?

Yes. Parents are an invaluable resource for students in every aspect of campus life, and the Greek experience is no different. Many chapters have parent events and publications to keep parents informed of chapter events, achievements, and needs. Parents can also get involved by volunteering at chapter fundraising activities or presenting educational presentations, helping the chapter make community contacts, or providing additional resources to assist the chapter in a variety of programming areas.

How much does membership in a Greek organization cost?

The average cost is $450-600 including initiation fees. Students will get a break down of each chapter's due structure during formal Recruitment, so they can see and understand the cost of each organization.

What are the biggest academic adjustments during the freshman year?

Learning to discipline oneself and manage time are critical adjustments. College classes may meet only every other day, or once a week, but the workload does not diminish. It is suggested that the student spend two hours of studying for every one hour in class, balanced with study breaks. Students should know to seek help for academic difficulties.

Should I encourage my student to join a Greek society? (Fraternity or Sorority)

First - encourage your student to be involved in campus activities in some way. For some - a Greek society may be a good fit, and intramural sports may be a better fit for others. Either way - studies have consistently shown that students actively involved in campus activities are more successful students.

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