Parents Question and Answer

Q: How much does membership in a Greek organization cost?

A: 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.

Q: Will my son or daughter's grades suffer due to Greek membership?

A: Students are given one semester to adjust to the rigors of Hanover 's academic demands before they have the opportunity to go through the formal recruitment process. They should use this time to develop good time management and study skills. Focusing on their academic success should be a priority no matter what student organizations a student decides to join, and Greek life is no different. All of the chapters have minimum GPA requirements for a student to join and remain an active member. Women must have a minimum 2.5 GPA and men a 2.25 GPA in order to participate in the formal Recruitment process. Because of these requirements, many chapters have additional resources to aid members in improving and maintaining high scholastic status.

Q: Is alcohol prevalent in the Greek community?

A: Alcohol is not necessarily more prevalent in the Greek community or living units than in the residence halls, but is more evident. The Greek Chapters live in more independent living environments, much like Greenwood Apartments and Ogle Suites, than the traditional residence hall. Given this more independent living environment and the age range of the student population, alcohol will continue to be a topic of concern. However our Greek leaders are dedicated to educating members on the responsible use of alcohol and holding members accountable for behavior, including the irresponsible use of alcohol, that is not conducive to the standards and expectation we hold for members of our community.

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

A: 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. Feel free to contact the your son or daughter's Chapter President if you have specific interests or contact the Greek Life Office at 812-866-7081 or walters@hanover.edu to find out how you can get involved.

Q: Can my student gain a similar experience through membership in other Student Organizations?

A: Yes and no. There are many student organizations that can offer opportunities in areas that Greek life also focuses on. There are several student organizations that offer their members community service opportunities or an academic focus and social opportunities. However, Greek life is unique in other respects. Few other organizations offer value-centered ideals, a large network of accessible alumni, or the range of leadership opportunities. Also, no other organization has access to a large scale housing facility. Living with members of the organization is an important growing opportunity that is unique to Greek life. However, many Greek members are actively involved in other student organizations and understand that these other activities are just as important to the creation of a well-rounded and full college experience. Students have a rich and diverse range of student organizations to benefit from during their time at Hanover.

Q: Do chapter's still haze their new members?

A: Hanover College strictly prohibits hazing in any form. This prohibition is strongly supported by each chapter's inter/national organization policies. Allegations of hazing are swiftly investigated by the college and inter/national office. Any chapter found to be hazing would suffer severe consequences including probation, suspension of chapter activities, or suspension of the chapter from Hanover College.

Q: Why should my student consider joining a Greek chapter?

A: Students should give consideration to all the opportunities Hanover College offers. Greek life is one among many, and may not be the right fit for all students. However, the foundations and opportunities Greek life offers are worthy of consideration. Participating in recruitment activities is a wonderful way to meet new people, both upperclassmen and first-year students. Participating in the Greek community is one avenue available to students who want to enhance their leadership skills, learn life skills, and aid their community.

Q: What are the benefits of joining a chapter?

A: There are both tangible and intangible benefits to joining a Greek organization. Tangible benefits range anywhere from free laundry services to cash scholarships available through local alumni corporations and National Headquarters to the ability to attend leadership conferences. However, few students point to these tangible items as benefits of their membership. Students usually cite the intangible benefits as the ones that truly make their membership worthwhile. These benefits include a support network, life long friends, increased awareness of their own strengths and weaknesses, and leadership skills and experiences that will last a lifetime.

Q: When can members move into the chapter house?

A: First-year students are not permitted to live in the chapter houses. The college believes that a common first-year experience is important to a student's connection to Hanover, and living in a residence hall is an important aspect of that experience. Members who meet the requirements to live in house may move into the chapter house for their sophomore year. However, if a student joins an organization after their first year, they may not move into the chapter house until the semester after they have been initiated.

Q: What are the visitation policies of Greek houses?

A: All of the sororities prohibit men on the residential floors of their house. Men are restricted to common areas only. Fraternity houses visitation policies vary from house to house. However all Greek houses are closed to first-year students for the first few weeks of the fall term. This allows for the chapters to concentrate on beginning of the year chapter operations and programming.

Last Updated: August 7, 2006
Expiration Date: May 2008
Page Webmaster: Office of Student Life