Family & Friends

The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life values the contributions friends and family members provide their student and the ability they have to positively enhance their student’s college experience.

As a parent, it is important to learn about the fraternities and sororities of interest to your child in order to help your child make the best decision when he or she enters into the Greek community. The following information should provide you with a better understanding of the fraternities and sororities on the Towson University campus.

Academics

Academics should be your child's main focus while in college. A minimum GPA of 2.5 is required in order to join a fraternity or sorority at Towson University. Most Greek organizations on campus also require a minimum GPA in order to remain a member after initiation. Most chapters have an elected official within their organization who is responsible for keeping track of each member's academic performance throughout the semester. It is also required that fraternities and sororities at Towson incorporate educational programs to help the entire chapter excel academically, such as tutoring and study sessions. Different scholarships are available within each individual organization.

Financial Responsibility 

If your child is interested in becoming a member of the Greek community, it is important to discuss whether or not joining a Greek organization is affordable. Your child will have financial responsibilities when joining a fraternity or sorority. Typically, there is a one-time new member/ initiation fee as well as the membership dues that are paid each semester. Each organization’s dues vary and it is important for your child to ask financial questions during recruitment. It is also important to understand that most organizations provide payment plans to assist with finances.

Hazing 

Hazing is considered any action taken that produces bodily harm or danger, mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, fright, or ridicule. Today, all fraternity and sorority policies strictly prohibit any type of hazing activity. Towson University holds a zero-tolerance stance on this issue. These types of actions are against Towson University policy and the Maryland state law. For more information on hazing and contact information reporting these actions, please visit Policies and Forms.

Time Commitment

Joining a fraternity or sorority involves a weekly time commitment. The amount of time spent weekly with the organization varies with each member. Typically, each chapter holds at least one (1) meeting each week. There are mandatory events for the individual chapters and Fraternity and Sorority Life as a whole; however, members are always given at least two (2) weeks notice to these events. Some members choose to participate in optional activities, such as holding an office, attending social events, helping out with various projects, committees, etc. Some organizations require more time than others, so it is important for your child to ask for information on the time commitment during recruitment.