University of Nebraska-Omaha

A Parent's Guide to Fraternity/Sorority Life at UNO

Message to the Parent(s):

As your son or daughter prepares to attend the University Nebraska at Omaha, they have many opportunities to get involved in campus life. Becoming a fraternity or sorority member is one of them! The Panhellenic Council and the Interfraternity Council would like to make sure you, as the parent, know the benefits of joining the UNO Greek community. There is great probability that there will be a fraternity or sorority that is right for your son or daughter.

What will my child get out of Greek life that they would not get out of another college organization?

Attending college is one of the major life changes your son or daughter will go through. Joining a fraternity or sorority chapter will help make the transition easier. Through their membership, your child will develop life-long friendship. For numerous members, these chapters become a home away from home. In addition to learning brother/sisterhood, every chapter is committed to enhancing leadership, scholarship, philanthropy/ service, and financial responsibility in their members.

How will joining a chapter now benefit my child after college?

The lifelong friendship your child will make in their chapter will last into post-college years. Greeks have national networks for its members to use for career connections and job re-locations. Membership in a fraternity or sorority is a lifelong commitment that is enjoyed by both the chapter and the member. Joining now is really an investment in your child's future. After college, a member has the opportunity to join an alumni chapter in the area he/she lives.

Dean's Message/Advisor's Message:

Will my son or daughter's academics be compromised if they join a Greek chapter?

Academics are a top priority in the Greek community. When students join a Greek organization they become part of a larger group of students who value their academics at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Each chapter understands what each new member is facing and can provide support in many areas. Each chapter has a scholarship officer who initiates programs within each chapter to encourage high academic achievement. Thanks, in part, to these high academic standards and these programs, the average GPA among Greek members is above the all university undergraduate GPA.

What is a Philanthropy or Service Project?

Greek members take it as part of their mission to support their national philanthropies (not-for-profit causes) financially, physically, and emotionally. Throughout the year, each chapter spends numerous hours fundraising and volunteering for their particular philanthropy. Some of the philanthropies the chapters are associated with are: Breast Cancer Awareness and Research, Ronald McDonald House, Boys Scouts, Alzheimer's Research, and Make-A-Wish Foundation. The time spent together on philanthropic events is one of the many times that the fraternity and the sorority members have the opportunity to bond, while making a difference in the community.

"The Greek Community has influenced my daughter in many ways but the community involvement and philanthropy partnerships have encouraged her to grow as an individual." Rhonda Gindulis

How much time does a chapter require?

The time commitment various from chapter to chapter but the first semester is the most time intensive as the new member goes through the chapter's Education Program. The time spent in this program will give your child the opportunity to develop their leadership and time management skills, learn about the chapter history, develop friendships with their new member class, as well as the rest of the chapter, and allow them to become involved in other organizations. After initiation into the chapter, expectations will vary. Each chapter has weekly meetings and other mandatory events throughout the year, but they are planned well in advance. In addition to the weekly meetings, the more your child puts in the more they will get out of being a member!

What does it cost to be a member?

The Greek Experience is an investment in your child's future. The leadership skills, the academic assistance, and friendships will benefit your child beyond their college days. The perception that fraternities and sororities are made only for the "wealthy" students is a misconception. Greek organizations are quite affordable and the fees go to benefit your child in positive ways. A portion of member's dues directly support the betterment of the chapter and the national organization.

Are fraternities/ sororities primarily social in nature?

There is a social aspect to the Greek community, but these "social" events include: education programs, community service events, intramural sports, Homecoming, exchanges, Greek Week, and socials. The Greek communities across the nation have adopted strict approaches to socializing to create a safer, more beneficial environment for members.

Is there an alcohol policy?

Each chapter has an inter/national alcohol policy in which there are yearly educational programs that the chapter is required to present to its members. The UNO Greek community follows all state and federal laws, as well as, the University policies regarding alcohol use.

"I am completely impressed by Panhellenic going to a complete non-alcoholic policy in the houses. This insures the safety of the members of the sororities and encourages responsibility." David Isbell

What about hazing?

The Interfraternity Council (IFC) and the Panhellenic Council (PHC) prohibits all forms of hazing. A definition of hazing can be found in the University's code of policies and regulations. The Judicial Board of the UNO fraternities/sororities investigates all allegations. Hazing is also illegal in the state of Nebraska and if convicted can carry with it misdemeanor charges, as well as, fines associated with the violation.

What is my role as a parent?

Take the time to find out more about the Greek community at UNO. Ask questions about the organizations they will offer to your child. As a parent, help your child decide what they want, but allow your child to make the best decision for themselves. Once your child joins a fraternity or sorority there will be numerous opportunities for you to get involved.

"The Greek System has sustained lifetime friendships for my sister, my husband, two of my daughters, and myself; it helps its members with academic endeavors which builds character and integrity in most." Elizabeth (Rowan) Merz

Where can I go to learn more?

Contact the Greek Advisor in the Student Organizations and Leadership Programs Office on the 1st Floor of the Milo Bail Student Center, or by calling 554-2711.

Any comments or suggestions regarding these pages can be directed to the Greek Advisor at (402) 554-2711