WELCOME
Welcome to Greek life at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), Parents and Family!
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Greek life plays a pivotal role in the dynamic campus experience at VCU, contributing to a holistic university journey that equips our graduates with knowledge, skills, and cultural and social competency to excel in a rapidly evolving world.
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I can personally attest to the transformative impact of Greek life, having had the privilege of being part of this community. It resulted in enduring friendships, both personal and professional.
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At VCU, we appreciate your role as a collaborator in your student’s educational journey. Your support is crucial in enabling your student to leverage the university's resources for success in both college and life.
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Greek life at VCU offers fantastic opportunities for your students to enjoy themselves and thrive in a diverse academic and student environment. The programs and activities foster academic achievement, community engagement, and leadership development.
With our esteemed faculty, cutting-edge research, and state-of-the-art classrooms, VCU has been shaping the lives of students for over 50 years.
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I encourage you to explore the myriad offerings at VCU for your student, including the enriching opportunities provided by Greek life.
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Thank you for your interest in Greek life at Virginia Commonwealth University. Wishing you and your student all the best for an exciting and successful college career.
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Cierra Wilson
Assistant Director, FSL at VCU
Parent's Role
Provide ongoing support during the recruitment/intake process and new member education. Engage actively by acquiring knowledge about Greek life through questioning your students as they meet fraternity and sorority members.
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Maintain an open mind, acknowledging that Greek life may not be suitable for everyone, even if you were a member in the past. Encourage your son or daughter to approach each organization with an open mind, recognizing the unique characteristics of fraternities and sororities on their campus. Allow them to choose the group that feels most comfortable.
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Discuss financial obligations with your student beforehand, clarifying responsibilities and setting limits. Emphasize the importance of keeping an open mind throughout the recruitment process, as the selection is mutual, and students may only sometimes join their first-choice fraternity or sorority.
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Avoid excessive involvement in the recruitment/intake process; it's your son or daughter's decision. You can attend or help plan numerous activities and events once your student joins an organization.
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Empower your student to handle their own matters by letting them call various offices with questions or concerns about their decision to join a Greek organization. Keep the Student Involvement and Leadership contact information handy for any inquiries about Greek Life at Virginia Commonwealth University.
What can I do as a parent or family member?
Please offer your support and gather information by engaging in conversations with your student before they decide to join. Many groups provide written statements about their activities, finances, and policies, so encourage your student to obtain and review this material. It's essential to let your student make their own choice, especially if you have a background in Greek life.
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Extend your support beyond the recruitment period and throughout your student's time in school. Once they join a chapter, take advantage of FSL's Greek Week, Fall Block Step Show, chapter's Philanthropy weeks, and New Member Presentation weekend activities and participate in VCU's Family Weekend during the fall. These occasions provide excellent opportunities for you to witness your student interacting with their chapter members and offer another way to spend quality time together.
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This document and sections above were modified from https://www.wright.edu/student-affairs/student-involvement-and-leadership/greek-life-information-for-parents-and-families
Financials
How much does it cost? The question is on everyone's mind. We wanted to provide you with a breakdown of average cost to join each council. Please note these prices might include one time initiation fees, clothes for new member presentations (NPHC and UGC), conference registration fees etc. While some organizations have payment plans in CPC and IFC, NPHC and UGC require the full amount with no payment arrangement. When your student decides they are ready to join a fraternity or sorority, we suggest beginning to save for the joining process at least the semester before or a year before depending on the organization or amount.
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Your student will need a 2.7 cumulative GPA, 12 VCU credit hours or 1 completed semester (transfer credits do not count towards this), and complete Adam's Law Hazing Prevention training before joining an organization.
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CPC: $500-$1,00 per year. Typically due In September/October and February/March depending on the semester in which you join.
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IFC: $600 -$1,000 per year. Typically due in October/November and February/March depending on the semester in which you join.
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NPHC: $900-$2,500. Typically due in September/October and February/March depending on the semester in which you join.
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UGC: $500-$1,000. Typically due in September/October and February/March depending on the semester in which you join.
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