Dear Parents of the Class of  2013,

Your son or daughter will have the first opportunity to join a Wittenberg Fraternity or Sorority in the spring of 2010, if they have achieved at least a 2.25 GPA. and 16 credits or a 2.75 with 12-15 completed credits. Fraternities and Sororities are not just social or student organizations. They strive for excellence in scholarship, leadership, service to the community and loyalty to lifelong friends. They expect their members to make a commitment of time, resources and talent to the organization, campus and community. Over 50% of our student leaders are Greek and most of the Student Senate members and Orientation Assistants are too.

At Wittenberg 40 % of our men and women have chosen to join a Greek letter organization. The All Greek GPA has topped the Non-Greek GPA for the past 12 semesters. In the 2008-2009, our 12 chapters combined to raise more than $26,000 to benefit multiple non-profit agencies in the Springfield area along non-profits affiliated with their national fraternal organizations. Additionally, fraternity and sorority members donated over 14,000 hours of their time through community service efforts.  Greek students have received training on many different issues including risk management, leadership development, sexual assault prevention, healthy eating, business etiquette, and internet crime just to name a few. And this was NOT an unusual semester!

Of course there are social events too…everything from hanging out at the house to watch t.v. to semi- formal dinners and family and alumni events. Members are building the interpersonal and social skills so desired by employers today to balance the “computer-age” isolation. Fraternities and sororities have active networks of alumni to assist with career information and ways to become connected in new cities. The sense of belonging and support contributes to a higher graduation rate and continued involvement after graduation with Wittenberg and friends made here.

We would like to address the most common concerns about joining a fraternity or sorority. They are the cost and hazing. Being a member of a sorority or fraternity requires paying dues to your chapter. However, looking at what you get for this money we believe the investment is fully worth it. Dues cover most things the chapter does: brotherhood and sisterhood events, informational programs, movie nights, snacks, socials and other fun activities. Also most chapters have leadership retreats during  both the school year and the summer. Being a member of any Wittenberg Greek organization also allows you to live in the chapter house and eat there, which is generally lesser in cost than other housing options including on-campus options. In regard to hazing, the Interfraternity and Panhellenic Councils along with the University have a strict no-hazing policy. If something would occur or you suspect hazing is occuring, click here for information to report hazing. For more resources, go to hazingprevention.org.

While membership may not be for everyone, we sincerely hope that your student will participate in Recruitment and get a first hand understanding of membership before making his/her own decision. We ask that you lend your encouragement and support throughout this process. Please check out the Greek section of the website or contact one of us for further information.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact any of us.