For Parents

Fraternities are a proven support network for your son as he embarks on this new period in his life. Over 400,000 students across the country are currently fraternity members. The Fraternity can help personalize your son's college experience by offering scholastic support; hands-on experience in leading committees, managing budgets and interacting with faculty and administrators; exposure to potential careers through educational programs and discussions with alumni; the chance to give back to the community through service projects; and close friends who will cheer him on when he is successful and support him when times are tough.

With all these opportunities available to them, it is no wonder that fraternity members tend to graduate from college at a higher rate than those men not involved in fraternities. As a parent, you are undoubtedly concerned about your son's college experience and the choices he will make. For your son, making the transition to a four-year college or university might seem like an imposing challenge. He might wonder:

• Will I fit in and make new friends?
• Will I succeed academically?
• Will I be able to get involved in campus organizations and better my leadership skills?
• Will I find other people interested in the same things that I am?
• How can I best prepare for my career?
• Will I feel like a part of the campus community or just another number?

Upsilon Chapter has officers and alumni available to answer any questions or concerns you may have. Contact the Executive Vice President to learn more. Whether you were a Greek or not, we understand the apprehension and concern all parents face as their son goes off to college, especially if he becomes interested in a fraternity. We have provided a list of common questions and answers on this page. Please know Upsilon Chapter and Delta Tau Delta do not practice or authorize hazing of any kind and have very strict alcohol and member responsibility policies.

Can my son benefit from fraternity membership?

Yes, through the following ways: He'll have a group of supportive friends to help him make the adjustment to college and be his friends for life. He'll be offered scholastic resources to help him achieve his academic goals. He'll be taught leadership skills and offered hands-on opportunities to practice those skills. He'll be encouraged to get involved on campus and in the community to his fullest potential. He'll be taught the importance of the giving of oneself through active participation in community service projects. He'll be exposed to career opportunities through interaction with fraternity alumni.

What is alcohol use really like in the Fraternity?

Alcohol abuse is unhealthy and inconsistent with Delt ideals. All Delts are expected to uphold state, county, and university policies regarding the consumption of alcohol. Many fraternities are leading the way on college campuses in the effort to combat alcohol by implementing innovative abuse prevention initiatives. Your son will face many personal choices regarding alcohol use in college. Regardless of whether he joins a fraternity, he is responsible for his choices.

Doesn't it cost a lot of money to be in a fraternity?

Each fraternity is self-supported through dues charged to all members. In the first year of membership, a few one time expenses are assessed. After those initial payments are made, expenses will include chapter dues and annual Fraternity dues. Upsilon Chapter of Delta Tau Delta's lodging and meals are competitive with other housing options. A variety of payment plans are available.

What is my role as a parent?

Be supportive and learn as much as you can by asking questions of your son as he meets people through the recruitment and new-member process. Fraternity members will be more than happy to tell him, and you, about their group. In years to come, Delta Tau Delta will also become part of your life.

Our NO Hazing Policy

No chapter of Delta Tau Delta shall indulge in any physical abuse or undignified treatment (hazing) of its pledges or members. Permission or approval by a person being hazed is not a defense. Hazing is defined as any action taken or situation created intentionally, whether on or off Fraternity premises, to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule. Such activities and situations include paddling in any form, creation of excessive fatigue, physical and psychological shocks, quests, treasure hunts, scavenger hunts, road trips or any other such activities, kidnapping of actives by pledges or pledges by actives as well as the forced consumption of alcohol, wearing apparel which is conspicuous and not normally in good taste, engaging in any public stunts and buffoonery, morally degrading or humiliating games and activities, late work sessions which interfere with academic activity, and any other activities which are not consistent with Fraternal law, Ritual or policy with the regulations and policies of the host educational institution. Furthermore, chapters shall follow Delta Tau Delta's Delt Development Program.