Back-to-school season can feel like a whirlwind of packing, schedules, and new beginnings. If your daughter is interested in joining a sorority—or is already part of one—you may be wondering what this next chapter will look like and how you can ensure she has a safe and engaging experience.
As Director of Educational Initiatives for Holmes Murphy’s Fraternal Practice and a speaker for The Catalyst Agency, I spend a lot of time speaking with members of sororities and fraternities about creating a positive and safe environment for their members. I recently shared my perspective on student organization safety and the reality of recruitment—check out the articles below and read our Fraternal blogs for more insights!
Safety and Connection
Sororities and fraternities are far from the only options for student engagement. From music ensembles and sports teams to clubs for niche interests and more, there are countless ways for your student to get involved. Healthy organizations have two components: good relationships and safety. You can’t have one without the other. Unfortunately, rituals like hazing can take an opportunity for connection and transform it into a dangerous situation. As parents, we can be part of the problem or part of the solution.
Recruitment, Not Rush
When you imagine joining a sorority, what comes to mind? If your brain instantly conjured images of expensive outfits, exclusive cliques, and enough drama to fuel a reality show, think again. As a parent, emotions might run high for you and your daughter as she goes through the recruitment process. Instead of getting too involved, cheer her on and challenge any preconceived notions you had about “rush.”
Help Prevent Hazing
Joining a sorority, fraternity, or any new team or club can be a vulnerable time for students at any stage of their college career. Parents, friends, and partners can help protect their loved ones by understanding how to talk about hazing and interrupt the normalization of hazing behaviors. Tune in on September 10 at 11 a.m. CST as I chat with Dr. Byron Hughes, Assistant Vice Chancellor and Dean of Students at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, about the important role a student’s support system can play in preventing hazing. Sign up for the webinar to learn more.
