Parent/Family Frequently Asked Questions

For many parents and family members, fraternity and sorority life can be a bit of a mystery.  New experiences can be overwhelming at first.  Here are some of the most common questions we receive from family members.

When can my student join a fraternity?

To be eligible to join a fraternity as a first-semester first-year student at Michigan Tech, you must have at least a 3.0 high school GPA and be in good academic standing as a student.  Transfer students may join during their first semester at Michigan Tech.  Recruitment (also referred to as “rush week”) takes place within the first three weeks of each semester.  Regardless of the time at which a student wishes to join, the student must meet the following eligibility requirements:

  • Be enrolled as an undergraduate student at Michigan Tech.
  • To be eligible to join a fraternity as a first-semester first-year student at Michigan Tech, you must have at least a 3.0 high school GPA and be in good academic standing as a student.
  • As a second semester first-year student and above, you need to have a 2.5 cumulative Michigan Tech GPA.

Remember, these requirements are minimum standards, so interested students should ask each organization about their specific requirements.

What do fraternities and sororities do?  What are the benefits of joining?

Fraternities and sororities were first founded in the late 1700s as opportunities for students to gather outside of the classroom to debate and discuss their coursework free from professors and other administrators.  As these literary societies evolved over time, friendship, campus leadership and service to others also became part of their organizational mission.

These concepts of leadership, scholarship, service and friendship for life still exist in today’s fraternities and sororities.  No matter what fraternity or sorority a student may join, members participate in programs that encourage academic success, offer opportunities to serve the community, lead their peers, future career connections, and develop deep friendships.  Membership in a fraternity or sorority lasts a lifetime.  While other student organizations have a membership expiration date, fraternity/sorority membership goes with students as they graduate and begin their life’s work.

How will my son find the organization best suited for them?

Research before and active participation during the recruitment period are the best strategies for finding a fraternity.  Most students who join a fraternity do so in the first semester of their first year.  During the first semester, students are encouraged to attend recruitment events and meet the members.  During this time, it is important for your student to ask questions so they can begin to differentiate one chapter from another.

Important questions may include:
  • What type of member is the chapter looking for?
  • What values does this chapter promote?
  • Is the chapter officially recognized by the University? (Tau Kappa Epsilon is recognized by Michigan Tech)
  • How much are dues and fees?
  • What is expected of chapter members?
  • What kind of scholarship program does the chapter offer?
  • What activities is the chapter involved with on campus?
  • What is the time commitment?
  • What are the service projects this chapter conducts?
  • Does the chapter required members to live in the official chapter house?  If so, for how long?
  • How will membership in this specific fraternity/sorority benefit me?

It is important to know a great deal about the chapter before deciding to join. Recruitment events provide a time for mutual learning, a time when chapters learn about the new students and the new students learn about the chapters. All chapters are different and by asking questions and noting the differences, your student will narrow their selection to the most appropriate chapter.

What is the difference between a recognized and unrecognized fraternity?

University recognized fraternities/sororities work closely with the Fraternity & Sorority Affairs office. They are held accountable to University policies and are able to participate in Greek Life and University-sponsored programs. Unrecognized fraternities/sororities are not subject to University policy nor are they monitored by the University.

Tau Kappa Epsilon – Mu Lambda Chapter is a recognized organization at Michigan Tech.

Academic Support

Members of fraternities at Michigan Tech hold themselves to the highest academic standards on campus, not only your son will make inside career connections, but will have a support group of brothers that are able to mentor them in classes.

My student has been asked to join a fraternity.  Now, what happens?

The new member period is a time of learning – learning about how the organization is run, learning about the history of the organization, learning how to work within the larger membership, learning about yourself.

The new member program is designed by the national fraternity and new members learn this information at a weekly meeting. Additional activities include retreats, hands-on service activities, philanthropy fundraisers, educational seminars and social events.

What is the cost associated with joining a fraternity/sorority?

Fraternities are NOT funded by the University.  Each chapter is self-supported through dues charged to all members.  In the first semester of membership, new members are assessed a number of one-time fees (pledge fee, initiation fee, badge fee, insurance).  After the initial fees are paid, your student’s only required expenses will be their regular chapter dues.

Membership dues and rental fees vary semester to semester depending on the number of members. Cost for Tau Kappa Epsilon – Mu Lambda Chapter Members living in the house with our meal plan can range between ~$1900 – 2300 per semester. Costs for Tau Kappa Epsilon – Mu Lambda Chapter Members living outside of the house without a meal plan can range between ~$500 – 850 per semester.

TKE Board of Advisors entity oversees all budgeting, billing, and financial reporting of the Active Chapter. Parents and Members receive monthly invoices through our online payment system “Greekbill”. Tau Kappa Epsilon – Mu Lambda Chapter can set up payment plans for the semester that work with individuals financial needs.

For direct questions on costs please contact the House Manager.

Financial Assistance and Scholarships

Tau Kappa Epsilon – Mu Lambda Chapter has many great financial resources for our members. Our payment system called “Greekbill” allows members to set up payment plans on their own terms with the help of our House Manager and Chapter Treasure. Payment plans can be setup for Rent, National Dues, Meal Plan, Etc.

Tau Kappa Epsilon – Mu Lambda Chapter also has many scholarships given out during the Fall semester by the Board of Advisors through our scholarship fund from the TKE Foundation. Active members from the chapter are encouraged to apply by contacting The Board of Advisors for our “Education Excellence” and “Top TKE” awards. Tax Deductible donations to this fund can be found here: https://tkemulambda.com/tke-scholarship-boa/

The TKE Foundation also has many scholarships open to all active TKE Members. These scholarships are graciously donated from alumni throughout the country and world. Scholarships are awarded on all types of criteria such as academics, leadership, service, etc. Active members are encouraged to apply from these scholarships during the Spring semester by March 15th of every year at: https://www.tke.org/foundation/scholarships

What is my role as a parent?

Take the time to find out more about the Greek community at Michigan Tech. Ask questions about what the organizations will offer your student and allow them to make the best decision for themselves.

Once your student joins, here are a few suggestions to help ease your student’s transition to both the University and their new fraternity.

  • Be happy and supportive of your student’s choice of fraternity.
  • Encourage them to attend programs sponsored by their new chapter and the Office of Fraternity & Sorority Affairs.
  • Know the name and contact information for the chapter president and house manager.
  • Ask for details about the financial aspect of membership. If you are providing financial assistance, you have the right to know.
  • Stay in touch with phone calls, emails & text messages.
  • Attend Parent/Family weekend activities as well as other special events sponsored by the chapter.
  • Expect to see numerous new t-shirts, photos, and Greek gear.
  • Initiation is a big day. Congratulate your student and acknowledge this important milestone in their fraternity/sorority membership journey.
  • Encourage your student to be a part of the University community and to take advantage of its many resources.

Who is actually in charge of the fraternities and sororities?

Individual chapters elect student officers to manage the day to day operations of the chapter; These officers are assisted by The Board of Advisors. The Board of Advisors entity meets with the chapter on a regular basis and provides guidance, advice, support and assistance, direct supervision of chapter property and finances, and provides continuity for the long term success of the chapter and its members.

Tau Kappa Epsilon – Mu Lambda Chapter housing is privately run. The property is owned and ran by The Board of Control which consists of a board of active alumni that help preserve the house and ensure its safety, upkeep, and renovations of real property. The Board of Control also is responsible for alumni engagement.

Each chapter is also responsible to report to their inter/national organization, which offers support, advice, and direction through paid professional staff and regional volunteers.

Michigan Tech operates the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs and employs three professional staff members to advise and support the recognized fraternities/sororities. You can contact OFSA at 906-487-1963

My student wants to move into the fraternity house.  What should I expect?

Tau Kappa Epsilon – Mu Lambda Chapter housing is privately run. The property is owned and ran by The Board of Control which consists of a board of active alumni that help preserve the house and ensure its safety, upkeep, and renovations of real property.

The Board of Control (an arm of the organization) is responsible for the execution of leases, the collection of rent, and/or the administration of any policies regarding the need for members to live in the chapter’s facility. If you have questions about living in the house please direct your questions to the House Manager. The lease your son signs is a legal document and they will be expected to honor all provisions outlined in the lease, including the payment of rent in a timely manner.

Greek Life Terminology

  • Active—A member of an organization that is initiated and enrolled in school.

  • Bid—An invitation for a potential new member to join a particular organization.

  • Chapter—An individual Greek organization established at a university.

  • Dues—The amount of money paid to a chapter by an active each semester.

  • Fraternity—A men’s organization established through the bonds of brotherhood.

  • Greek—Another name for an organization established by the use of the Greek alphabet, or a member of such an organization.

  • Interfraternity Council (IFC)—The governing body of the men’s fraternities.

  • Initiation—A ceremony in which a student becomes a full member of an organization.

  • Local—An organization whose chapter is only established at one university.

  • National—An organization which has chapters across the nation and has a (inter)national headquarters.

  • New Member/Associate Member—A student who has already received a bid and is going through the new member process, but has not yet been initiated into the organization in order to become a full member (active).

  • New Member Process—The process that a new member must complete to become an active or full member of a Greek organization. Time length varies by organization but generally lasts five to eight weeks usually concluding with a week of close chapter events.

  • Philanthropy—The process of raising money for a specific organization or cause.

  • Preference—An invitation only recruitment event. A chance for a student to express an interest in receiving a bid by that organization.

  • Recruiting—The process of introducing potential new members to the Greek community.

  • Rush/Recruitment Event—An event which an organization sponsors to meet students.

Greek Alphabet

Tau Kappa Epsilon – Mu Lambda Chapter.

  • Α – α – Alpha (al-fah)

  • Β – β – Beta (bay-tah)

  • Γ – γ – Gamma (gam-ah)

  • Δ – δ – Delta (del-tah)

  • Ε – ε – Epsilon (ep-si-lon)

  • Ζ – ζ – Zeta (zay-tah)

  • Η – η – Eta (ay-tah)

  • Θ – θ – Theta (thay-tah)

  • Ι – ι – Iota (eye-o-tah)

  • Κ – κ – Kappa (cap-ah)

  • Λ – λ – Lambda (lamb-dah)

  • Μ – μ – Mu (mew)

  • Ν – ν – Nu (new)

  • Ξ – ξ – Xi (zzEYE)

  • Ο – ο – Omicron (omm-e-cron)

  • Π – π – Pi (pie)

  • Ρ – ρ – Rho (roe)

  • Σ – ς – Sigma (sig-mah)

  • Τ – σ – Tau (taw)

  • Υ – τυ – Upsilon (yoop-si-lon)

  • Φ – φ – Phi (fie)

  • Χ – χ – Chi (kEYE)

  • Ψ – ψ – Psi (sigh)

  • Ω – ω – Omega (o-may-gah)

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