Parents & Potential New Members (PNMs)

Parents & Family 

Welcome to Fraternity and Sorority Life at East Tennessee State University! We're thrilled by your interest in supporting your student's exploration of joining our community. Joining a fraternity or sorority offers each individual the opportunity to derive something unique from the fraternity and sorority community. For some, it serves as a support network and a place to develop friendships. For others, it is a chance to become involved in community service, philanthropy projects, leadership opportunities, and academic pursuits. For most, it is all of these things and the lifelong bond of brotherhood and sisterhood that makes the experience last a lifetime.

Being part of a fraternity or sorority at ETSU brings your student: 

  • A supportive community dedicated to their success
  • Access to academic support like peer tutors and study sessions
  • Mentorship from upperclassmen, guiding them on professors, majors, and courses 
  • Numerous community service and philanthropic opportunities that will foster lifelong values and the value of giving back 
  • Hands-on leadership roles for practical experience 
  • Involvement in consistent intramural sports teams
  • A network of fraternity and sorority alumni who can offer career advice and potential internships or job prospects 

What is my role as a parent or family member? 

  • Students need support throughout the process of recruitment/intake and new member education. Be supportive and learn as much as you can about Fraternity & Sorority Life by asking questions of your student as they meet members currently in fraternities and sororities. 
  • Keep an open mind. Fraternity & Sorority Life is not for everyone. Just because you may have been in a fraternity or sorority doesn't mean that is the right choice for your student. 
  • Fraternities and sororities are different on every campus. Prior reputations might not hold the same weight at ETSU. Encourage your student to choose the group where they feel mst comfortable. 
  • Talk to your student beforehand about the financial obligation. Determine who will pay for what and where the limits are.
  • Keep Fraternity & Sorority Life contact information on hand if you ahve any questions or concerns. Your involvement and understanding are key to your student's positive experience.  

To learn more about the different programs we offer for parents and families at ETSU, please visit the New Student and Family Programs website. 

Submit an Incident Report about a violation. (Note: The information submitted in this report should not be considered confidential.) 

Submit a CARE Report concerning a medical situation, mental health, or other non-disciplinary concern. (Note: The information submitted in this report should not be considered confidential.)

Please feel free to visit our Councils page to explore the diverse organizations represented at ETSU. 

We look forward to working with both you and your student in the future. Please feel free to contact the Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life at any time. 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is membership expensive?
    Costs vary by organization, information for all organizations can be acquired easily through the chapter your child is interested in.
  • Will my child be safe?
    ETSU’s FSL chapters work closely with Fraternity and Sorority Life staff to create a responsible and safe environment for students and their guests. All chapters have strict policies concerning alcohol consumption and are held accountable according to the University’s code of conduct and Tennessee law.
  • Is hazing a part of the fraternity & sorority experience?

    The ETSU policy on Hazing states: Hazing. Hazing, as defined in TCA § 49-7-123(a)(1), means any intentional or reckless act, on or off the property, of any higher education institution by an individual acting alone, or with others, which is directed against any other person(s) that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of that person(s), or which induces or coerces a person(s) to endanger such person(s) mental or physical health or safety. Hazing does not include customary athletic events or similar contests or competitions, and is limited to those actions taken and situations created in connection with initiation into or affiliation with any organization;

     Any allegations or reports of hazing are taken seriously and acted upon swiftly. Reports may come in to the Dean of Students, Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life, or by completing the report form online.

     A list of institutional expectations and disciplinary procedures may be found in the “Student Conduct and Rights” section of the current year’s academic catalog.

  • Who oversees fraternity & sorority chapters?

    Each chapter has elected officers, alumni advisors, support of its national/international organization and a relationship with ETSU.