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Parents and Families

Dear Parents and Families,

Welcome to Fraternity & Sorority Life at the University of Missouri-St. Louis! In joining a fraternity or sorority, your student will meet many new people and become involved in a variety of different organizations – each one adding to their development as an adult. The fundamental principles of our organizations include brotherhood/sisterhood, academics, service and citizenship. As students strive to achieve their academic goals, the fraternal community supports and encourages leadership and service within the St. Louis community and beyond.

Each fraternity and sorority includes members who participate in a number of other organizations outside of their Greek organization A few examples of groups with fraternity & sorority life members include - New Student Programs, UMSL orientation, Welcome Week activities, intramural sports, Student Government, honor societies, Homecoming, Students of Service, University Programming Board, etc. All of these activities will allow your student to work with others in the campus community. Becoming a part of a fraternity or sorority at UMSL will enable your student to succeed academically, become adjusted to college life, enjoy their college career, and form friendships that will last a lifetime. 

Fraternities and sororities are Greek-letter, social, organizations for students that encourage high academic standards, community service, and assist young people with character and leadership development. These organizations have existed on college and university campuses since 1824. Hundreds of thousands of college students choose to join a fraternity or sorority for a variety of reasons including hands-on leadership experience, interacting with faculty and administrators, academic support systems, and the chance to be a part of something larger than themselves.

Joining a fraternity or sorority is an important decision for each student. As with any important decision, it helps to have the support of family and friends. If they join, we hope that you will view the choice as a positive aspect of your student’s college experience.  Also, please feel free to browse the website for additional information and learn more in the Frequently Asked Questions on the FSL home page. If you should have any questions or concerns, please call or email.

Best Regards,

Michaela Wells
Coordinator of Student Organizations & Fraternity and Sorority Life
mswells@umsl.edu
(314) 516-5291
Office of Student Involvement
366 Millennium Student Center

Pursuing membership in a fraternity/sorority is a significant step in a students’ journey. Many students seek to build a sense of community within the larger University to feel less overwhelmed, enjoy their college experience more, and reap additional benefits upon graduation which they attribute to their membership in their fraternity/sorority.

The staff in the Office of Student Involvement is here to help guide you through this experience! Feel free to reach out to the appropriate staff member with any and all questions! They are happy to help!

Ways You Can Support Your Student

  • Encourage your student to attend as many campus events as possible, especially during the first few weeks of school. The best way to meet active fraternity and sorority members is to get out there!
  • Inspire your student to get involved in other student organizations or areas of interest as this is often looked at favorably during the membership selection process.
  • Support your student throughout the process of recruitment/intake and new member education. Ask questions to learn as much as you can about fraternity/sorority life.
  • Keep an open mind.
  • Understand fraternity/sorority membership is not for everyone and just because others enjoy their fraternity/sorority experience doesn't mean it is the right choice for your student.
  • Realize fraternity/sorority chapters are different on every campus in terms of size, reputation, and achievement!
  • Remind your student to choose the group that feels most comfortable or natural.
  • Discuss the financial obligations of fraternity/sorority membership with your student beforehand. Determine who will pay for what and where the limits are.
  • Know fraternity/sorority recruitment/intake is a mutual selection process. Not everyone who wants to join a fraternity/sorority will receive an invitation for membership. Prospective new members should ensure they understand the recruitment/intake process and the reality of possible outcomes.
  • Empower your student to "fight their own battles". In order for students to grow in maturity and gain assertiveness, it’s important that they feel empowered to ask questions and voice their concerns.