Table of Contents 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 16 17 18 19
Welcome Why Fraternity? How to Join Our Three Pillars IFC Council Alpha Tau Omega Delta Kappa Epsilon FarmHouse Lambda Chi Alpha Pi Kappa Phi Sigma Chi Tau Kappa Epsilon Message from IFC President Meet The Presidents Safety Statement of Hazing For The Parents Finances
Hello, We are so excited you have decided to attend Troy University. Here you will find quality academic programming to prepare you for your chosen career. You will also find a vibrant student life experience helping you personally develop into a well-rounded individual. Campus clubs and organizations provide tremendous opportunities to develop leadership skills. Through these engagements, you will learn the value of service to others and commitment to a cause. One group of organizations which have enjoyed over 50 years of success at Troy University is the Interfraternity Council system. This council is made up of 7 independent fraternities. These organizations, all made up of unique attributes, also share many crucial similarities. Each IFC organization commits to service, leadership, and brotherhood. These are the pillars of the IFC system at Troy University, and each group exhibits these tenants. When deciding where you want to grow and develop during your time at Troy, we hope that you will consider the fraternity system. We recognize that there are many misconceptions with regard to these organizations. Over the past several years, the media has painted a very negative picture of college fraternities. We do not think this picture is accurate, particularly with regard to our groups here at Troy. We believe in strong academic performance, large donations to charitable causes, and involvement in campus leadership. These attributes better describe the culture of fraternities here at Troy. Campus administrators, notable alumni, and many statewide public servants have enjoyed a wonderful experience as a Troy University fraternity man. It is our hope that you will examine how you can be enriched through the fraternity experience. This decision, made in the formative years as a college student, can have a positive lifelong impact. Please consider becoming a Trojan Greek Man as a pathway to enrichment and personal development. Go Trojans and Go Greek!!!
A message from Dr. Dendy Moseley, Associate Dean of Students
Why Should You Join a Fraternity? Fraternities provide a home away from home and foster unique and lasting friendships. Joining a fraternity exposes students to a large network of collegiate members and alumni that can help undergraduates transition successfully from college to assisting in finding internships and job opportunities post grad. Studies show that Greek students are more likely to return to school after their first year in college than their non-Greek peers. This indicating that Greek membership enhances a collegiate experience and contributes to a positive transition to college life. As values-based organizations, fraternities work hard to exhibit their values in action by contributing to philanthropic causes in the community. Individual chapters host various fund-raising events and contribute their time to benefiting community agencies. As a whole, fraternities take advantage of the opportunity to give back and pursue this goal in a variety of ways. Academic achievement is another important focus for all Greek organizations. Fraternities pursue intellectual engagement while also developing ongoing programs and initiatives designed to help students be academically successful throughout their college career. The value of intellectual curiosity does not end when one earns a diploma; it is held through a lifetime. This helps fraternity members meet life’s broader demands well into adulthood. Most Greek members are involved in other aspects of campus life. Fraternity members are often the most visible participants in campus-wide events, such as Homecoming, Preview Days, Welcome Week, and many other exciting events held at Troy University. Members enjoy a host of opportunities to engage in the life of the University and can enhance their leadership, communication, and management skills.
How to Join Fraternity Recruitment begins with building relationships during the summer by providing you with the opportunity to meet many new people, including fellow students and fraternity men. During IMPACT, you will have the chance to explore Greek life. Over the summer, fraternity men may invite you to social outings such as kayaking trips, camping trips, or cookouts at the fraternity houses. This is the best way for you to develop a sense of what you are looking for in a fraternity and find which chapter best fits your personality. Formal recruitment begins with Fraternity Orientation on August 16. Here you will have another opportunity to speak with members of each fraternity and learn more about their organizations. The following night you will visit each of the fraternity houses for an official tour. This tour will be more structured than your visit over the summer. If the chapter chooses you as someone they would like to have as a part of their organization, they will offer you an official “bid” to join. Bidding will begin on August 20. If you receive a bid, it is up to you to determine whether or not you wish to accept it. You can receive bids from any number of houses, but you have to decide which chapter you would most like to join. Registration for fraternity recruitment began in May. A 2.5 high school GPA is required to go through the recruitment process. If you are a transfer student or currently enrolled student, and have a Troy GPA, you will need a 2.0 GPA to go through recruitment. Once you register, we will share your information with all IFC fraternities so that they can contact you and learn more about your interests. By registering, you are not obligated to pledge a fraternity, but we hope that you can find a fit at Troy University. We look forward to meeting you during IMPACT and IFC recruitment. Scan this code to register:
Our Three Pillars Leadership Developing ethical leaders today for life after college is an important part of Greek involvement. Fraternity members participate in a variety of programs that are designed to provide leadership development. There are many ways to be a leader in Troy University’s Greek community. Opportunities to serve may include serving as a chapter or council officer, attending national or regional leadership conferences, campus-based leadership opportunities, and committee involvement. Fraternities encourage their members to be involved in campus life to its fullest. The majority of Greek members are involved in campus life to its fullest. The majority of Greek members are involved in other aspects of student life outside their respective Greek organization. Members have access to participate in many other campus organizations as well as serving as officers in their own organization.
Brotherhood
Service
Greek organizations are viewed as a network of support for men who are going through similar experiences in life. Greek life is a great way to enhance the general collegiate experience through brotherhood and friendship. Bonds of brotherhood are formed within an organization and provide Troy University Greeks with a home away from home, mentorship, career networking, and a sense of community at a large university. Fraternity members enjoy lifelong bonds and connections with friends that can provide support throughout their lives. Brotherhood is an essential pillar of Greek life. Some of the greatest friends come from those who share our letters.
Service is a meaningful pillar of fraternity involvement at Troy University. It is perhaps the most rewarding experience of Greek life, as members are provided with opportunities to participate in hands-on volunteer work and implement philanthropic events to raise money for charitable organizations. These opportunities ensure that fraternity members will have an impact on their community and develop a lifelong habit of giving back. Troy University’s Greek chapters sponser many events throughout the year to serve and help the Troy community and national philanthropies. Troy University’s Greek members completed countless community service hours and donated over _______ to charity during the 2019 school year.
IFC Council
Blake Garris
Jack Smyth
Chris Stathopoulos
James Fibbe
President
Vice PresidentRecruitment
Vice PresidentInternal Affairs
Secretary
The Interfraternity Council at Troy University is the governing body for the seven IFC fraternities on campus. The IFC consists of four executive officers that serve as the executive council and one delegate member from each fraternity that have full voting rights. The IFC meets two times a month and is responsible for ensuring communication among the fraternities, as well as, coordinating specific events: Fall and Spring recruitment, new member education, community service events, and many more.
Message from IFC President, Blake Garris Thank you for your interest in the Fraternity system at Troy! The seven chapters recognized by the IFC have proven time and time again that they represent the best that Troy University has to offer. These groups excel in academics, athletics, philanthropic service, and dedication to the greater good of the community of Troy. These Greek men welcome you and encourage you in your journey here at Troy. There is no better way to build lifelong friendships, establish a relationship with members of the community, and grow as a better leader and role model than to join one of these seven groups. The IFC System at Troy is strong, and we look to continue that trend for many years to come with your help! As always, Go Greek and Go Trojans!
Meet the Presidents
Matthew Taylor
Skylar Williamson
Matt Dollar
Justin Maynard
ATO has given me the ability to grow in many aspects of my life. Leadership development, great memories, and brothers for life are the highlights of what comes with joining ATO. The close relationships you build here help you immediately feel at home, and because of that I know that ATO was the best choice for me.
I honestly joined Delta Kappa Epsilon for fun and just the events and parties. But, what I didn’t expect to gain from DKE was a home and a collection of brothers who really do feel like family.
When I made the decision to rush FarmHouse, I had no idea of the countless opportunities I would have to grow as a man. While doing this I have also had the opportunity to meet many people to network with in the future. I have also been able to live in the only house where you room with 20 of your best friends.
I joined Lambda Chi because I saw how close the brothers were. No matter how old anyone was, they were all best friends. They also talked to me like I was an old friend making me feel welcomed.
Alpha Tau Omega
Delta Kappa Epsilon
FarmHouse
Lambda Chi Alpha
Tyler Koenig
Mason Hill
John Petersen
Choosing Pi Kappa Phi has easily been the best decision I made at Troy University. Without this fraternity, I would not be the man or leader I am today. Being a Pikapp is a distinction I am proud of.
Sigma Chi has guided me on becoming a better man and a better leader. It has also brought me lifelong brothers who will always be in my life. I have the honor of being apart of this distinctive brotherhood that is always pushing each other to be the very best. Joining Sigma Chi is easily one of the best decisions I made in my life.
Being a part of TKE has allowed me to grow in my mental, moral, and social development to become the man I am today. I truly believe that TKE has helped equip me to be successful long after college and to be a better man for a better world.
Pi Kappa Phi
Sigma Chi
Tau Kappa Epsilon
Safety Here at Troy University, there are many guidelines and protocols to ensure the safety of our Greeks. • Risk management guidelines are reviewed by each chapter every semester. The guidelines are assessed by the University and the national organizations. Councils review the chapters’ risk management policies and ensure the organizations are following protocol. • Our fraternity houses are located on the same row and the buddy system is encouraged to maintain safety. University police frequently ride by the fraternity houses to make sure they are safe and secure. • Fraternities hold alcohol and safety education sessions before major social events and buses are used to transport to social events, such as formals and date parties. All Greek social events are chaperoned by advisors and have security present. Designated driver programs are also instated for social events. During closed parties, the organization must provide a guest list to the Student Involvement office of who attended the party. Fraternities are encouraged to follow national guidelines as they may relate to risk management issues and social functions.
Statement of Hazing Defined by Section 16-1-23, Code of Alabama (1975), and by such section as may be amended from time to time. Additionally for the purpose of these standards, hazing is any action taken or situation created, whether on or off organizational premises, to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule to any person, whether or not such person has consented to participation in the activity. Such activities include but are not limited to paddling in any form, scavenger hunts, road trips, excessive fatigue, deprivation of normal sleep, engaging in public stunts, morally degrading or humiliating activities, blind-folding, branding, calisthenics, running, forced consumption of food, alcohol, drugs, or any other substances and any other activities which are not consistent with fraternal law, ritual or policy or the regulations and policies of Troy University. No organizations shall allow any of its pledges/ associates, members, or persons to participate in ant hazing ceremony, activity or practice. Hazing in any form is absolutely prohibited at Troy University. For enforcement purposes, this applies to both individuals and organizations. Any instance of hazing at Troy University may be reported (all parties will remain anonymous pending an investigation) by called the Office of Student Involvement at (334)670-3049 or (334)670-3204 or by completing the online hazing report form: troy.edu/hazingreportform
For Parents Parents play a large role in a student’s college career and in their decision to join a fraternity. We greatly value the role that parents play in the lives of their children and look to you as an ally in making every student’s fraternity experience the best that it can be.
Frequently asked questions by parents: What is the financial obligation of joining?
Costs to be a member of a fraternity can vary greatly by chapter, but it is important to know ahead of time that there will be some cost associated. The dues go toward (inter)national fees, chapter operating costs, and social functions. New members should expect to pay higher dues their first semester due to one time fees such as initiation and badge fees.
What is the time commitment like?
Time commitment generally varies from chapter to chapter and from member to member, but you can expect your son to invest more time in their fraternity during the the first semester as they go through the new member education program. New member education focuses on learning the history and facts about the organization, developing leadserhip and time management skills, and spending time getting to know their brothers. Although it can be time sensitive, it should not interfere with academic commitments. If you have concerns about the time your son is putting into their new member program, do not hesitate to contact our office.
Who runs the fraternities?
Students elect their own officers to manage the day-to-day operations of the organization. These officers are assisted by chapter members serving on committees and alumni who serve as advisros to the officers and general chapter members. Each chapter is governed by its (inter)national headquarters and governing council on campus.
Financial Information We know that parents and their son have serious discussions about whether they will be able to afford a fraternity. Just as you need to be informed regarding the cost associated with college education, you need to understand the financial obligation associated with fraternity membership. Each person joining a fraternity should be aware of the dues, fees, and other expenses that are involved and should consider these when making financial plans to attend college. During recruitment events, a potential member should ask members about financial obligations and payment options. Each organization sets its own fees and payment schedules.
Average IFC Dues Semester Bill: $450 Pledge Bill: $125 Initiation Fee $125