Information for Parents
Parents are a vital part of our organization. We encourage all of our parents to become involved in what their son is joining. We have found that the more involved the parents are, the more of an active roll their son will take in the organization.
Fraternities have changed since you have been at school, and even in the past five years. There is still a stereotype that all fraternities are trying to fight and in order to fight those stereotypes. Here are a few facts for you and if you have any questions you can also check out our FAQ.
Fraternities produce graduates. As many as 65 percent of fraternity members graduate from college, compared with only 45 percent of non-members.
Fraternities are affordable. Room and board is comparable to college or university charges. On average, less than 1.5 percent of total expenses go to fraternity dues.
Phi Delta Theta awards scholarships. The Phi Delta Theta Educational Foundation awards over 65 scholarships and fellowships. The Foundation has granted more than $1.7 million in undergraduate scholarships.
Phi Delta Theta was the first fraternity to adopt alcohol-free housing. All properties owned or occupied by Phi Delta Theta members will not have alcohol on them for any reason. No chapter is permitted to co-host a function with another organization where alcohol is involved.
Your son’s Phi Delta Theta experience will help his transition from being a teenager to being an adult. He undoubtedly will become more independent as he makes his own choices on how to live his life. Ultimately, his Fraternity experience will help him recognize his place in life and will assist him in discovering the principles by which he wishes to live.
Phi Delta Theta Fraternity wants success for him in all these areas – and more. Our member's parents are essential to the success of the Fraternity. We encourage parental participation not only on Parent Weekends but in the form of Parent Associations that support their sons’ chapters. The Association’s activities range from landscaping to fundraising and cooking to counseling. The level of involvement that you choose to take in your son’s fraternity experience is limitless.
We have found that moms and dads can offer a great deal of advice and resources that will make the fraternity experience much more fulfilling. Not only will you continue to have the chance to be a part of your son’s life, you will be afforded the opportunity to meet other diverse and successful young men who often become second sons to you. By being involved, you enhance the opportunity to extend your family by bonding with your son, his new brothers and their parents.
Even if you are not interested in volunteering at your son’s chapter, we encourage you to remain active in your son’s life. College is a difficult time for many young men. It is essential to keep the lines of communication open to ensure your son’s collegiate experience properly prepares him for life after college.
Throughout the past 17 or 18 years, your son has depended on you for guidance and support. Now, he’s becoming an adult ready for independence and responsibility.
College fraternities historically have supported young men during this important transition. Today, fraternities are dynamic and progressive organizations that have responded to many challenges and maintained their positive influence on thousands of young men across North America. These men go on to lead successful lives with integrity and high ideals, crediting their fraternity experience as vital to that success.
Phi Delta Theta is such a fraternity. You are reading this now because your son wants to be a member as well – and you deserve to know where his involvement will lead him.
With Phi Delta Theta, he will be led by peers and alumni advisers into adulthood which will make him more self-sufficient, independent, and able to make values-based decisions. Ultimately, he will recognize his place in life and discover the principles by which he wishes to live.