Go Greek!
Parents FAQ
What percentage of UCA students belong to fraternities or sororities?
Approximately 10% of undergraduate students are members of Greek organizations.
When can my son or daughter join a Greek organization? What is "Deferred" Recruitment?
A standard for all recognized Greek organizations of a minimum of 12 hours of college credit and a 2.3 grade point average before a student can join a Greek organization was established in the Fall of 2000. This standard is a minimum and groups can create and enforce any standard that is higher.
Currently, NPHC groups require potential members to obtain 12 to 45 credit hours with a grade point average of 2.5 to 2.75, BEFORE they are allowed to join. NPHC membership requirements.
If you have questions, contact UCA Greek Services at 501-450-3137, or visit us in the Student
How will being a member of a Greek organization contribute to and / or hinder my son's or daughter's educational experience?
Making the decision to join a Greek organization is indeed an important one as it is a commitment for one's entire college career. UCA strongly encourages parents to be involved in the decision making process.
Greek Life at UCA provides students with a variety of opportunities to be involved in their campus community. With 10% of the campus population being Greek, these enthusiastic students plan philanthropy events, serve as student leaders in campus organizations, host social events and participate in UCA Intramurals.
With this said, being a member of a fraternity or sorority does place demands on a student's time. Our Greek organizations place a high emphasis on successful academics and in fact, the all Greek GPA is higher than the all-student GPA. However, "pledging" or "associating" can be very demanding, yet there is always room for flexibility. The key concept for parents to be aware of is COMMUNICATION! UCA students, being very bright and respectful, are expected to communicate their difficulties to the professors, and it is really no different within a fraternity or sorority. If your son or daughter experiences being overextended or overwhelmed, encourage him to talk to the Fraternity or Sorority Educator or Chapter President. Once those difficulties have been communicated, the chapter will make every effort to assist their newest member.
Do the Greek organizations have Houses?
Most UCA sororities do not have houses. Instead, each chapter has a "meeting room" in Carmichael Hall. These rooms are designed similar to a large living room and are not residential. The meeting room provides a place on the main campus for members to congregate, conduct study groups, recruitment parties, and hold various chapter business meetings.
Three fraternities have privately owned houses which are located adjacent to campus on Donaghey and Western Avenue. Two other fraternities lease University property on Western Avenue.
These houses offer a residential sleeping range of 10 - 40 members depending on the fraternity. Each house has a small kitchen area, but none of fraternities provide daily meals. The cost of living in the house is comparable, if not lower than, room costs in apartments near campus.
Who should we contact if we have questions or concerns about Greek Life at UCA?
UCA takes its commitment to individual Greek students as well as to Greek chapters very seriously. Your son or daughter may use the resources found within Student Services whenever needed. If at any time you would like more information about Greek Life or have questions about your son or daughter's experience within the Greek community, please do not hesitate to contact UCA Greek Services at 501-450-3137.
What is "hazing" and what can I do as a parent to educate myself about this issue?
UCA, the State of Arkansas, and our national fraternities and sororities have strict guidelines and policies to prevent hazing. UCA educates leaders and new members about how to prevent hazing. As a parent, keep an open line of communication with your son or daughter while they are at UCA. If at any time you have concerns about your child, contact us.
Visit UCA's Statement on Hazing for information about hazing.
How can I support Greek Life at UCA?
Attend Family Day events...attend Homecoming Events...COME TO CAMPUS and ask your child how you can help their particular group. Many parents have resources that will support the efforts of groups. Model community service by offering to donate time and resources to their philanthropic events.
While college students may act like they want total independence, most welcome the support and involvement of parents in their college experience.