OFFICE OF STUDENT ORIENTATION, LEADERSHIP, AND ENGAGEMENT

A fraternity, sorority or society is a group of men, women or both bound together by brotherhood or sisterhood and common goals and aspirations. The members conforming the Greek organization share their efforts, friendship, and knowledge. Together these members learn, grow and make the TAMIU Greek community stronger. Greek organizations enhance your educational experience by emphasizing intellectual, interpersonal, and social development. The ideals of lifelong friendship, sound education, campus and community service, and social interaction are what fraternity and sorority members strive to live by every day.

Transitioning to college can be challenging. You will have to establish new friends and adjust to college academics. Here are a few points on how Greek life at TAMIU can help you with the transition:

• Greek Life is an excellent way for you to ease into college life, enabling you to develop socially & intellectually. As a member of the Greek community, you will have the opportunity to meet students of various backgrounds with both similar and different interest in a smaller, more comfortable atmosphere.
• A primary purpose of the Greek community is to encourage and develop high scholastic achievement among its members. Several factors contribute to this academic atmosphere, including peer tutoring, counseling by other Greeks, and chapter study hours which support new students who are adjusting to the rigors of collegiate studying.
• You will develop skills that will impact your future. You will learn how to manage a budget, run effective meetings, speak in public, motivate others, and any number of other skills that will help you in college and throughout your life. These days, it takes more than just a degree to get a good job – it takes leadership experience and Greek Life delivers.
• The TAMIU Greek community provides services to more than just its members. One of the many advantages of being a part of the Greek community is time spent helping others in need. TAMIU and the Laredo community are in constant communication for service projects. The commitment found in Greek members can be seen in the enthusiasm they have in giving back to the community through their chapter’s philanthropies.
• Some of the greatest benefits that come with being a member of the Greek community are the relationships you make with alumni, providing many opportunities for career networking and mentoring, not only with your initial job search but also throughout your career.

There are many students that take this option. The best answer is… do it when you feel ready! Some believe the sooner you know more people, the more comfortable you will feel on campus. By joining your first year, you may find that adjusting to life in TAMIU is a lot easier. Make the decision that is best for you.

The Greek experience at TAMIU ensures that you’ll find a family of like-minded Dustdevils to spend your four years with. Even better, this experience will open new doors and new opportunities for values-based leadership. Each Greek lettered organization at TAMIU has it's own values that you can explore here. The opportunities are endless, give Greek Life a chance, you won’t be disappointed!

Academics are the most important aspect of college life. This is emphasized by all Greek lettered organizations from recruitment thru graduation. Traditionally, students that join fraternities, sororities or societies usually maintain a higher GPA than non-members.

Greek membership requires anywhere from 2 to 8 hours a week. Whether it be a community service project, planning an event, or regular weekly meetings, fraternity and sorority members have learned to manage their time wisely with other commitments such as schoolwork, a job, and significant others. This is why so many members have succeeded in their lives.

Recruitment is the time when Sororities and Fraternities seek and recruit new members. The recruitment events happen at different times. During recruitment students have an opportunity to visit the groups and see what each has to offer. Recruitment information can also be obtained through the SOLE office.

No. Recruitment is a time to see what Greek life can offer you. Going through Recruitment and its functions does not commit you to joining.

The images portrayed in the movies and on TV shows do not reflect the image and attitudes that Greek Life strives to achieve at Texas A&M International University, indeed, they do not align with the TAMIU Student Handbook.

A fraternity/sorority member who believes in true brotherhood/sisterhood and the ideals embraced by their fraternity or sorority ritual would not haze a pledge member or brother/sister. Every national fraternity/sorority represented by a chapter on the Texas A&M International University campus has denounced and forbade hazing. The State of Texas has enacted legislation which makes hazing a criminal offense. Texas A&M International University is unconditionally opposed to any situation created to produce mental and/or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment or ridicule. As such, TAMIU students are expected to uphold the principles and ideals of their fraternity rituals, respect federal, state, and local laws and abide by Texas A&M International University Student Rules regarding participation in activities that could be interpreted as hazing. Greek members are also expected to immediately report any such activity of which they become aware to their advisor, the University Police, Office of Student Orientation, Leadership and Engagement, Office of Student Conduct and Community Service or Office of the Associate Vice President of Student Success (anonymously if necessary). Your failure to report an act of hazing is in effect giving tacit approval of an activity that is not in line with your fraternity ideals and values nor that of the TAMIU Honor Code. For more information on hazing, please click here.

University regulations require each student organization to have a primary faculty/staff advisor. An advisor adds to the continuity of the organization by making sure that successive student leaders of the organization understand the responsibility they share, as well as explaining to the student leaders the policies established for student organizations. Advisors aid in the area of program content and purpose by helping student leaders use their best judgment in selecting programs. Advisors also provide an outlet for students to talk about classes, their role in the fraternity or sorority and everyday issues that students face. Additionally, advisors are aware of and have an understanding of, those rules pertaining to organizations at TAMIU as well as rules governing students. Advisors are made aware of liability issues (i.e. hazing, alcohol, etc.) and are expected to advise the organization to make reasonable and prudent decisions regarding these issues in planning activities.

Visit other areas of our website, individual chapter web sites, or feel free to call the Office of Student Orientation, Leadership and Engagement at 956.326.2280. We are happy to help you!

These organizations are rooted in four founding values that foster academic achievement, student involvement, community service, and life-long friendships. Greek organizations are groups of men or women who come together to form a personal network of individuals with similar ideas, interests, and a mutual pursuit of a well-rounded college education. Advantages include:

• A support group to help make the adjustment to college easier.
• Scholastic resources to help students achieve their academic goals.
• Leadership skills acquired through hands-on experience.
• Encouragement to get involved and maximize their potential on campus.
• Opportunities for active participation in community service projects.

Greek organizations serve as a great resource for students academically through study hours and tutoring programs. Most chapters require a high GPA for initial membership into the chapter and they often regulate study hours, maintain resource files, reward those who do well and help those with difficulties.

Greek membership is a lifelong commitment. Once you are an initiated member, you remain a member for life. As such, each national organization has an extensive alumni network. As you know, in today's job market, it is not only important what you know, but who you know. Being a fraternity or sorority member means having an immediate connection with thousands of other members. There are many successful Greek alumni all over the country who are always looking to hire the best and the brightest that our Greek community has to offer. In addition, there are alumni groups or graduate chapters that operate in most cities and metropolitan areas across the country. If you find yourself in a new city, you can start your networking with your sisters in the local alumnae group.

Because the Greek community at TAMIU contributes to the social activity on campus, it has taken great strides toward creating a responsible and safe environment for its members. All Greek lettered organizations have risk management training dictated by TAMIU. In the same manner, all Greek organizations are held accountable to the Texas A&M International University Student Code of Conduct and all local and State Laws.

Be supportive and learn as much as you can by asking questions of your son or daughter prior to and throughout the membership recruitment process.