How does Fraternity membership help reinforce or create a sense of civic responsibility and service to others?

 

Every school year fraternity men give hundreds of hours of service and raise thousands of dollars to support many different worthy causes. Most chapters support both local charities and their national organization’s philanthropy. For some local projects, the involvement by the University of Maryland Fraternity community is the largest single instance of volunteer participation in their programs. UMD fraternities work with such causes and programs as: Children’s Miracle Network, Habitat for Humanity and a number of different school mentoring and tutoring programs, to name a few. UMD Fraternities have made and continue to make a difference, both on and off campus, through organized service and dedicated philanthropy.

 

What about the stories I see on the evening news about fraternities around the country?

 

Nobody likes stereotypes, and over the years, Fraternity men have been caricatured, lampooned, and portrayed in an unflattering manner by movies and television. This is not to say that members of the greek community have not committed heinous offenses against their peers; they have. Yet, when the number of students committing these acts is viewed in the context of the American Fraternal system, they represent less than one-one-hundredth of one percent of the total membership. The media does not play up the positive values of Fraternity groups because they do not perceive these values to have “entertainment value,” but those ideals are much more characteristic of Fraternity life than is the “Animal House” culture. Fraternities at UMD, with the support of the Deparment of Fraternity and Sorority Life, are committed to member education programs which instill commitment and pride in the organization, as opposed to the fear and negativity often associated with hazing and alcohol abuse.

 

How will Fraternity membership provide social activities for my student?

 

The social life of fraternity men can be very rich and rewarding, with friendships made that can last a lifetime, and the development of social skills which will be useful to any adult. Fraternities provide activities which sharpen conversation techniques, conflict resolution skills, and promote poise and a sense of social grace. All of the Fraternity letter organizations at UMD advocate the legal, responsible use of alcohol by members, and both they and their national organizations, as well as the Fraternity and Sorority Life staff, work to ensure that this responsibility is taken seriously.

 

What are the costs associated with joining a Fraternity and how much time is required of members?

 

It is important that each student who considers joining be aware of the expenses of both initially joining a group, and maintaining membership. Each chapter is self-supporting, funded largely by membership dues and some fundraising. Costs vary depending on individual national dues, insurance premiums, social fees, and house expenses, where applicable. Most chapters will provide a payment plans and reduced dues for members with special needs. Your student and you are strongly encouraged to ask about membership financial obligations. Generally, ZBT’s dues are $750 a semester. The initiation fee to become a member of Zeta Beta Tau is $310.00. Our initiation fee and other fees (over a four year period) fall at approximately the median for all national fraternities. The initiation fee is paid directly to the National Fraternity. Local fees vary each year depending on what year your son is in school, and whether or not he lives in the house. Your son's fee will include membership dues. Please contact us with any questions regarding the current costs your son will be expected to pay.

 

As a parent, what should I do to support my son's decision to join ZBT?

 

First of all, be supportive of that decision and encourage your student to find out as much as they can about ZBT. Consult with your student as you feel comfortable about this decision, but in the end, let him make the choice for their membership. After that decision is made, talk with your son periodically and ask them about their experience. Feel free to contact our Head Advisor, Craig Chanoff, or our co-Advisor, Branden Engorn, at cchanoff@yahoo.com, and engornb@gmail.com.

 

Why should my son join a Fraternity?

 

First, let's talk about what young men get out of Greek Life. Becoming Greek means more than joining a group with similar interests. Greek life exposes you to a variety of activities and organizations. Every member of a fraternity learns how to become a leader, whether they are an officer, on a committee, or just an active participant. They learn how to plan events, manage a budget, run effective meetings, speak in public settings, and motivate others. Your son will acquire skills that he will be able to use throughout his days at the University of Maryland and far into life in "The Real World". Members of the Greek Community hold approximately 85% of the leadership positions on the University of Maryland campus. They are members of Student Government, Greeks Advocating the Mature Management of Alcohol, President's Promise, Orientation Staff… Honor societies such as Omicron Delta Kappa, as well as many of our world-renowned athletic teams. But being Greek isn't all work. If your son chooses to get involved, he can plan and organize social activities such as mixers, tailgates, formals and parties. He can also organize alumni and parents weekends, philanthropy events, intramural sports and other fun activities, …all of which he will be a participant as well! Some Greek Facts: 63% of U.S President's Cabinet Members since 1900, 76% of U.S. Congressmen…, 85% of U.S. Supreme Court Justices since 1800, …85% of Fortune 500 Executives…, All but two U.S. Presidents since 1825…, All of the Apollo 11 Astronauts…, And Jimmy Buffett, Martin Luther King, Jr., Maya Angelou, David Letterman, Bob Dylan, Sheryl Crow and Kevin Costner ARE ALL GREEK!…

 

Why should my son choose ZBT?

 

ZBT-Beta Zeta Epsilon is a unique organization at the University of Maryland. We can help to personalize and expand your son's college experience. We offer a diverse group of supportive friends to assist in the adjustment to college life. We emphasize scholastic excellence and provide an opportunity to give back to the community through service projects by encouraging your son to participate in campus and community. ZBT is now over 100 years old, and the Beta Zeta Epsilon Chapter has been present on the University of Maryland campus for nearly 66 years. This, coupled with our extensive tradition of alumni involvement, brings a wealth of experience to our undergraduates. Alumni participation is a major factor behind BZE's success over the years. We are among the strongest alumni associations on campus as well as within ZBT Nationally.

 

What else is so great about ZBT?

 

Non Pledging Policy - Our brothers are empowered with full benefits and rights from the day they accept their bid. They are never treated as second class citizens. We do have a unique educational program, though, to help new Brothers become integrated into the University of Maryland and ZBT life in a fun way.

 

Brotherhood Development Program - Your son will learn and enhance the valuable social skills and business etiquette necessary for success in today's world through a program developed specifically for ZBT.

 

Life-long Friendships - Your son will form lasting relationships due to our bond of brotherhood. Any alumn will tell you that their closest friends over the years have been their fraternity brothers.

 

Athletics - Intramural Competitions provide the opportunity to participate in all levels of sports, from football to pool, from track events to softball and tennis.

 

Alumni Network - As we mentioned earlier, we have the benefit of a very strong alumni base. You can easily utilize a vast network of ZBT Brothers for everything from job opportunities, to career advisement and internships.

 

Diversity - A ZBT brother is confident of his success within the global business arena because of our commitment to diversity. Your son will be exposed to different perspectives, and experiences which will serve to enhance his overall college experience.

 

Democratic Power - Within ZBT, all brothers have direct input into our destiny. Important issues are presented and decided on by our brothers from the moment they are initiated into our Brotherhood.

 

Leadership and Responsibility - There are many opportunities to exercise and develop leadership skills. Through committees, Chair positions, and several Officer positions, we prepare our brothers for leadership roles after graduation.

 

Fun, Parties, and Socials - Your son will master his social skills and have a great College Experience - meet new people, socialize with other Greek organizations, and balance his academics with various social pursuits.

 

Will my son's grades be affected?

 

ZBT takes scholarship very seriously. We emphasize to our undergraduate Brothers that their first priority is academics; fraternity is secondary to getting an education. We honor academic excellence and have designed programs to improve performance.

 

What about all the parties and drinking I hear about?

 

Zeta Beta Tau is a member of the Fraternity Risk Management Trust. As such, we have strict policies regarding open parties and underage drinking. We take great care to ensure that our brothers are protected as well as our guests. We use every available opportunity to educate undergraduate members on holding safe and legal social events. Parents should also be supportive of responsible behaviors.

 

How long is this pledge period I keep hearing about?

 

In 1989, Zeta Beta Tau abolished pledging. Adopting a non-pledging/non-hazing policy, ZBT now stands by its Brotherhood Program. Once your son receives his bid to membership, he must be initiated and have all initiation fees paid within 72 hours. Our Brotherhood program provides for education after your son has been initiated. There is no pledge period. The Brotherhood Program is a four year program which requires the same standards of all members, be they freshmen or seniors. For more information, please view our section on Non-Pledging.

 

Should I visit my son's Chapter?

 

Absolutely. Our doors are always open.

 

What else should I know about ZBT?

 

Here are some links which may answer some of your other questions:

 

ZBT National

 

University of Maryland