Welcome Parents & Families!
Gamma Phi Beta is forever thankful for our parents' and families' positive influence. We appreciate your loving support
and enjoy sharing our love of Gamma Phi. In the fall, we host a reception for all parents, families and friends on Meliora
Weekend. It is a great time to get together, connect and learn. Here are a few questions many parents and families have
when considering membership in Gamma Phi Beta.
Q: What is Gamma Phi Beta?
Gamma Phi Beta is one of the ten oldest women's organizations in North America. Gamma Phi Beta was founded November 11,
1874 at Syracuse University in Syracuse, New York. We believe in leadership, philanthropy and helping young girls,
personal academic excellence and a lifelong membership in Gamma Phi Beta.
Q: What do you do?
Sisters of Epsilon Tau chapter participate in many activities. The average week of a sister may include study sessions
where she is assisted by expert sisters in particular subjects, attending fundraisers, attending philanthropy events,
performing charitable service, leadership meetings, and other activities. Perhaps most importantly, sisters do things
with each other. Gamma Phi Beta is a social Greek Letter Organization. Sisters bond together on the Gamma Phi Beta
floor, eat lunch together, attend classes together, and more. There are trips that sisters go on together, conventions,
formals, and semi-formals. Sisters do everything a regular college student does and more, but they tend to have a lot
more fun doing it. Plus, sisters have a constant network of help and support for anything that may arise.
Q: Is there hazing?
Absolutely not. Hazing has been largely eliminated from most campuses and chapters nationwide. The stigmas associated
with hazing have remained, but a combination of reforms, reorganization, and education has created an environment in
sororities, including the Epsilon Tau Chapter of Gamma Phi Beta, that rejects hazing. The chapter is closely monitored
by Gamma Phi Beta on a regional and national level, as well as from within by the sisters who are well educated on this
topic and University officials.
Q: What are the benefits for my student joining the Rochester Greek Community?
The Greek community at University of Rochester is centered around creating well-rounded individuals. Greek students are
involved in all aspects of campus including service, leadership, scholarship, and social.
Q: Does it cost a lot to be Greek?
Gamma Phi Beta does carry a financial commitment. We are self-supporting through dues paid by our members. When students
join a Greek letter organization, they also agree to pay dues and fees while in school to maintain membership. Gamma Phi
Beta may make accommodations for special needs. Students should discuss the financial obligations with their parent(s)
before deciding to join.
Q: How will being Greek affect my student's grades?
The central mission of Gamma Phi Beta is academic excellence. Gamma Phi Beta understands that their members are students
first and foremost. We have a scholarship program that includes study hours, tutoring, recognition for academic success,
etc. Gamma Phi Beta is consistently the top sorority academically on campus.
Q: Do you have a house?
There is no traditional Greek Housing for sororities at University of Rochester. However, Epsilon Tau is lucky enough
to have a floor in Hill Court, an upperclassman dorm area on campus. Many sisters live on the floor and many meetings
are held there as well.
Q: Are the stereotypes correct?
There are many negative stereotypes about sororities, Fraternity & Sorority Life, and college students in general. Here
we present the common ones and respond to them:
"You are paying for your friends."
There are many ways to answer to this common misconception. Beyond knowing where dues go, it helps to consider that
sororities are social organizations full of social women. Social women have no need to pay for friends.
"Sororities are more interested in partying than school."
Impossible. Sororities are scrutinized by their national offices and by their universities for scholastic performance
and general conduct. Sisters are responsible for each other. They keep each other focused on studies and keep each
other out of trouble.
"All sororities are just like the ones in [insert book, TV show, or movie]"
University of Rochester is not a stereotypical university. The students are not stereotypical. The sororities are
certainly not stereotypical. University of Rochester is not a party school, and things have changed a great deal since
previous decades when the people writing these books and movie scripts attended college. Even GRΣΣK, which is a modern
television program that strives to present realistic situations in Fraternity and Sorority life, isn't a representation
of Gamma Phi Beta at University of Rochester.
Q: Does being a member of a Gamma Phi Beta have benefits after graduation?
Absolutely. Gamma Phi Beta is a lifelong commitment. Once you are an initiated member, you remain a member for life. As
such, we have an extensive alumnae network. As you know, in today's job market, it is not only important what you know,
but who you know. Being a Gamma Phi Beta means having an immediate connection with thousands of other fraternity or
sorority 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 Gamma Phi Beta alumnae 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.
Please visit the
International Gamma Phi Beta
website for additional information for parents and families.
or visit the
National Panhellenic Conference parent information page.
If you still have unanswered questions, please encourage your daughter to inquire in person, or contact our
webmistress
and she will gladly put you in contact with a sister who can help.