Q: Why should my son consider joining AXP?
A: Through our membership development and education programs, each member of AXP is provided with the resources and tools that will help him achieve his personal best in all areas of college life and prepares him for success after graduation. Our members embody the principles promoted by the Fraternity and are poised for success.
Q: Aren’t fraternities just like the one shown in the movie “Animal House?”
A: Nobody likes stereotypes. Unfortunately, after the showing of that movie, fraternity members have been categorized as partiers, irresponsible, and abusive. In reality, fraternities are value-based organizations dedicated to the development of character and lifelong friendship.
Q: Don’t fraternities promote excessive drinking?
A: Absolutely not. Alcohol abuse is unhealthy and inconsistent with the ideals of Alpha Chi Rho. Every individual member and chapter is expected to uphold federal, state, county, and city laws, as well as university policies regarding the consumption of alcohol.
Q: I’m concerned about my son’s grades – what impact will fraternity membership have?
A: Students often find managing their time difficult when moving from the highly structured high school environment to the freedoms of college. Alpha Chi Rho will assist in that transition by offering scholarship programs, which may include study partners, mandatory study hours, and time management workshops. Moreover, your son will be able to access the network of brothers who already know how to use campus resources like the library, study skills centers, computer labs, and academic advisors.
Q: What about pledging or hazing?
A: Alpha Chi Rho does not condone or tolerate any form of hazing and is committed to a membership education period which instills a sense of responsibility and commitment in the new members. This period will assist your son in overcoming some of his concerns about success in college.
Q: Who is actually in charge of the fraternity?
A: Members elected to officer positions manage the day-to-day operations of the local chapter. These officers are assisted by members serving on committees and by alumni who act as advisors.
Q: Doesn’t it cost a lot of money to be in a fraternity?
A: AXP is self-supported through dues charged to all members. In the first year of membership, a few one-time expenses are assessed. All members are encouraged to live in the Chapter House located close to campus. The room and board fees are traditionally less than on-campus room and meal options.
Q: Being in a fraternity sounds like it takes a lot of time.
A: Participating in any worthwhile activity always requires an investment of one’s time. Research has shown that involved college students are more likely to graduate and they report greater satisfaction with their college experience. Through his involvement with Alpha Chi Rho, your son will learn how to balance his academic, work, campus involvement, and social commitments.
Q: What is my son going to get out of his membership in Alpha Chi Rho?
A: You’ll be amazed at what your son will get from his experience in Alpha Chi Rho. Joining AXP will expand your son’s collegiate experience. In fact, most alumni say that AXP completed their educational experience by teaching them valuable skills that are not taught in the classroom.
Here’s what AXP offers: lifelong friends, leadership opportunities, social and athletic activities, academic support and excellence, and networking opportunities.
Q: Does my son have to live in the fraternity house?
A: Each member is encouraged to live at the AXP Chapter House and it is likely that your son will want to live in the house to take advantage of the opportunities it presents. We encourage you to talk to the men who currently live in the house for more information about what it’s like to live there. We are confident that both you and your son will fondly look back on his time living in the house with his brothers.
The Power of 2%
Fraternity men represent a very small percentage, only 2% of the male population in the United States. However, that 2% is a very powerful group of individuals. Fraternity men have gone on to hold many of the top positions in our nation, from the business world to the political arena. Other information besides the above statistics is as follows:
- All of the Apollo 11 Astronauts were Fraternity Men.
- The Greek system is the largest network of volunteers in the US, with members donating over 10 million hours of volunteer service each year.
- A U.S. Government study shows that over 70% of all those who join a fraternity / sorority graduate, while under 50% of all non-fraternity / sorority persons graduate.
- Over 85% of the student leaders on some 730 campuses are involved in the Greek community.
Information from an article from the New York Times and other Web Sources.