I probably should have mentioned that we're both still undergraduates because I did make it seem like its been a decade of lies or something. Regardless, the bottom line is that it's a situation that only gets worse the longer you wait. It's not advisable to leave your parents out of a lifetime commitment.

I have to agree here. If you hide it from them, it only makes it seem more conspicuous. Their mindset about Greek life might become even worse if it's something you hide from them and make it even more sketchy. Ya dig?

Is going greek really that big of a deal to some parents? I'm assuming you're 18 so just tell mom and dad you knocked a 32 year old divorcee up or that you're gay. Give them a week to stew on that then tell them you're joking and let the real cat out of the bag. Might put some things in perspective to them.

ha ha, I was thinking the same thing.

Really? There's no way my parents would have signed that agreement. Like I mentioned earlier, they aren't against Greek life, but they made it very clear to me and my sister that we were on our own as far as dues were concerned. Most of the women in my chapter paid their own dues from working an on-campus job or summer savings--granted, they were only about $350/semester. What about people whose parents didn't even pay for their tuition?

I find the contract/agreement interesting. I'm not sure if it will apply to my Florida school, but I know for certain my mother would not sign it. I've been financially independent for several years and I anticipate paying for dues, etc. myself.

I chalk this up to being a newbie, but... if a PNM is adult enough to choose for herself/himself whether or not to pursue Greek membership (as was discussed earlier in the thread), why is it necessary to obtain the parent's signature on this contract/agreement? I'm assuming the NM is of legal age and the agreement outlines the expectations of both the organization and NM.

Well I am going to UT, but if they do have us have our parents sign, i could probably go to my mom, as i've said she's the only one that knows and just wants me to be smart about it, dues are another ordeal...but i'm pretty good with money and i can work a budget, so hopefully that'll keep the struggle at a minimum. But yeah thanks for all the advise, hopefully my dad doesn't take it too hard when I tell him...

Aren't dues at UT, A&M, and Tech well over $1000?

WOW!!!! :eek: my small state school was only like 2-300 per semester.

No, you didn't make it seem that way. I knew you were an undergrad.

It's pretty shameful anyway.

I looked into that and it ranges from about $500/semester at one house all the way to $2500/semester at another...so i guess yeah you are right. Oh well, I can think of something...

Just an FYI:

Greek Life is a big financial commitment.

It is very important for you to consider whether it is something you or your family can afford BEFORE participating in recruitment or accepting a bid.

Example: if you plan on paying for it yourself, be sure you have a budget that's going to support that (i.e. that you're getting enough hours and such). If your parents are paying, be sure that they're well aware of that so they can plan ahead, etc.

Oh I completely understand that, and I have a way to make things work out. I know that my parents will be sending me money monthly and are telling me to work a budget for it, I'll just budget money monthly to cover dues and other expenses. I can work with money.

It really depends on the sitution you have with your parents. I did not tell my parents until I was innitiated. My parents came to pick me up at the end of the semester, and I had my letters on. I didn't tell them to save them worry and disapproval. It worked well in my situation to say "Hey look, I did this, I am fine, and it was a good choice for all these reasons.. etc". It ended up being a good decision for me.

However, I support myself through college. Not only did I recieve nothing from my parents to pay for my Sorority experience, I also recieved nothing to contribute to college in general. I think parents should know if they will be expected to contribute to the cost of your choice. You're an adult though, and joining the experience of Greek life is a choice you deserve to make.