Quote:
Originally Posted by als463
 Here's my question-and I hope it belongs in this thread-if not, then I apologize. I'm in an NPC sorority. I absolutely love it and am ready to graduate. My boyfriend, who is active navy, will be getting out of the Navy this june. He will be 25 this summer. By the time he is ready to finish at a major university (he is currently taking online courses at a major BIG TEN university and he may transfer elsewhere after he receives his Associate's from this place), he will be about 26 and engaged (he has the ring-trust me I know)...I've been telling him how great greek life is and he has helped my sorority do various philanthropy projects (he gets along w/ the girls great) and he loves it. We have talked about him joining a national fraternity (IFC) because it's a great way to make connections since he wants to go to Medical School...and he can stay active and really enjoy the college life!!! My question is this: At the age of about 26 (and engaged/ married), would a fraternity even consider him or are there rules against a guy who is engaged (or) married? I realize that the age may not be a big deal but, if we get engaged soon and married by next summer (that is our plan), will he be turned away? I really want to know what fraternities-IF ANY, would consider him because we are both really excited about this and I LOVE GREEK LIFE!!! Please, any fraternity member giving advice would be GREAT because he is an intelligent guy who has been to IRAQ TWICE as a Medic (so, it's an issue of military and age)....If your fraternity does not have a specific rule against that and you think he would be considered-please name your fraternity so we can make a list...Thanx everyone-any advice would be greatly appreciated!!! |
I'm not aware of any IFC/NIC fraternity that has any specific rule regarding age or marital status.
Generally speaking, a concern most chapters may have is how involved (dedicated) he will be with the chapter. How willing and able will he be to meet the obligations of being a member. As such, if a chapter feels he is worthy of a bid - i.e. likes him and feels he will meet the obligations of being a member etc. - they will extend him a bid. However, it will depend on the specific campus culture as well as the culture of each specific chapter as to how his age and marital status might affect him receiving a bid.
Age and marital status will most likely be an issue with most chapters that are comprised of "traditional" college students. Those whose members are most likely single and range in age from 18 to 22 years. Few chapters are presented with one of these "issues" (age and marital status) much less both. And as such, they might not be able to relate to him - as a "non-traditional" student - and decide not to extend him a bid.
But again, it doesn't mean he won't receive a bid. The IFC/NIC does not have a quota or total. Thus a chapter would not be giving up a spot if they were to extend him a bid. I would venture to guess that for many chapters, his service and maturity will be considered a plus. As for him being married, again, that would depend more on the culture of the chapter. The bottom line is that it will come down to if a chapter can relate to him as a brother.