24 & pursuing PhD - fraternities?

[Lafayette79]

My cousin's son just returned from five years in the army and was 24 when he entered Temple U. If there is a House there that welcomes him and he wants to join it, I see nothing unusual.

There were waves of older ex-soldiers returning to or entering college after World War II, Vietnam and now the Middle East. Many of them joined Fraternities. I don't see any insurmountable problems. We had some older guys in my time and if say, there was a Pledge mixer with a sorority, the older guys had the sense to skip it. It wasn't like we took attendance.

Thirty four though, is different, but some of us enjoy the different.

[Barbie's_Rush]

Originally Posted by Lafayette79

My cousin's son just returned from five years in the army and was 24 when he entered Temple U. If there is a House there that welcomes him and he wants to join it, I see nothing unusual.

There were waves of older ex-soldiers returning to or entering college after World War II, Vietnam and now the Middle East. Many of them joined Fraternities. I don't see any insurmountable problems. We had some older guys in my time and if say, there was a Pledge mixer with a sorority, the older guys had the sense to skip it. It wasn't like we took attendance.

Thirty four though, is different, but some of us enjoy the different.

All very different situations from being a PhD or Grad student. By that point you just have to realize that ship has sailed.

[AnotherKD]

Originally Posted by Barbie's_Rush

All very different situations from being a PhD or Grad student. By that point you just have to realize that ship has sailed.

Yes, and what bothers me more is that once you're in such an advanced state (getting a PhD), don't you normally choose the school that a) is best for your specialty, b) the best one you can get into and afford, and c) the best chance for you to end up getting a job after? Why on earth would he choose a school based on whether or not he could get into a fraternity there?

On another note, Old School was a funny movie, but not so much in real life.

[Drolefille]

Originally Posted by AnotherKD

Yes, and what bothers me more is that once you're in such an advanced state (getting a PhD), don't you normally choose the school that a) is best for your specialty, b) the best one you can get into and afford, and c) the best chance for you to end up getting a job after? Why on earth would he choose a school based on whether or not he could get into a fraternity there?

On another note, Old School was a funny movie, but not so much in real life.

You also don't normally want specifics on what students could do to you to take advantage of you or that would be 'reprehensible.'

[dnall]

While people can I'm sure with some effort deduce what chapter I'm alumni from, I think they can take it if I share this bit.

I was in town running a conf call on invite night for this most recent Spring rush. There was a 24yo going through that was just out of the military. Couple combat tours. Good record. There was a discussion about the age thing. No one really had a problem with a 24yo member, but they though 27 when graduating might be a bit more awkward. He was initially voted down. A fight almost occurred. Later on he was called up on re-vote and accepted.

There's a LOT of older guys coming through rush now after the military. Many in fraternity chapters in our greek system. Frankly, if some group of 18yo girls is going to be creeped out and thereby penalize people for serving their country, then screw em.

I realize grad student isn't the same thing. I know from an advisor perspective we want as many alumni as possible in faculty/administration. So, this is not necessarily a bad pick up despite being unusual.

The actual execution of it would be complicated. Any fraternity will excuse a pledge for classes and appropriate study time, normally for work as well. I'm sure if they wanted to make this work they could. All sides would have to understand what they're getting into.

If this is a serious question, check your campus greek affairs policy, then email all the nationals of the fraternities on campus to see what policy is (undergrads won't know). Then email chapter presidents to have a discussion about it.

If you really want to talk about hazing/expectations I'll do that too, but check first on the policy issues.

[Regina.George]

Originally Posted by dnall

Frankly, if some group of 18yo girls is going to be creeped out and thereby penalize people for serving their country, then screw em.

I think that's the point. Your brothers aren't going to be screwing them. Your chapter will quickly get a creeper reputation especially if the older guy doesn't have enough sense to not hit on the freshmen girls.

This is apples and oranges. An older first year undergrad is very different than a PhD student of the same age.

[gradstudent24]

Originally Posted by dnall

I realize grad student isn't the same thing. I know from an advisor perspective we want as many alumni as possible in faculty/administration. So, this is not necessarily a bad pick up despite being unusual.

The actual execution of it would be complicated. Any fraternity will excuse a pledge for classes and appropriate study time, normally for work as well. I'm sure if they wanted to make this work they could. All sides would have to understand what they're getting into.

If this is a serious question, check your campus greek affairs policy, then email all the nationals of the fraternities on campus to see what policy is (undergrads won't know). Then email chapter presidents to have a discussion about it.

If you really want to talk about hazing/expectations I'll do that too, but check first on the policy issues.

Thanks for the advice. Yes, please explain about hazing/expectations.