Ohio State Fraternity Rush - On or Off Campus

[IrishLake]

As a central Ohio resident, and close friend of several sorority advisors at OSU (I advise a different Theta chapter...). Keep in mind this is coming from a sorority perspective.

This is a no brainer. He has to go to a legit house. "Underground" houses aren't recognized by their Nationals. They rarely survive more than a couple of years, especially once the legit members have graduated. He will not EVER be able to participate as an alum. He won't ever be able to list his membership on a resume. He won't ever be able to meet a true member from a different chapter and say "Oh hey brother, I was unofficially initiated at the underground chapter of XYZ at Ohio State" without sounding like a fool. He won't ever be able to go to a national convention. And if/when his chapter is recolonized in 4-5 years? He won't be a member and won't be involved in any way, shape, or form. He will not be welcome in that new, legit, brotherhood on homecoming weekends, reunions, etc.

Plus, if you're footing the bill for his fraternity membership, there is no accountability for anything, including dues. I would NOT be ok with not knowing how the money I'm sending for my child is being spent. Especially since more than one of those off campus frats is well known for their drug use and other criminal activity. He's really ok with being put in that situation where HE could take the fall for his "brother's" illegal actions? Where HE could be the one put in a horrible situation where he has to chose between protecting a "brother" or doing what's right?


I'm a parent of a teenager. If he paid for his own membership, I wouldn't have a say. But if I'm paying... bet your ass I have a say. And I would NOT be paying for an underground group.

Legitimate members still have that normal fraternity experience. There's still parties and blocks. They still have a good time and a good brotherhood and enjoy a lifetime of membership. There is zero benefit of being a member of an off campus/underground frat.

[Kevin]

Originally Posted by IrishLake

"Underground" houses aren't recognized by their Nationals. They rarely survive more than a couple of years, especially once the legit members have graduated.

This is not always the case. In some instances, recently at UM, for example, fraternities have chosen to disaffiliate with the school because of what they perceive are unreasonable policies towards Greek Life. These organizations are still recognized by their respective HQs, they have for the most part not shown any tendency to be high risk or to haze. They just, very reasonably, in my opinion, think school administrators have gone over the top in their attempts to control Greek Life. So your kid is going to have to look into these things. It should be readily ascertainable from the national organization's website whether a given chapter is in good standing.