Why join TKE?
Aren't fraternities just like the one shown in the movie "Animal House?"
Don't fraternities promote excessive drinking?
I'm concerned about my son's grades--what impact will fraternity membership have?
What about pledging or hazing?
Who is actually in charge of the fraternity?
Doesn't it cost a lot of money to be in a fraternity?
Being in a fraternity sounds like it takes a lot of time.
What is my son going to get out of his membership in Tau Kappa Epsilon?
Does my son have to live in the fraternity house?
Through our membership development and education programs, each member of TKE 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 men embody the principles promoted by the Fraternity and are poised for success. They belong to TKE..."The Fraternity for Life."
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.
Absolutely not. Alcohol abuse is unhealthy and inconsistent with the ideals of Tau Kappa Epsilon. Every individual member and chapter is expected to uphold federal, state, county, and city laws, and university policies regarding the consumption of alcohol.
Students often find managing their time difficult when moving from the highly structured high school environment to the freedoms of college. Tau Kappa Epsilon will assist in that transition by offering scholarship programs which might 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 advisers.
While Tau Kappa Epsilon is concerned about the academic achievement of its members, your son is still ultimately responsible for utilizing the resources made available.
Tau Kappa Epsilon 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.
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 advisers.
Each chapter is self-supported through dues charged to all members. In the first year of membership, a few one-time expenses are assessed. If housing is offered, fraternity lodging and meals are competitive with other housing options. It is also important to note that a variety of payment plans are usually offered by the individual chapter.
For more information regarding the fees charged by the International Fraternity, please visit http://www.tke.org/member_resources/finance/fee_structure.html. Your son should ask the local chapter about the fees they charge, which may (or may not) include his Candidate Fee and Initiation Fee.
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 Tau Kappa Epsilon, your son will learn how to balance his academic, work, campus involvement, and social commitments.
You'll be amazed at what your son will get from his experience in Tau Kappa Epsilon. Joining TKE will round out your son's collegiate experience. In fact, most alumni say that TKE completed their educational experience by teaching them valuable skills that are not taught in the classroom.
Here's what TKE offers: lifelong friends, leadership opportunities, social and athletic activities, academic support and excellence, and networking opportunities.
A: It depends on the individual chapter. However, it is likely that your son will want to live in the house to take advantage of the opportunities it presents. We encourage all parents to make sure that the house has passed its safety inspections. We also 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.