We know that the decision to join a fraternity is not one that is to be taken lightly. Therefore, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions and concerns we had when we were rushing fraternities. Whether it is fiscal, time or academic commitment that you are concerned with, we hope that the following answers some of your questions.
What is the rush process like?
Rush (often called "recruitment") is a process in which unaffiliated gentlemen sample various fraternities and decide which, if any, of those organizations they would like to be a part of. Importantly, it is also a time for the organizations to sell their values and identities to prospective members.
At Northwestern, rush is delayed. Meaning that freshman are not allowed to receive "bids" (invitations to become an associate member) during the Fall Quarter. There is also a period called "Freshman Freeze." This lasts from new student week until the Sunday after the second week of classes. During this period, first year students are not allowed to enter Fraternity houses or participate in any fraternity event. Rush week occurs during the first week of Winter Quarter. During this week, fraternities push for the students they like to join their fraternity. It is also a good time for unaffiliated gentlemen to explore all of their options.
In general, rush is a painful experience for both fraternities and new students. It involves a lot of effort on both sides to really get to know each other and ask questions that they otherwise would not. However, the effort is all worth it when a brotherhood is formed off of the prudent selection of new members. New friendships are formed and new bonds are made as a result of rush. Come see for yourself at Delta Chi.
Will my grades suffer if I join a fraternity? I am already having to work all the time!
The answer to this question is simply no. As a fraternity with a cumulative GPA over 3.40, Delta Chi's members use the fraternity as a means to achieve higher academic results. Well above the all men's GPA average and consistently ranked top three among fraternities GPA, Delta Chi has proven that it does not interfere with school work and often facilitates learning, as stated in the pre-amble to our constitution. We continually strive and expect to achieve high academic achievements and encourage all members to ensure that school work is their first priority.
Can I afford to be a brother of Delta Chi?
Our stated dues for a brother of Delta Chi as of 2009 are as follows:
Social Dues: $375 per quarter
Meal plan (minimum of 1 per week): $85
Live out(parlor fee): $30
A brother living out of the house can expect to pay $490 per quarter
Room in house: $1650
Board in house: $530
Other in house fees: $240
A brother living in the house can expect to pay $2,795 per quarter
Payment of all three quarters in full at the beginning of the year comes with a 5 percent saving incentive.
These dues are below the fraternity average. We pride ourselves on being as efficient as possible with our money. In fact, a brother paying social dues and living in the house will actually save money compared to the average dorm living Northwestern student. Moreover, one can think of dues to the fraternity as an investment that they have made to a larger pool of money that can then be used to do activities that one would never be able to do by oneself or with a smaller group of friends. Be assured that we will never let financial strain prevent someone from becoming or remaining a member of Delta Chi. We deal with these issues all the time and will construct a plan that fits your needs.
Why would anyone want to be Greek?
A Greek letter organization encompasses all of the interests of any college student. There are high quality, plentiful opportunities for philanthropy, athletics, academic enrichment, social development, professional networking and friendships that will last forever. It is nearly impossible to cite any club that offers the same opportunities.
As proof, the following statistics indicate the value that a Greek experience often has on graduates later in life.
This is a difficult topic to address shortly, below are some of the many advantages:
We are one of the most involved groups of students on campus. D-Chi's are the leaders of many other campus groups, from Dance Marathon to club sports teams. Here are some of the activities that our members do.
As with many groups, what you get out of your fraternity experience will be directly related to what you put in to it. Delta Chi allows flexibility for its members to contribute only when they are motivated and able, and we support them when they do not have the time availiable. Therefore, there will be a place for you no matter the time that you have free to spend at Delta Chi. Members never feel as though their time has been taken away by their responsibility to their fraternity. Being in a fraternity is fun! It should not and never is a burden at Delta Chi.
Is there hazing at Delta Chi?
The answer is no. As the first fraternity to abolish "Hell Week" in 1929, Delta Chi has proven that it can create a deep routed bond without hazing its new members at all. We are proud of this policy and encourage you to examine its results first hand.
Will my grades suffer if I join a fraternity? I am already having to work all the time!
The answer to this question is simply no. As a fraternity with a cumulative GPA over 3.40, Delta Chi's members use the fraternity as a means to achieve higher academic results. Well above the all men's GPA average and consistently ranked top three among fraternities GPA, Delta Chi has proven that it does not interfere with school work and often facilitates learning, as stated in the pre-amble to our constitution. We continually strive and expect to achieve high academic achievements and encourage all members to ensure that school work is their first priority.
Can I afford to be a brother of Delta Chi?
Our stated dues for a brother of Delta Chi as of 2009 are as follows:
Social Dues: $375 per quarter
Meal plan (minimum of 1 per week): $85
Live out(parlor fee): $30
A brother living out of the house can expect to pay $490 per quarter
Room in house: $1650
Board in house: $530
Other in house fees: $240
A brother living in the house can expect to pay $2,795 per quarter
Payment of all three quarters in full at the beginning of the year comes with a 5 percent saving incentive.
These dues are below the fraternity average. We pride ourselves on being as efficient as possible with our money. In fact, a brother paying social dues and living in the house will actually save money compared to the average dorm living Northwestern student. Moreover, one can think of dues to the fraternity as an investment that they have made to a larger pool of money that can then be used to do activities that one would never be able to do by oneself or with a smaller group of friends. Be assured that we will never let financial strain prevent someone from becoming or remaining a member of Delta Chi. We deal with these issues all the time and will construct a plan that fits your needs.
Why would anyone want to be Greek?
A Greek letter organization encompasses all of the interests of any college student. There are high quality, plentiful opportunities for philanthropy, athletics, academic enrichment, social development, professional networking and friendships that will last forever. It is nearly impossible to cite any club that offers the same opportunities.
As proof, the following statistics indicate the value that a Greek experience often has on graduates later in life.
- Nationally, 71% of all Greeks graduate, while only about 50% of non-Greeks graduate
- The All Greek GPA is higher than the overall collegiate GPA
- Since 1920, 85% supreme Court Justices have been Greek
- 85% of the Fortune 500 key executives are Greek
- Of the nation's 50 largest corporations, 43 are headed by Greeks
- All but two Presidents since 1825 have been Greek
- 70% of the U.S. Presidents' cabinet members since 1900 have been Greek
- 76% of U.S. of U.S. Senators are Greek
- Over 85% of student leaders on 730 campuses are members of Breek letter organizations
- Less than 2% of an average college students expenses go towards Greek membership dues
This is a difficult topic to address shortly, below are some of the many advantages:
- You will find a bond with other gentlemen vastly different from yourself that you would otherwise have never achieved
- You will have an opportunity to build something bigger than yourself through intergreek work, philanthropy or just day to day activities
- You will get to attend awesome social events like date parties, sorority exchanges, formals, and all types of parties with some of the best women Northwestern has to offer.
- You will have opportunity for leadership soon after you are initiated. All members of Delta Chi are contributing members on a committee of their interest. Whatever your interest, there will be a place for you to make your mark and thrive at Delta Chi.
- You will form a network of brothers and alumni that will always be there to support and guide you
- You will have a great time!
We are one of the most involved groups of students on campus. D-Chi's are the leaders of many other campus groups, from Dance Marathon to club sports teams. Here are some of the activities that our members do.
- Northwestern Sailing Team
- Northwestern Men's Ice Hockey
- Dance Marathon
- Freshman Emerging Leaders
- Wildcat Welcome
- WNUR
- Relay for Life
- Residence Hall Association
- Peer Advisors
- Northwestern Crew Team
- Solar Car
- Formula SAE Race Car
- Ski Team
- Happiness Club
- Northwestern Ultimate Team
- Northwestern Men's Rugby
- and many other activities...
As with many groups, what you get out of your fraternity experience will be directly related to what you put in to it. Delta Chi allows flexibility for its members to contribute only when they are motivated and able, and we support them when they do not have the time availiable. Therefore, there will be a place for you no matter the time that you have free to spend at Delta Chi. Members never feel as though their time has been taken away by their responsibility to their fraternity. Being in a fraternity is fun! It should not and never is a burden at Delta Chi.
Is there hazing at Delta Chi?
The answer is no. As the first fraternity to abolish "Hell Week" in 1929, Delta Chi has proven that it can create a deep routed bond without hazing its new members at all. We are proud of this policy and encourage you to examine its results first hand.