35 replies to this topic

[moegolfer11]

Were any of y'all in Frats? I'm Debating joining one next year at Transylvania University. What is it like? I've heard some crazy pledging stories but are they true?

[Jim Clark]

You'll live through it unless they do something really stupid like making you drink until alcohol poisoning.

Usually, they will just mentally abuse and embarrass you, that's how you become one of the guys. ROAD TRIP! TOGA PARTY! TOGA! TOGA! TOGA!

They took the bar! The whole F-ing bar!

Just make sure to join the one that is the biggest party group on campus.

Edited by Jim Clark, 18 January 2012 - 03:01 PM.

[baseballfrk8998]

I chose not to pay for my friends.

[Txstcatman]

Was a member of two fraternities, though neither would be considered the "typical" organization.

First was Kappa Kappa Psi, a band service fraternity (marched in the univ bad).

Second was Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia- a social fraternity with various interests in the different area of the school of music. Joined this one late in my college life but still loved every minute of it.


Neither was "crazy" by most means, though one sure pretended to be.  Funny thing is, you can find many places and many reasons to get plastered on any given night, but if you choose a fraternity, it's more than the pledge process, and depending on the fraternity costs (dues, membership fees) it certainly wouldn't equate to "buying friends" as some people would lead you to believe. If you decide to rush, find a group that fits your personality, don't let them change you to fit theirs.

Edited by Txstcatman, 18 January 2012 - 11:10 PM.

[sefus12]

I'm a proud alum of Sigma Alpha Epsilon at Centre College (Kentucky Kappa chapter).  Wasn't planning on joining but it ended up being one of the best things I did in my four years there.  Many people have different opinions/experiences when it comes to fraternities, but I made life-long friends I still hang out with on a regular basis years after we left Centre.  It's been nothing but wonderful for me.  

Beau

[moegolfer11]

sefus12, on 19 January 2012 - 08:02 AM, said:

I'm a proud alum of Sigma Alpha Epsilon at Centre College (Kentucky Kappa chapter).  Wasn't planning on joining but it ended up being one of the best things I did in my four years there.  Many people have different opinions/experiences when it comes to fraternities, but I made life-long friends I still hang out with on a regular basis years after we left Centre.  It's been nothing but wonderful for me.  

Beau

Ahhh Centre...That's too bad. all Kidding aside. The reason I'm asking is because there is a guy on the golf team who is apart of one. They seem like a cool bunch of guys. The only problem is. I cannot drink, I have Liver disease and Crohns disease. Would they turn me away because of this? I hope not.
I don't want to join a Frat because of the parties, I want to join because at my high school we have a House System (Harry Potter esq I know.) But I enjoy the camaraderie, and the bonds.

[fccgolfer]

Phi delta theta Ohio epsilon chapter here

[sigmapete1]

There's no answer to that question.  Every Fraternity is different, and every chapter of a specific fraternity is different.  I am a member of a large national fraternity and remain involved (both locally and nationally) to this day (I am 30 years old).  We have chapters that are your typical loser animal house fraternity and we have chapters that have class presidents, high gpa's, and varsity athletes and still have great parties (my chapter for example).  

Best thing you can do is figure out the identity of the fraternity you would want to be a part of and find that one.  For me and my friends, that didn't exist on my campus, so we started our own and it is now the largest on campus and boasts over 1000 graduates in its 11 years consisting of doctors, lawyers, teachers, etc.  Joining a fraternity can be either the greatest decision or worst decision of your life.  But Choose Wisely.  

P.S.  Don't listen to the "buying your friends" garbage.  If the chapter is run well then dues go to events, charities, housing, etc.  But be prepared to deal with the uninformed prejudices of people that say stuff like that.

[Password Is Taco]

I had to live in a frat house during my second semester Freshman year - because I got kicked out of the dorms.  The president of the frat was a guy from a nearby town that I had played high school golf with and he helped me out with a place to live.

The guys were great, but after one semester living there I would NEVER consider living in a frat house again.  I got an apartment with a brother who quit the house for the next semester and stayed there for the remaining 3 years.

Frats are cool - but living in one is hell.  I've yet to hear a good story about the fraternity living experience.  The house is full of 40 college aged dudes who really don't care at all about other people's sleep, privacy or property.  This is cool when you want to have a beer, party, or play some xbox but I also  spend many week nights sleeping on a friend's dorm room couch because it was too loud or crazy to sleep at 1am on a Tuesday.  I also stashed my clubs under my bunk bed because anything nice (sunglasses, electric razors, ect) was usually stolen within a week or so.

There are positives though!  Drunk sluts walking the halls at all hours of the day make it pretty easy to get laid - as does having a room upstairs to chill out and have a drink when the bass is bumping and the 100 degree basement has turned into a suana.  I'm still good friends with several of the guys in the house - even though I wasn't ever a pledge or brother there.  As far as paying for your friends - I think it's a bit of an overstatement but it really does have some truth to it.  In this particular house I paid the living/rent/food fees and the "social" fees so I could party in the house with all of the guys.  I'm not sure I'd go through the initiation process to "earn" that right as a brother though!

Do some serious research before you make a committment.  Specifically look at the "live in" policy.  Many of the guys in the house I lived in dropped out in their sophomore or junior year because they didn't want to live in the house for 3 years and the contract said they had to live there. Good luck!

[sefus12]

moegolfer11, on 19 January 2012 - 11:30 AM, said:

sefus12, on 19 January 2012 - 08:02 AM, said:

I'm a proud alum of Sigma Alpha Epsilon at Centre College (Kentucky Kappa chapter).  Wasn't planning on joining but it ended up being one of the best things I did in my four years there.  Many people have different opinions/experiences when it comes to fraternities, but I made life-long friends I still hang out with on a regular basis years after we left Centre.  It's been nothing but wonderful for me.  

Beau

Ahhh Centre...That's too bad. all Kidding aside. The reason I'm asking is because there is a guy on the golf team who is apart of one. They seem like a cool bunch of guys. The only problem is. I cannot drink, I have Liver disease and Crohns disease. Would they turn me away because of this? I hope not.
I don't want to join a Frat because of the parties, I want to join because at my high school we have a House System (Harry Potter esq I know.) But I enjoy the camaraderie, and the bonds.

I can't speak for other fraternities, but i don't really think any would deny you simply because you choose not to drink.  The important thing is to get to know the guys at each fraternity and find the one you feel most comfortable with/enjoy hanging out around the most.  You will spend a lot of time with those guys, so if you do decide to join one (and they decide to take you... it's typically a two way street), so make sure it's one you will enjoy.  

And I'm not really sure why I'm giving you advice... you're my arch rival .  How's Transy's golf team this year?  Centre just started turning things around my senior year (won our first team title in about six years that year) and have been on the up and up ever since.  I still talk to the coach and knew some of the guys that graduated last year and see Transy's name mentioned quite a few times in the team scores.  

Edited by sefus12, 19 January 2012 - 02:06 PM.

[moegolfer11]

sefus12, on 19 January 2012 - 02:04 PM, said:

moegolfer11, on 19 January 2012 - 11:30 AM, said:

sefus12, on 19 January 2012 - 08:02 AM, said:

I'm a proud alum of Sigma Alpha Epsilon at Centre College (Kentucky Kappa chapter).  Wasn't planning on joining but it ended up being one of the best things I did in my four years there.  Many people have different opinions/experiences when it comes to fraternities, but I made life-long friends I still hang out with on a regular basis years after we left Centre.  It's been nothing but wonderful for me.  

Beau

Ahhh Centre...That's too bad. all Kidding aside. The reason I'm asking is because there is a guy on the golf team who is apart of one. They seem like a cool bunch of guys. The only problem is. I cannot drink, I have Liver disease and Crohns disease. Would they turn me away because of this? I hope not.
I don't want to join a Frat because of the parties, I want to join because at my high school we have a House System (Harry Potter esq I know.) But I enjoy the camaraderie, and the bonds.

I can't speak for other fraternities, but i don't really think any would deny you simply because you choose not to drink.  The important thing is to get to know the guys at each fraternity and find the one you feel most comfortable with/enjoy hanging out around the most.  You will spend a lot of time with those guys, so if you do decide to join one (and they decide to take you... it's typically a two way street), so make sure it's one you will enjoy.  

And I'm not really sure why I'm giving you advice... you're my arch rival .  How's Transy's golf team this year?  Centre just started turning things around my senior year (won our first team title in about six years that year) and have been on the up and up ever since.  I still talk to the coach and knew some of the guys that graduated last year and see Transy's name mentioned quite a few times in the team scores.  

I know some guys, like i said in the above post, from the Kappa Alpha Order. From what it seems they are the most liked bunch on campus, and the easiest going. Transy is ranked 9th this year after the fall season. I actually got recruited by Centre, by coach Chafin (great guy) but he was let go and they hired a new guy, and we lost contact. Since I've gotten recruited by Transy, and fell in love with the place. I am committing in April, I can't wait. We've been HCAC champs the past 5 years.

[sefus12]

moegolfer11, on 19 January 2012 - 02:36 PM, said:

sefus12, on 19 January 2012 - 02:04 PM, said:

moegolfer11, on 19 January 2012 - 11:30 AM, said:

sefus12, on 19 January 2012 - 08:02 AM, said:

I'm a proud alum of Sigma Alpha Epsilon at Centre College (Kentucky Kappa chapter).  Wasn't planning on joining but it ended up being one of the best things I did in my four years there.  Many people have different opinions/experiences when it comes to fraternities, but I made life-long friends I still hang out with on a regular basis years after we left Centre.  It's been nothing but wonderful for me.  

Beau

Ahhh Centre...That's too bad. all Kidding aside. The reason I'm asking is because there is a guy on the golf team who is apart of one. They seem like a cool bunch of guys. The only problem is. I cannot drink, I have Liver disease and Crohns disease. Would they turn me away because of this? I hope not.
I don't want to join a Frat because of the parties, I want to join because at my high school we have a House System (Harry Potter esq I know.) But I enjoy the camaraderie, and the bonds.

I can't speak for other fraternities, but i don't really think any would deny you simply because you choose not to drink.  The important thing is to get to know the guys at each fraternity and find the one you feel most comfortable with/enjoy hanging out around the most.  You will spend a lot of time with those guys, so if you do decide to join one (and they decide to take you... it's typically a two way street), so make sure it's one you will enjoy.  

And I'm not really sure why I'm giving you advice... you're my arch rival .  How's Transy's golf team this year?  Centre just started turning things around my senior year (won our first team title in about six years that year) and have been on the up and up ever since.  I still talk to the coach and knew some of the guys that graduated last year and see Transy's name mentioned quite a few times in the team scores.  

I know some guys, like i said in the above post, from the Kappa Alpha Order. From what it seems they are the most liked bunch on campus, and the easiest going. Transy is ranked 9th this year after the fall season. I actually got recruited by Centre, by coach Chafin (great guy) but he was let go and they hired a new guy, and we lost contact. Since I've gotten recruited by Transy, and fell in love with the place. I am committing in April, I can't wait. We've been HCAC champs the past 5 years.

Yea, Bruce Brown (pro at Old Bridge) is the director of golf and Tom Campbell is the head coach.  I know Bruce well (he helped out the golf team a lot when I was there) but don't know Tom.  he came on a few years after I left.  Chafin was my coach my senior year and he's a good guy.  I like him a lot.  Funny thing is that Coach Campbell is actually a Transy grad.  Centre is 17th right now.  Losing Chris Morris, last year's D3 National Champ, certainly hurt them.  

Definitely check out all the fraternities when you get on campus.  Being a school that is more Greek-heavy than a lot of big universities, you will certainly want to check out all the fraternities and see where you think you'll fit in.  Don't necessarily go by what reputations you hear before you get to campus.  Check them all out for yourself and make a decision from there.

[knothead63]

Delta Chi fraternity at Mississippi State back in the mid '80s. Also, FWIW, I was founding president as well and eternally honored to have served.
Had some of the best times ever and met some of the most amazing people (including my lovely wife) during that time thanks in large part to my fraternity life.
best of luck to you and enjoy this special time in your life!

[fore_life]

Transylvania? I'd be weary of any "fraternity"   From there lol

[DougJ]

I am in the quiet fraternity,   Ancient Free & Accepted Masons.

[moegolfer11]

fore_life, on 19 January 2012 - 07:00 PM, said:

Transylvania? I'd be weary of any "fraternity"   From there lol

HA at least they take the name with stride. On the back of one of their shirts, it says "Looking for new blood."

[lebanontngolfer]

First thing to learn, don't call it a "frat"....

[stonyman]

I was a member of ACACIA at Oregon State. It was one of the great experiences I had during college. If it is a wet house be prepared for parties they happen and they will happen during the week or other random times. It is really about the group of guys in the house. Don't worry about initiation, like other posters said as long as they aren't trying to poison you with alcohol or beat you bloody it is mind games and going through an experience that all members go through. When I was going through initiation I just thought about the members and if they can do it I sure as hell can do it.

There is parties but I think the thing I took out of the house was the sense of brotherhood and working towards common goals. It isn't for everybody but I think there are great things you can come out with.

[jabrch]

moegolfer11, on 19 January 2012 - 11:30 AM, said:

sefus12, on 19 January 2012 - 08:02 AM, said:

I'm a proud alum of Sigma Alpha Epsilon at Centre College (Kentucky Kappa chapter).  Wasn't planning on joining but it ended up being one of the best things I did in my four years there.  Many people have different opinions/experiences when it comes to fraternities, but I made life-long friends I still hang out with on a regular basis years after we left Centre.  It's been nothing but wonderful for me.  

Beau

Ahhh Centre...That's too bad. all Kidding aside. The reason I'm asking is because there is a guy on the golf team who is apart of one. They seem like a cool bunch of guys. The only problem is. I cannot drink, I have Liver disease and Crohns disease. Would they turn me away because of this? I hope not.
I don't want to join a Frat because of the parties, I want to join because at my high school we have a House System (Harry Potter esq I know.) But I enjoy the camaraderie, and the bonds.

If they'd turn you away for not drinking - for whatever reason (medical - or just personal choice) then those are not the kind of people you'd want to associate with.  Before pledging - make sure you spend enough time with the guys to really get to know them - not just the one or two they put in front of you at a rush event.  If there's a guy on the golf team who's a member, have him set up a few different foursomes...shouldn't be too hard...  you'll meet an assortment of guys with the same interest as you - and determine if this is the right crowd or not.

I did when I was in school - and the guys are my best friends still to this day - 15 years after I graduated.  I have friends who did - and hated it and quit after a semester.  It all depends on finding the right guys for your lifestyle/personality.  

Good Luck!

[Jim Clark]

DougJ, on 19 January 2012 - 07:27 PM, said:

I am in the quiet fraternity,   Ancient Free & Accepted Masons.

Obviously you know the OP was referring to a college fraternity. The Free Masons are quite a story. Two of my uncles were 32nd degree Masons. It's "slightly" different than a college fraternity, as you know.

[moegolfer11]

jabrch, on 20 January 2012 - 10:36 AM, said:

moegolfer11, on 19 January 2012 - 11:30 AM, said:

sefus12, on 19 January 2012 - 08:02 AM, said:

I'm a proud alum of Sigma Alpha Epsilon at Centre College (Kentucky Kappa chapter).  Wasn't planning on joining but it ended up being one of the best things I did in my four years there.  Many people have different opinions/experiences when it comes to fraternities, but I made life-long friends I still hang out with on a regular basis years after we left Centre.  It's been nothing but wonderful for me.  

Beau

Ahhh Centre...That's too bad. all Kidding aside. The reason I'm asking is because there is a guy on the golf team who is apart of one. They seem like a cool bunch of guys. The only problem is. I cannot drink, I have Liver disease and Crohns disease. Would they turn me away because of this? I hope not.
I don't want to join a Frat because of the parties, I want to join because at my high school we have a House System (Harry Potter esq I know.) But I enjoy the camaraderie, and the bonds.

If they'd turn you away for not drinking - for whatever reason (medical - or just personal choice) then those are not the kind of people you'd want to associate with.  Before pledging - make sure you spend enough time with the guys to really get to know them - not just the one or two they put in front of you at a rush event.  If there's a guy on the golf team who's a member, have him set up a few different foursomes...shouldn't be too hard...  you'll meet an assortment of guys with the same interest as you - and determine if this is the right crowd or not.

I did when I was in school - and the guys are my best friends still to this day - 15 years after I graduated.  I have friends who did - and hated it and quit after a semester.  It all depends on finding the right guys for your lifestyle/personality.  

Good Luck!

I just talked to the guy yesterday, he said it shouldn't be a problem. He was talking to a couple of the guys about me and they said that it's no big deal. I've always wanted to join a Fraternity its just a matter of finding the best one. Which shouldn't be hard because Transy is ranked #2 for Greek life. I wish they had houses instead of a Dorm with the Frats on each level. I went to Miami (OH) and Alabama and the Frat Houses there are just incredible.

[roll - gybe]

lebanontngolfer, on 20 January 2012 - 10:05 AM, said:

First thing to learn, don't call it a "frat"....

What would you call your country?

[DougJ]

Jim Clark, on 20 January 2012 - 12:12 PM, said:

DougJ, on 19 January 2012 - 07:27 PM, said:

I am in the quiet fraternity,   Ancient Free & Accepted Masons.

Obviously you know the OP was referring to a college fraternity. The Free Masons are quite a story. Two of my uncles were 32nd degree Masons. It's "slightly" different than a college fraternity, as you know.

Absolutely "slightly"   different.    I have  a few friends who were in college fraternities. Seems like a good way to "enjoy" college.

Edited by DougJ, 22 January 2012 - 10:03 AM.

[poppyhillsguy]

Coming from California to Colorado State, I didn't know anyone, so I pledged SAE.  It turned out to be a great decision since I've made life-long friends.

It's a great way to make friends with common interests.

[CUTigers2011]

First, like mentioned above, calling it a frat will get you nowhere. It's a Fraternity. "Frat" is a derogatory term to most fraternity men.

Second, not being able to drink shouldn't be a problem. If it is then it's a good reason not to want to be a brother there anyways. But expect to get a lot of calls and requests for rides to drive since everyone knows you're sober at all times.

I'm an Alpha Gamma Rho alumni and joining was the best decision I made in college.

[Chief Illiniwek]

Never understood the "don't call it a frat" thing and I was in one. I know, I know, what do you call your country. But seriously, why do so many frat guys (haha) hate the term "frat"?

[J-Tizzle]

Personally, I wasn't a big fan of the fraternities at my school (Missouri State University), however, I was a member of a business group that was technically called a "fraternity".  I enjoyed this and it was one of the best things I did because of multiple reasons: 1) got me out of my comfort zone; 2) co-ed; 3) people with like interests and a professional midset.  So while there were some of the dbag frat/sorostitue people in it, there were also about 80% really great people that you'll want to know when it comes time to be looking for a job.

[CUTigers2011]

Chief Illiniwek, on 27 January 2012 - 09:01 AM, said:

Never understood the "don't call it a frat" thing and I was in one. I know, I know, what do you call your country. But seriously, why do so many frat guys (haha) hate the term "frat"?

You're the reason I put most in front of that instead of all. Some, like yourself, don't mind. It bothers me because I NEVER heard the word "frat" used in a positive connotation, thanks to the only time Greeks get any publicity is when something goes wrong. And as anyone Greek knows, parties and wild times aren't not the only thing that happen. At least not in my chapter. It's all about the steroetypes to me. Fraternity doesn't really have a strong steroetype, but frat sure as hell does.

Kind of like calling an Asian a Chink, or well, you can imagine another ethnic group that gets pissed and offended frequently by some terms. They don't take too kindly to that. Neither has a positive ring to in my ears.

J-Tizzle has some point with the professional connections, but honestly my fraternity and other Greeks did way more benefit for me in getting a job and making professional connections than my student professional organization did, American Society of Civil Engineers.

Edited by abajoczky, 27 January 2012 - 09:42 AM.

[J-Tizzle]

abajoczky, on 27 January 2012 - 09:40 AM, said:

Chief Illiniwek, on 27 January 2012 - 09:01 AM, said:

Never understood the "don't call it a frat" thing and I was in one. I know, I know, what do you call your country. But seriously, why do so many frat guys (haha) hate the term "frat"?

J-Tizzle has some point with the professional connections, but honestly my fraternity and other Greeks did way more benefit for me in getting a job and making professional connections than my student professional organization did, American Society of Civil Engineers.

Oh I completely agree, the organization had very little with me getting a job, but it gives people exposure to interviewing processes and professionalism, which help everyone.  I'm just saying that knowing people that are destined to be successful is never a bad thing.

[darius1213]

Chief Illiniwek, on 27 January 2012 - 09:01 AM, said:

Never understood the "don't call it a frat" thing and I was in one. I know, I know, what do you call your country. But seriously, why do so many frat guys (haha) hate the term "frat"?

it's a southern thing, don't worry about it.

SAE here. i made plenty of life long friends and, if it's a good scene at the school your looking at, i say do it.

also, someone is always up to hit the links...always (can be a bad thing, haha).