As we head into the later part of the semester, most of our fraternities and sororities will be initiating their new members, associate members, or pledges. With a few exceptions, these initiation ceremonies are secret. While the actual script and actions are not known, the purpose behind them is not. Values such as character, dignity, honor, scholarship, brotherhood/sisterhood, love, and many others comprised the foundation of our organizations. They are embedded in the symbols, handshakes, songs, and secret mottos, all of which are revealed in the ceremony or initiation ritual. Your student organization’s ritual, and the values espoused within, is the only real thing that separates it from any of the other 500+ student organizations. While the chess club develops a competitive skill for its members, they don't ask their members to take an oath to become better men or women. 

It is also important to realize that the rituals students participate in and the pledges they make are lifelong bonds that extend past graduation. While your student will not share the specifics of their initiation with you, we encourage you to ask them about the importance of their organization’s ritual and how it reflects the reason for their organization’s existence – to make young people better people. Ask them how their organization's ritual has impacted them and how they plan to practice it every day. You can remind them their ritual is not just a secret ceremony they experience once or twice, but a daily practice. We hope you recognize and acknowledge their growth as they "live their ritual."

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to any of the staff in Fraternity and Sorority Life at 404.894.3458.