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Frequently Asked Questions
The following is a compilation of questions frequently asked of rush chairmen and other Greek members, about Greek life in general, living in the chapter houses, rush, etc.
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A: The Colgate Fraternity system, as with all Greek systems, offers something unique and distinct to add to the college experience. The eight fraternity houses at Colgate, while different in their members, all share the central notion upon which fraternities are based: the idea that an individual can grow and mature by becoming a part of a group of men, living together, under their own government, and sharing the bonds of tradition, friendship, and life.
A: Room and board costs for the fraternity houses at Colgate are approximately equal to those of the University. While prices vary form house to house, annual costs are usually within a few hundred dollars of the University's . If costs present a problem for a student, most houses offer payment plans as well as financial aid through their national fraternities. On top of the room and board costs, most houses have an annual social fee as well as a one time membership fee. The majority of the fraternity houses also offer paid positions within the house, which brothers can hold to help cover extra expenses.
A: The Colgate Fraternity system is dedicated to helping both the local Hamilton community as well as the Colgate community. Every house commits time and energy, through fund raisers and volunteering, to the betterment of the community. Fraternity projects go to benefit charities and organizations like the Hamilton Food Cupboard, the Community Memorial Hospital, the local foster children, and Hamilton Elementary School.
A: The six week new member education period will require a time commitment from the new members, but the fraternities are not ignorant of the needs of their members. They realize that the new members are involved in other activities and will be as accommodating as possible to each individual's needs. After the new member education period, the time spent in the house by each brother is largely up to him. Although participation in social events, chapter meetings, and elections is highly encouraged, the extent to which the house monopolizes one's time is entirely up to the individual. Living in the house is required only by some of the fraternities, although most of the fraternities require their officers to reside in the house.
A: Groups which violate the University hazing policy will forfeit recognition. In addition to Colgate University's anti-hazing policy, students must also comply with the New York State anti-hazing law.
A: Academics thrive in the Colgate Fraternity system. On average, the all fraternity GPA has been higher than the University's all men's average. Academics are enhanced by the fraternities' involvement with the faculty, specifically the in-house lectures by select Colgate professors. The diverse course selection of the brotherhoods, provides the younger brothers with an environment for excellent in-house tutorial programs. Library's, and specific study rooms within the houses provide an excellent atmosphere for the pursuit of academic goals.
A: The New Member Education Period at Colgate is six weeks of brotherhood immediately after a new member accepts an offer for membership. During this period, the houses are asked to instill in the new members, the spirit of the house. This is usually done through the teaching of local lore as well as the history of the national fraternity. The goal of this period is to bring the house together as a unit through shared experiences, and activities.
A: Rush at Colgate is largely informal. Men interested in rushing are welcome at the houses throughout their freshman spring and the beginning of their sophomore fall. Formal Rush begins in the third or fourth week of the sophomore year. Throughout the formal rush period, each house will host a variety of events, at which the rushees are welcome. These events are expected to be non-alcoholic, and are designed to provide the rushees with an open atmosphere to choose the house or houses which suit them best. At the end of this six or seven day formal rush period, the fraternities will extend a "bid" or invitation for membership, during a set time period. The rushees will have few hours to consult with friends before accepting or rejecting their bid. During this period, there will be no contact between the rushees and the fraternities. The following day a second round of bids will be extended, allowing the houses to increase their numbers if they so wish. Following the two formal rounds of bids, the houses will be able to take new members at their discretion throughout the rest of the year.
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