Q: Why should my son join TKE?
A: 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."
Q:Aren't fraternities just like the one shown in the movie "Animal
House?"
A: 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.
Q: Don’t fraternities promote excessive drinking?
A: 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.
Q: I'm concerned about my son's grades--what impact will fraternity
membership have?
A: 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 academic 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
advisors. Our chapter also has a group of men commited to helping others in
their studies and keeping them on the right track.
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.
Q: What about pledging or hazing?
A: 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.
Q: Who is actually in charge of the fraternity?
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
advisors.
Q: Doesn't it cost a lot of money to be in a fraternity?
A: 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 are
competitive with other housing options. Living in the fraternity house is
almost 50% less than dorming at Rutgers Newark. 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.
Q: Being in a fraternity sounds like it takes a lot of time.
A: 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.
Q: What is my son going to get
out of his membership in Tau Kappa Epsilon?
A: 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.
Q: Does my son have to live in
the fraternity house?
A: Not at all. However, it is likely
that your son will want to live in the house to take advantage of the
opportunities it presents. 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.