10 Ways to Support Your Greek Deac
Guidance for Parents, Families, and Supporters of Wake Forest University Students Exploring Fraternity & Sorority Engagement
Families are powerful partners in student success. At Wake Forest, we see the campus as a classroom and invite all members of our community to live out the University motto Pro Humanitate—informed by curiosity, care, connection, and a commitment to integrity. Your encouragement, questions, and gentle coaching can help your Deac make wise, values‑aligned decisions about fraternity and sorority engagement.
Wake Forest’s fraternity and sorority community is made up of four councils: the Interfraternity Council (IFC), National Panhellenic Conference (Panhel), National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), and United Greek Council (UGC). Each council has its own joining process, traditions, and timeline. Encourage your student to explore all four and find the community that best fits their goals and identity.
Supporting Your Student’s Fraternity & Sorority Journey
10 Ways to Support Your Greek Deac offers practical tips for parents, families, and supporters to walk alongside their student through the process of exploring, joining, and thriving in Greek life. From conversations about balance, safety, and finances to cheering your Deac on at events, this guide helps you ask the right questions, encourage reflection, and stay connected while letting your student lead their own journey.
Ask what your Deac hopes to gain—belonging, leadership, service, identity connection, faith expression, academic support, or alumni networking. Compare those goals to what each chapter and council offers.
Support, don’t steer. Today’s fraternities and sororities boast broader experiences, are more open, and are more policy‑guided than when many families were in school. Encourage exploration and trust your Deac’s timeline—even if that means waiting or deciding not to join.
Fraternity and Sorority Engagement should support academic success and personal wellbeing—not compete with them. Plan study blocks around recruitment/intake, and check in during new‑member periods about sleep, stress, and class attendance.
Membership costs vary by council and chapter (dues, initiation fees, apparel, events, etc.). Clarify what is required vs optional and how billing works. If finances are a concern, ask about payment plans or scholarships.
Wake Forest and inter/national organizations enforce policies on hazing, alcohol, discrimination, and event management. Processes differ across IFC, Panhel, NPHC, and UGC groups—but safety, dignity, and respect are non‑negotiable. Know how to report concerns.
Fraternities & sororities are values‑based organizations meant to enrich—not distract from—academics, personal values, or faith traditions. Ask your Deac how their chapter lives its ritual, serves others, and aligns with Pro Humanitate.
Talk openly about alcohol, substance use, consent, mental health, and looking out for friends—especially around big social or new member events. Reinforce Wake resources (Counseling Center, CARE reporting, Hazing Hotline).
Your Deac is not alone. Professional staff in the Office of Fraternity & Sorority Engagement, chapter advisors, campus partners (Wellbeing, Chaplain’s Office, Academic Success), and inter/national headquarters are available. Encourage your student to reach out early.
New member education, chapter meetings, philanthropy events, and council programs take time. Encourage your Deac to map key academic deadlines and scheduling priorities against chapter calendars—especially across councils with different intake timelines.
Family connection matters! Attend Family Weekend and chapter events when invited, read campus & council newsletters, subscribe to the Daily Deac, and follow official social channels. Short, open‑ended check‑ins help your Deac reflect and grow.