FSL Parents & Families

Dear Denison Families,

Happy New Year! I am excited to provide important information about Fraternity and Sorority Life at Denison. For first-year students who may have interest in joining, the membership process for Greek-lettered organizations begins in the early spring semester. In support of our students’ academic success, Denison delays the membership process to allow for positive adjustment to the academic rigor and general life of college. Students are eligible to join recognized Greek-lettered organizations after they have completed twelve credit-hours, have earned the minimum 2.50 GPA, and have completed the Collin’s Law Anti-Hazing training requirement under the Ohio Revised Code. In partnership with the Provost’s office, we also do not allow students with an academic conduct record to join fraternities and sororities at Denison.

There are currently 19 values-based fraternities and sororities recognized at Denison. Each of these organizations is formed around common values, goals, and aspirations, as well as the core values of: academic excellence, career-readiness, inclusion, diversity, equity, and anti-racism, leadership development, service and civic engagement, and social responsibility. Fraternities and sororities have specific member requirements and fees associated with membership, that are outlined throughout the recruitment processes.

It is important for students and families to understand that, while fraternities and sororities offer meaningful opportunities for connection, service, and leadership, there are circumstances in which behavior does not align with the values of the organization or Denison’s expectations. Denison is deeply committed to student safety and well-being, particularly with respect to hazing prevention. Each student completes anti-hazing and hazing prevention training annually, and staff provide regular checkpoints throughout the new member education process to ensure understanding of our Code of Student Conduct and anti-hazing policies. If you believe that your student is participating in hazing-related activities, or being contacted or recruited by an unrecognized or de-authorized organization, we ask you to report this to the university through Campus Safety at 740-587-6482, or Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life Ashley Metzger at metzgerad@denison.edu or 740-587-6660, or Denison’s anonymous reporting system (although please note that while all anonymous reports are reviewed and taken seriously, the university’s ability to respond may be limited if insufficient information is provided).

Families and students should also be aware that some fraternities or sororities that were once recognized by the university and/or their national organizations have lost that recognition due to organizational conduct. These deauthorized organizations are identified at this link and are not permitted to operate or recruit at Denison. If you believe your student is being contacted or recruited by an unrecognized or deauthorized organization, we ask that you report this through one of the channels above so the university can follow up appropriately.

We encourage families to talk with their students about involvement that aligns with their interests and to explore the many recognized student organizations – Greek life and many others clubs and organizations – that are available on campus. For more information regarding Fraternity & Sorority Life, please visit our website. Students can also fill out the Fraternity/Sorority Interest Form to receive more information regarding specific organization information sessions and events.

Sincerely,

Ashley Metzger
Director, Fraternity & Sorority Life
metzgerad@denison.edu

Robbie Guilford
Associate Director, Fraternity & Sorority Life
guilfordr@denison.edu