Frequently Asked Questions About TKE

Have questions? We’re glad that you do. In fact, over the years we’ve learned that people commonly ask many of the same questions about Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity. Here, you’ll find a list of those questions with answers to both the easy ones and the tough ones.

 

1. ​Why join TKE?

2. Aren't Farternities just like the one shown in the movie "Animal House?"

3. Don't Fraternities promote excessive drinking?

4. I'm concerned about my son's grades-what impact will fraternity membership have?

5. What about pledging or hazing?

6. Who is actually in charge of the fraternity?

7. Doesn't it cost a lot of money to be in a fraternity?

8. Being in a fraternity sounds like it takes a lot of time!

9. What is my son going to get out of his membership in Tau Kappa Epsilon?

10. Does my son have to live in the fraternity apartment?

1: Why join TKE?

       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 prepare 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.”

 

2: Aren’t fraternities just like the one shown in the movie “Animal House?”

        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, scholarship and lifelong friendship.

 

3: Don’t fraternities promote excessive drinking?

       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, as well as university policies regarding the consumption of alcohol.

 

4: I’m concerned about my son’s grades – what impact will fraternity membership have?

 

       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 scholarship programs, which may 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, supplemental instruction, computer labs, and academic advisors. 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.

 

 

5: What about pledging or hazing?

 

      Tau Kappa Epsilon does not condone or tolerate any form of hazing. TKE was the first fraternity to abolish "Hell Week." Our fraternity 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.

 

 

6: Who is actually in charge of the fraternity?

 

       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.

 

 

7: Doesn’t it cost a lot of money to be in a fraternity?

 

       Each chapter is self-supported through dues charged to all members. In the first year of membership, a few one-time expenses are   assessed. It is also important to note that each individual chapter usually offers a variety of payment plans. For more information regarding the fees charged by the International Fraternity, please visit                                                                                 www.tke.org/member_resources/finance/fee_structure.html.            

Your son should ask any member in our fraternity about the cost of dues and the different payment plans available.

 

 

8: Does being in a fraternity sounds take up a lot of time?

 

       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.

 

 

9: What is my son going to get out of his membership in Tau Kappa Epsilon?

 

        You’ll be amazed at what your son will get from his experience in Tau Kappa Epsilon. Joining TKE will expand 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.

 

 

10: Does my son have to live in the fraternity apartment?

 

        The short answer is no. However, it is likely that your son will want to live in the apartment to take advantage of the opportunities it presents. We encourage you to talk to the men who currently live in the apartment for more information about what it’s like to live the apartment. We are confident that both you and your son will fondly look back on his time living in the house with his brothers.