Letter to Parents

updated 7.9.2014 EJK

Dear Parents,

First we would like to take a moment to thank you for raising such a profound young woman who seeks higher education and following her interests - you did a wonderful job.

Sending a child to college can be a stressful time for any parent. While at the University of Maine (UMaine), your daughter will encounter many opportunities to become involved outside of her classroom experience. In fact, research has shown that 60% of all learning happens outside the classroom. It is important that you, the parent, be educated about the enriching experience that your daughter will find by being involved in Kappa.

How will my daughter benefit from joining Kappa?

Kappa Delta Phi NAS is rooted in founding principles that foster academic achievement, student involvement, community service, and life-long sisterhood. Advantages include:

A support group to help ease the adjustment to college.
Scholastic resources to help your daughter achieve her academic goals.
Leadership skills acquired through hands-on experience.
Encouragement to get involved, stay involved and maximize her potential oncampus.
Opportunities for active participation in community service projects.

Furthermore, National studies conducted annually consistently indicate that students who choose to join Greek-letter organizations experience many positive benefits, including the following:

Greek students are more likely to stay in college than non-Greek students.
College graduates who belong to a sorority or fraternity tend to be more financially successful than other college graduates.
Greek alumni give both more money and more frequently to their alma maters than non-Greek alumni.
Greek students are more active on campus and in community activities. Upon graduation, these members are also more likely to get involved in volunteer and charitable organizations.

How will joining a Greek organization affect my student’s academic pursuits?

Historically, our sorority was founded on the principles of academic success and camaraderie. Today is no different. Our members realize that academic achievement is the main priority of Kappa.

Kappa Delta Phi NAS continues to strive for academic excellence and promote scholarship by providing academic resources for our members including tutoring, academic advisors, study groups, scholarships, and awards. Chapter members know the importance of helping new students to adjust to University academics.

We require mandatory study hours based on a member's GPA and affiliates must complete a minimum of 8 study hours a week during the Affiliate Education Process. Also, our chapter has a reward system based on GPA. Prospective members must meet a minimum GPA of 2.5 in order to be initiated and then must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 to remain an active member. In fact, Greek members GPA(s) are traditionally higher than their non-Greek colleagues.

What is the financial obligation?

Like some opportunities for involvement in college there is a financial commitment associated with a joining a fraternity or sorority. The costs go toward our National fees, chapter operating expenses, and social functions. Financial obligations differ among individual chapters, as well as living in or out of a chapter house. New members can expect to pay higher dues their first semester ($250) than in subsequent ones ($180). While your daughter is participating in the recruitment process, make sure that she asks about the financial obligations of membership.

What is your stance on hazing in Kappa?

Kappa Delta Phi NAS has a zero-tolerance policy regarding hazing that is consistent with Maine anti-hazing legislation. According to State Statutes (207.287.1650), hazing is defined as: “A willful act, occurring on or off the campus of an educational institution, directed against a student or a prospective member of an organization operating under the sanction of an educational institution, that recklessly endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student or prospective member for the purpose of initiation or admission into or continued membership in any such organization to the extent that such person is knowingly placed at probable risk of the loss of life or probable bodily or psychological harm”. Hazing is not tolerated. If you sense your daughter may be participating in inappropriate activities as a result of membership in our sorority, you should contact the Office of Greek Life. Calls will be handled in an immediate and discreet manner.

How will joining a chapter now benefit my student after college?

The life long friendships your daughter will make through our chapter can last into post-college years. Membership in our chapter can be a life-long experience. Joining now is really an investment in your daughter’s future. Wherever a member ends up after college, chances are she will be able to find an alumnae chapter or other members of our sorority in the area. In addition, Greeks have national networks for its members that could be helpful in finding jobs or internships.

What can I do as a parent or family member?

Be supportive, and learn as much as you can by asking your daughter questions before they join. Our sorority provides written statements concerning activities, finances, and policies; your daughter should be encouraged to obtain and read this information. In addition, allow your daughter to make her own choice (especially if you yourself were Greek). Your support should not end after the recruitment period but continue throughout your daughter’s years in school. Once your daughter joins our chapter, take advantage of the Mom’s and Dad’s weekend activities and during the fall participate in UMaine's Family Weekend. These are great opportunities for you to see your daughter interacting with our chapter members, and one more way for you to spend time with her.

Thank you,

Kappa Delta Phi

national affiliated sorority