FAQ for Parents

Hearing the door close behind you as you walked down the hallway of his dorm took everything you had. What you worked so hard to prepare him for was so hard to give him: Freedom. The freedom to grow, freedom to learn and most importantly, freedom to make his own decisions. Now more than ever, you’re proud of the good choices he makes, as they remind you of the man he is becoming. And that's why you're here. Because your son is ready to make a choice that will positively affect his life today and in the future as a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity.

Honorary initiations have been around almost since our founding. An Honorary initiate extends the privilege of membership in Tau Kappa Epsilon upon men of “sterling character and staunch uprightness” who are not enrolled as students at a campus where TKE has an active chapter or colony. Honorary initiates enjoy all the rights afforded alumni members of the chapter into which they are initiated.

Honorary initiation is an expression of appreciation for the outstanding service of men who are presently unaffiliated with our Fraternity. Formal inclusion of such men into the brotherhood of TKE often draws them into a closer relationship with the initiating chapter, and can lead to a lifetime of commitment to our principles and values.

Some chapters have invited the fathers of Fraters to be initiated as Honorary initiates, thereby strengthening the Fraternity’s ties with that family. Many chapters have built strong bases of alumni influence and support by inviting outstanding men in their community to accept Honorary initiation.

Why join TKE?
Aren't fraternities just like the one shown in the movie "Animal House?"
Don’t fraternities promote excessive drinking?
I'm concerned about my son's grades--what impact will fraternity membership have?
What about pledging or hazing?
Who is actually in charge of the fraternity?
Doesn't it cost a lot of money to be in a fraternity?
Being in a fraternity sounds like it takes a lot of time.
What is my son going to get out of his membership in Tau Kappa Epsilon?
Does my son have to live in the fraternity 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.

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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 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, study skills centers, 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.

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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.

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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.

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A: It depends on the individual chapter. However, it is likely that your son will want to live in the house to take advantage of the opportunities it presents. We encourage all parents to make sure that the house has passed its safety inspections. 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.

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