Phi Mu Delta- Mu Alpha
Established 1924
FAQ For Parents
Q: Why Join PMD?
A: There are many collegiate organizations students may choose to join, so why fraternity? Fraternities exist to provide college men the opportunities to develop positively through membership. While service, leadership, and scholarship are duties of members of the fraternity, the strongest affect members have is personal growth had through membership. The value of fraternity membership varies and is dependent upon the individual; however, some key membership benefits are:
​
LIFELONG FRIENDSHIPS AND A NETWORK OF RESOURCES
Throughout membership, whether as new members, undergraduate members, or alumni, members of fraternities are meeting people and connecting through the fraternity. As undergraduates, members meet others on campus, fraternity brothers from other campuses, alumni of the organization, and others. As an alumnus, membership provides connections when he moves to city, starts a new job, or returns to campus for alumni functions.
A “HOME AWAY FROM HOME” WHILE AT COLLEGE Many college students move away and enter an entirely new experience without the comfort of high school friends and family. The fraternity provides a group of men, with similar values, to become a support network for members.
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Within any fraternity chapter, there are many leadership positions members can take on. Each position has different responsibilities and learning opportunities; however, they all present opportunities fror growth and development as a leader and provide skills that can be used for other fraternity leadership positions, on-campus leadership positions, or internships/ career opportunities.
NATIONAL SPONSORED EVENTS
Members will participate in programs hosted by the National Fraternity. These programs may be leadership or centered on a particular topic, but will provide the opportunity for members to meet brothers from other campus and alumni.
TIME MANAGEMENT AND PRIORITIZING
The fraternity experience allows undergraduates to manage many aspects of everyday life post graduation, such as prioritizing and time management skills. Members will have regular time commitments, financial obligations, service projects, philanthropy events, social functions, educational programming, etc. all while balancing academic needs. Members quickly learn how to prioritize, balance multiple obligations, and be successful.
STRONGER INTERPERSONAL SKILLS
Fraternities provide the opportunities for men to work with others and through this experience, men to learn how to work with different types of people and communicate effectively with one another. In addition, there are times where members will have to learn how to set aside their own desires and any personal gain for the betterment of the group.
CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
It is a duty and a privilege to give back to the community and the fraternity provides a mechanism to do so. Members have the opportunity to give back to their local community through service, philanthropy events, and citizenship projects.
ACADEMIC SUPPORT
The primary goal for college students is academic success; and the fraternity provides a support system to achieve this. While the fraternity does have academic expectations and standards, the chapter members provide support and assistance through programs, workshops, study groups, etc.
GREATER SENSE OF PURPOSE
All fraternity members are bound together through a ritual - the beliefs and standards of a fraternal organization, which governs their purpose - often delivered through dramatic ceremonies. This purpose guides members daily lives and defines what a fraternity man should strive to be.
Q: Aren't Fraternities Just Like the One in the Movie "Animal House", "Old School", "Van Wilder" or Other Movies?
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.
Q: Don't Fraternities Promote Excessive Drinking?
A: No member or associate/new member or novice shall permit, tolerate, encourage or participate in “drinking games”. The definition of drinking games includes but is not limited to the consumption of shots of alcohol, liquor or alcoholic beverages, the practice of consuming shots equating to one’s age, “beer pong”, “century club”, “dares” or any other activity involving the consumption of alcohol which involves duress or encouragement related to the consumption of alcohol.
Q: I'm Concerned About My Son's Grades - What Impact Will Fraternity Membership Have?
A: Students often find managing their time difficult when moving from the highly structured high school environment to the freedoms of college. Phi Mu Delta 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 Phi Mu Delta is concerned about the academic achievement of its members, your son is still ultimately responsible for utilizing the resources made available.
Q: What about Pledging or Hazing?
A: Phi Mu Delta does not condone or tolerate any form of hazing and 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.
Q: Who is Actually in Charge of the Fraternity?
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.
Q: Doesn't it cost a lot of money to be in a Fraternity?
A: Each chapter is self-supported through dues charged to all members. In the first year of membership, a few one-time expenses are assessed. If housing is offered, fraternity lodging and meals are competitive with other housing options. 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 National Fraternity, please visit the Fee Structure portion of our website. Your son should ask the local chapter about the fees they charge, which may (or may not) include his Candidate Fee and Initiation Fee.
Q: Being in a Fraternity seems like a lot of time.
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 Phi Mu Delta, your son will learn how to balance his academic, work, campus involvement, and social commitments.
​
Q: What is my son going to get out of his membership in Phi Mu Delta?
A: You'll be amazed at what your son will get out of his experience in Phi Mu Delta. Joining PMD will expand your son's collegiate experience. PMD provides: lifelong friends, leadership opportunities, social activities, academic support and excellence, and networking opportunities.
Q: Does my son have to live in the fraternity house?
A: All brothers are encouraged to live in the house however if brothers have medical or other housing accommodations, they may be exempted from living in the house.
