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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q. What does it mean to be a member of a Fraternity?

A. Joining a fraternity means you join a lifelong brotherhood that will provide support and be an overall community, giving you the chance to build lasting relationships and develop personal skills. Members of our Fraternal life community both hold and are held to high standards, within and outside the classroom. As a member, you will play an important role in continuing the excellence of your chosen organization. 

Q. What will I get from fraternity life that I would not get from other organizations?

A. We believe strongly in the benefits of fraternity membership. Our members are able to experience lifelong brotherhood, a home away from home, enhanced leadership skills, academic success and assistance, philanthropic fundraising, community service and fun while in our organizations.

Q. Will my academic performance be compromised if I join a fraternity?

A. When students join a fraternity, they become part of a larger group of students who value their academic success here at Christopher Newport University. Each chapter appoints or selects an officer whose sole responsibility is to monitor members’ academic success and provide or coordinate assistance as needed. Each chapter has established a minimum grade point average in order to be in good standing and actively participate in chapter functions.

Q. How will fraternity and sorority life benefit me after college?

A. Being in a fraternity will expose you to professional and personal development opportunities as well as useful skills. Fraternities also provide access to a large network of alumni members that can be beneficial during and after college. Some opportunities can include developing networking skills, finding leadership roles and making connections.

Q. How much of a time commitment is being a member of a Fraternity?

A. It is often said what you put in, is what you get out. As a member of a Fraternity, you will have expectations, much of which will require your time, in order to ensure you are getting the most out of the experience. Chapters typically will discuss these time commitments well in advance to you. As each fraternity provides a unique experience, the time commitments vary. We encourage you to reach out to the fraternities to get a more detailed look.

Q. Will I experience hazing in fraternities at CNU?

A. All fraternity organizations forbid hazing and are dedicated to a membership experience that instills brotherhood and belonging without harmful activities. Hazing is both a criminal offense in the Commonwealth of Virginia and a serious violation of Christopher Newport University policy. It is expressly prohibited. Christopher Newport University will investigate and adjudicate all allegations of hazing. Criminal proceedings may also be implicated and are not precluded by a prior or concurrent University process. The University has established a clear policy statement regarding hazing. It is found at http://cnu.edu/public/policies/policy/student-services-policies/cnu-policy-9015_hazing.pdf

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REPORTING: If any member of the university community is subjected to, observes, or becomes aware of conduct believed to be hazing, it must be reported to one of the following:

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