A Letter to Parents

Dear Parent,

Congratulations on your son considering UNA as his college choice.  I am Drew McDonald, President of the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity (ATΩ or ATO Fraternity), and I am a junior at UNA.  I am a native of Huntsville, AL.  I have had a great experience at UNA and couldn’t be happier with my choice.  I hope and believe your son will have the same positive experience at UNA.

One of the decisions he will make this fall is whether to join a fraternity.  Many have visions of “Animal House” when “fraternity” is mentioned.  That is NOT Alpha Tau Omega (ATΩ).    

In ATΩ, we have a history of holding ourselves and each other to a stronger standard, a culture of holding each other accountable and encouraging each another to be the best version of ourselves.  That shows in who we are and what we accomplish.

Let me address a few questions/concerns parents often have about fraternity and ATΩ.

“IT’LL HURT HIS GRADES.“

ANSWER:  Well, no…  Not if he picks the right fraternity.  ATΩ’s new member Fall 2024 grade point average was 3.53 term and 3.695 cumulative on a 4.0 scale (1^st on campus).  The all-male average was 3.09.  So, who did better: us or non-fraternity members?  We did.  By far.  Why?  First, we only pledge individuals who have demonstrated academic ability based on prior performance in high school or at UNA.  Your son will be associating with others who make academics a priority.  Second, we have a scholarship program in place that requires weekly monitored study hours and offers tutoring when needed.  We will encourage and assist your son academically.

“WHAT ABOUT HAZING?”

ATΩ paints the definition of hazing very broadly in terms of the types of activities and behaviors we consider hazing.  We prohibit hazing of any kind.  Oddly, we had a pledge in the fall of 2022 who left us to pursue membership in another fraternity because “we didn’t haze enough.”  Apparently, he wanted to “earn” membership in a fraternity by putting up with mistreatment.  Weird, I know, but it happened.  We simply do not view hazing as part of a positive experience.

“LET’S SEE HOW HE DOES IN THE FALL AND THEN MAYBE HE CAN JOIN IN THE SPRING,” OR “IT WON’T HURT TO PUT IT OFF ONE SEMESTER.”

ANSWER:  Putting off joining until the spring has certain drawbacks you should be aware of.  First, the spring pledge class is typically much smaller than the fall.  A larger fall pledge class means more friendship opportunities and a larger group to bond and work with.  Second, he will miss the opportunity for officer elections and committee chairman appointments, which occur at the end of the fall semester.  He won’t be eligible for those opportunities until the next year.  He will essentially lose a year-and-a-half of leadership opportunity by pledging one semester later (fall, spring, fall).

“WE/HE CAN’T AFFORD IT.”

ANSWER:  ATΩ costs at UNA are less than, most other fraternities on campus and are less that any other chapter having a house.  Dues vary month-to-month, but on average, the ATΩ cost is about $125 a month (all inclusive – local dues, national fees and insurance).  If parents can’t assist, working 4-5 hours a week at $10 an hour will easily pay dues.  Won’t working interfere with studies?  Not necessarily.  The majority of our members work, still make great grades, and we can assist in finding employment.  Most of the time, we can help you/him make it work financially.

“IT’S ALL ABOUT BEER AND PARTYING, RIGHT?”

ANSWER:  No, actually, it’s not.  Not here anyway.  ATΩ has the only “substance free” house on campus.  Yes, we have a fraternity house where alcohol, tobacco and drugs are prohibited.  And yes, it’s actually enforced by the undergraduate members.  Our parties and activities at the house are always dry.  Parents are welcome to drop by anytime.

WHAT ABOUT THE PROS?  Well, how long do you have?  I have been told to keep it short, so here’s my best:

I have personally seen how membership in fraternity has changed lives.  A group of guys who support you, who accept you as you are, an organization that promotes the positive and provides almost unlimited opportunities for leadership development and growth as an individual – it can only be a positive thing.  Bringing out the best in our new members, including your son, only makes us stronger.  When he says he wants to attend an ATΩ activity to get to know us better, we hope that it is something you will support and encourage.  Call or text me anytime if you have questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Jed Clements, Recruitment Chairman
Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity
University of North Alabama
(256) 590-7811