Frequently Asked Questions
We know that the decision to go Greek is a big one, and at times the whole process can seem confusing. As such, we've compiled a list of questions that students often have about Greek life, whether it be regarding the rush process, academic and financial concerns, or simply the benefits of going Greek. Hopefully this will help you along in your decision so you can ultimately figure out whether or not Greek life is right for you.
Jump to questions:
What is the rush process like?
Isn't balancing a fraternity with academics tough?
Can I afford the dues at ZBT?
What's so great about being Greek?
What are some advantages to membership in ZBT?
How involved is ZBT in on-campus activities?
What type of philanthropy events is ZBT involved in?
What kind of time commitment should I expect?
Where can I go for more information?
What is the rush process like?
Rush (often called "recruitment") is the process where prospective members (i.e. incoming freshmen and unaffiliated upperclassmen) sample various fraternities and decide which, if any, of those organizations they would like to be a part of. It is also a time for the organizations to sell their values and identities to prospective members.
Northwestern mandates a delayed rush, meaning that freshmen are not allowed to receive "bids" (invitations to join) during Fall Quarter and formal rush does not occur until the first week of Winter Quarter. There is also a time called the "Freshman Freeze," a time from the beginning of New Student Week until the end of the second week of classes when freshmen are not allowed to enter Fraternity houses. Rush week occurs during the first week of Winter Quarter, at which time Freshmen are allowed to enter houses and determine what fraternity is a right fit for them.
E-mail the Rush Chairs: Mike Waxman, Jared von Halle
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Isn't balancing a fraternity with NU academics hard? What kind of grades do the members of ZBT get?
That balancing act can be difficult to achieve, but our members have risen to the challenge and post some of the best grades on campus. Our house boasts an average cumulative GPA of 3.44, putting us at the top of NU Fraternities and above the all-men's campus average. We continually strive to achieve at a high academic level and encourage all members to make academics their first priority.
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Can I afford the dues at ZBT?
Our stated dues for the 2008-2009 year are as follows:
Live-in (only for brothers living in the house): $1500 per quarter
Live-out: $250 per quarter
Board: $1150 per quarter
Social: $350 per quarter
Sinking: $100 per quarter
However, be assured that we will never let financial strain prevent someone from becoming or remaining a member of Gamma Chapter. If you have specific financial concerns or further questions about dues and how they work, please refer them to Kevin Maas (Treasurer) or Josh Wasserman (President). [back to top]
What's so great about being Greek?
A Greek letter organization has aptly been called a "one stop shop" for any and all opportunities a college man could want. There are opportunities for philanthropy, community service, athletics, education, academic enrichment, social development, networking, and brotherhood. What other organization can offer anything close to that?In addition, the following statistics indicate the value that a Greek experience often has for graduates later in life both during and after college:
- Nationally, 71% of all Greeks graduate, while only 50% of non-Greeks graduate. The All Greek GPA is higher than the overall collegiate GPA Since 1910, 85% of the Supreme Court Justices have been Greek. 85% of the Fortune 500 key executives are Greek. Of the nation's 50 largest corporations, 43 are headed by Greeks. 76% of Who's Who in America are Greek. All but two Presidents since 1825 have been Greek. 70% of the U.S. Presidents' cabinet members since 1900 have been Greek. 76% of U.S. Senators are Greek. Both women elected to the U.S. Supreme Court were sorority members. Over 85% of the student leaders on 730 campuses are members of Greek-letter organizations. Less then 2% of an average college students expenses go towards Greek membership dues.
What are some advantages to membership in ZBT?
The advantages are almost too many to list, but we'll try anyway: - You will spend some of the best years of your life with a group of men you will learn from, have a great time with, and ultimately come to call your brothers. This is probably the greatest asset that being a member of ZBT can offer.
You will have the opportunity to make an impact on the community through efforts like our YMCA Mentoring program and through our philanthropic work for Northwestern's Dance Marathon and for the Leukemia Research Foundation.
You will eat Nina's cookies until you can eat no more (Nina is our amazing in-house cook who has been with ZBT for years and whose cookies are a ZBT staple).
Nina on Youtube!
You will attend some great social events like date parties, exchanges, and formals with some of the best women NU has to offer.
You will have the opportunity for leadership as soon as you are initiated. All members of Gamma chapter are expected to be contributing members of a committee from the date of their initiation. Whatever your interest, there will be a place for you to make your mark and to thrive at ZBT.
You will form a network of brothers and alumni that will always be there to support and guide you in any endeavor.
You will have a great time- after all, that's what college is about!
How involved is ZBT in on-campus activities?
We represent one of the most involved groups of students on campus. ZBT men are the leaders of many other campus groups, from Dance Marathon to the Interfraternity Council to A&O Productions. Here is but a sampling of some of the campus groups where you will find ZBT men dedicating their time:
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64 Squares Chess Club
A&O
Asterik
Boxing Club
Brown Sugar
Camp Kesem
Canterbury Northwestern
CATalyst
Dance Marathon
Freshmen Emerging Leaders
Hellenic American Student Union
Hillel
IFC
ISBE
JUFCC
Mayfest
Mock Trial
National Student Partnerships
NAYO
Northwestern News Network
NSTV
NU Tour Guides
NU Democrats
NUIT
Peer Advisors
Philharmonia
Pi Mu Epsilon Math Honor Society
Project Wildcat
Relay for Life
Residence Hall Association
ShireiNU
Soar Mentorship Program
Special Olympics
Sports Marketing Club
Students For Israel
Studio 22
Undergraduate Pre-Med Society
Undergraduate Pre-Dental Society
Undergraduate Leadership Program
Undergraduate Chemistry Council
Waa Mu
Wildcat Welcome
WNUR
X-Factors
What type of philanthropy and community service work are members of ZBT involved in?
Philanthropy and community service are both important and valued aspects of ZBT. One of the four tenets of our fraternity is a commitment to social responsibility, part of our Credo that we at Gamma Chapter have long embraced. Our Philanthropic efforts include a massive fundraising effort for Northwestern's Dance Marathon every winter and our wildly popular Fence-In held every spring to benefit the Leukemia Research foundation. For more information on our efforts, click the Philanthropy link to the left.
Our brothers are also deeply committed to making a positive difference in the community through hands on community service. Over the past year, many of our brothers have volunteered through various organizations on campus, as well as participating in a ZBT-led effort at the YMCA in Evanston where brothers worked as mentors in an after school program for local students. Our work focused on academic tutoring and leadership development, with a bit of basketball and other games thrown in as well. [back to top]
What kind of time commitment can I expect?
As with many things in life, what you get out of your college and fraternity experience will be a reflection of what you put in to it. That being said, we are a diverse group of guys with a diverse set of interests, so no matter how much time you are looking to spend or how involved you are looking to be, there will be a place for you at ZBT. [back to top]
Where can I go for more information on these topics?
Here are some relevant links that you might find helpful:
http://groups.northwestern.edu/ifc/ - IFC
http://www.northwestern.edu/gogreek - Greek @ NU
http://www.zbt.org - ZBT Nationals
http://www.nudm.org - Dance Marathon
http://www.leukemia-research.org/ - Leukemia Research Foundation
