The important contact info you need to have. Over the years there have been only a few times that I, as a parent, have felt the need to call the campus to resolve an issue. Generally, I try to get my kids to handle it themselves. However, knowing where to call for whatever the issue can be daunting. For instance, trying to decipher how rush works or even having financial aid issues.  Be aware though that, unless your student has given you permission to call or is sitting with you, some departments won’t speak to you, the parent.

Check out our blog What You Should Do Before Leaving For FAU to download different legal documents.  These documents give parents’ permission in different medical and legal scenarios.

President of FAU: John W. Kelly, Ph.D.  His office is located at Florida Atlantic University
Administration Bldg., Room 339, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton, FL 33431. 561-297-3450.
Email president@fau.edu or jkelly@fau.edu

We realize that finding the right place to call isn’t always so simple so we have listed several of the offices and what they are used for to make your navigation simpler. Many of our blogs address issues that you may be looking for guidance about too so we have linked those too.

FAU Police Department

If a student sees and wants to report suspicious persons, incidents, and unsafe conditions, they can report it to (561)297-3500. If an emergency occurs, dial 911. Sean Brammer Chief of Police, Florida Atlantic University Police Department Phone: (561) 297-1377. sbrammer@fau.edu

Department of Emergency Management

This is the department that coordinates FAU’s emergency preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation activities to protect the students, faculty, staff, resources, and infrastructure.

Director: Jaeson Eber, 561-297-4587, em@fau.edu

Student Health Services

Located in Bldg. 8W, Room 240, 6424, 777 Glades Rd, Boca Raton, FL 33431, the offices of student health services are an easy and dependable resource for students since many do not have their own doctor. Their hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. They can also be reached via phone (561) 297-3512, or email the Director of Student Health Services, LeAnn Gutierrez, Ph.D., MBA Director Student Health Services, at lgutierrez@health.fau.edu.

The office asks that if you need to contact student health services for a medical need or question to please call the clinic. Email-only with non-medical concerns such as billing or immunizations, and to please not email staff with any medical questions or concerns because they are not actively monitored for medical issues. Other than routine appointments, they offer after-hours nurse advice and health information. Students can call the FAU SHS number to be connected to the after-hours nurse line.

The FAU After-Hours Nurse Line is staffed by registered nurses who can assess a student’s symptoms and help them determine how to get the most appropriate care. The nurse may recommend a variety of care options, including home treatment, follow-up with a physician or immediate visit to the closest Emergency Room or Urgent Care Clinic.  Note: If your student has not filled out forms prior to your call; they will not release any information about your student. Make sure your student has signed these forms.

See our blog Sick at School for more information.

Dean of Students

Dr. Larry Faerman is the Associate VP & Dean of Students, lfaerman@fau.edu. Susan Fulks is the Associate Dean of Students – Email sfulks@fau.edu. Student Services Building (SS #8), Room 226, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton, FL 33431-0991, 561-297-3542.  The Office of the Dean of Students works collaboratively with other offices on campus to enhance the quality of a student’s life and members of the FAU community.

Financial Aid Office – One Stop Student Services.

The office is located at 777 Glades Road, Bldg SU80 Rm 233 Boca Raton, FL 33431 Tel: (561) 297-3530 Office Hours: Monday – Thursday – 8:00am – 6:00pm Friday – 8:00am – 5:00pm.  Tracy Boulukos Assistant Vice President for Financial Aid & New Student Initiatives, tbouloko@fau.edu 561- 297-3531.

FAU Office of Information Technology

For students who are having technical difficulties with their FAUNet account and its surrounding technologies, this is the place to get in touch with. Here is our blog on Technology Services at UNF and one on Computer and Phone Repair.

Help Desk support is available in person (check their hours here) and 24/7 via phone (561) 297-3999 and submit a ticket.

FAU Housing

Phone: (561) 297-2880

The Housing Office is open Monday-Friday from 8 am to 6 pm. If your student is having problems, they should contact their  Resident Assistant or Area Desks. Information regarding residence halls and staff can be found here. The Executive Director of Housing and Residential Education is Raymond Gordon. You may email him at raymondgordon@fau.edu.

If your student is having issues with laundry, pest control, cleaning issues, plumbing leaks, doors, locks, air conditioning, Cable, Internet, Furniture, they can contact the FAU Maintenance Department and submit a request.

Student Accessibility Services –  For students that have any type of disability that requires special accommodations, campus accessibility, sponsored courses, course substitutions, this is the office you will want to be familiar with. The Director of the staff is Michelle Shaw. Email mshaw@health.fau.edu  (561) 297-3880.

Here is our blog on Student Accessibility Resources.

FAU Parking and Transportation Services –  The Director is George Androuin, gandroui@unf.edu

If your vehicle gets towed from FAU’s property, then the student will want to contact the Transportation office at (561) 297-2771. Tickets can be paid any time online.  Click here for online payment information.  If students need to go to FAU’s parking services here is their address: 777 Glades Rd., Building 80 (Student Services), Boca Raton, FL 33431.

Students may appeal their citations here. If you wish to appeal the citation it must be completed and submitted online. Appeal requests must be submitted online within 14 calendar days from the date of the citation. An individual charged with an infraction must either pay the prescribed fee or appeal the citation within 14 calendar days of issuance of the citation. If payment of the fine is not received in the Parking and Transportation Services Office within fourteen (14) days, a $25.00 late fee will be imposed. Any student with an unpaid parking or other citation will not be permitted to register for classes nor receive a transcript of academic achievement, grades or a diploma until all fines and fees are paid in full.

If you are a guest at FAU, an email will be sent to the email address reflected on your original appeal with the date and time of the scheduled hearing. Parking citations issued by Parking and Transportation Services can be appealed if you feel that the citation was issued in error or that there were extenuating circumstances associated with the citation. The appeal for the citation must be submitted within fourteen (14) calendar days of the issue date of the citation. Appeals for citations are submitted online through your Parking and Transportation account. Tow fees and Boot fees are not eligible for appeal. To pay or appeal a citation, click here. If your first appeal is denied then you have the opportunity to file a second appeal. The second appeal is filed the same way you filed for your first appeal. By filing a second appeal you will have the chance to meet with the appeals board on an appointed date to have your appeal reviewed again. Second appeals are scheduled in advance and you will be notified via email of your scheduled hearing time and location. Your attendance at the Second Appeal Hearing is encouraged by not required. Please note that the decision of the Board is final; no further appeals are permitted.

Department of Human Resources

Perhaps you have a student that works at FAU. The Department of Human Resources is the first point of contact for questions regarding employment, benefits, compensation, payroll, employee/labor relations, and classification. The office may be reached at (561) 297-3057. The office is located at building 4 (directly across from Chick-Fil-A) first floor
777 Glades Rd., P.O. Box 3091, Boca Raton, FL 33431-0991

Assistant VP of Human Resources is David Tomanio – tomaniod@fau.edu (561) 297-3076

Senior Associate Director for Human Resources – Marie Mascaro mmascaro@fau.edu (561) 297-3074

Asst. Director for Human Resources (Classification & Compensation, Benefits & Retirement is Michael Davis  mdavi145@fau.edu (561) 297-3026

Other HR staff can be found here.

Because dealing with stress can sometimes require a little extra help:

FAU  Counseling and Psychological Services– FAU is on top of it, offering various programs, workshops, training, and suggestions; most of which are free to our Owls. Attached is our blog on stress at college at FAU.  At the FAU Counseling Center, your student has access to free wellness programs addressing stress management, relaxation strategies, sleep habits, study skills, eating habits and exercise.  They also have an online community to help discover ways to move well, eat well and be well. The Counseling Center is located at the Student Services Building

SS-8 Room 222, (Second Floor above the Breezeway Food Court). The Interim Director is Dr. Courtney Weaver. (561) 297-1048, cweave15@halth.fau.edu

For emergencies regarding your student, all 911. Urgent services are available 24/7 to students who need immediate attention. If a student is having an urgent mental health need, they are welcome to walk into the Counseling Center Monday – Thursday from 8-6, Fridays 8-5 If the urgent need is happening after-hours or during weekends, support is available via phone at 561-297-0500

Other resources for helping a friend include:

Victim Services 561-297-0500 (24 Hours)

Equal Opportunity Programs 561-297-3004

Dean of Students 561-297-3542

FAU Police Department 561-297-3500

Counseling and Psychological Services 561-297-3540

Owls Care Health Promotion 561-297-1048

Sexual Health Education 561-297-1048

Health Services 561-297-3512

Student Night Owls Escort Service 561-297-6695

Student Accessibility Services 561-297-3880

Military and Veteran Affairs 561-297-3547

Victim Services

If students or someone they care about that has been a victim of a crime, confidential support is available and they can talk with someone about their options. There are several options if students are a victim of crime beginning with the FAU Police Department’s Victim Advocate. The Victim Advocate is available Monday through Friday between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm, is on-call for emergencies 365 days a year and responds as needed on evenings, nights and weekends. All services are free of charge and available 24 hours a day. 561-297-3500

The Victim Advocacy Center is currently located in the library on the Boca Raton Campus. (S.E> Wimberly Library, Room 156), 561-297-4841. Dr. Larry Faerman Associate Vice President & Dean of Students lfaerman@fau.edu, Associate Vice President & Dean of Students Affairs Office Student Services Building (SS #8), Room 226 777 Glades Road Boca Raton, FL 33431-0991 Phone: 561-297-3542

For anonymous or online incident reporting, click here.

Student Accessibility Services– Students must register for support services using their FAU NetID to complete the online application. Call for living/learning accommodations, extra time on exams, etc. The Director of the staff is Michelle Shaw. mshaw@health.fau.edu (561) 29-3880. SU 133 777 Glades Road Boca Raton, FL 33431

Safety Escort: The NightOwls Program is a student ran evening escort service. FAU students who need a ride to or from class, the library, residence halls, parking lots, or any other location on the Boca Raton Campus can call the NightOwls for a free ride. Call (561) 297-6695 for a ride. FAU Police officers are full-service, certified, sworn state law enforcement officers. They patrol the campus in a number of ways (car, bicycle, on foot, etc.) 365 days a year 24 hours a day.

FAU Dining Services: From meal plans to on-campus restaurants, students have many options. The Resident District Manager is Chris Valdes, Phone: 561-297-2562 Email: chris.valdes@compass-usa.com, Director of Operations is Ridwan Himawan, 561-297-3296 fau.rhimawan@fau.edu, the Sr. Director of Resident Dining is Carlos Dias, fau_cdias@fau.edu, 561-350-7728

Sorority and Fraternity Affairs – Both Panhellenic (PC), Interfraternity Council (IFC) and Multicultural Greek Council (MGC) fall under the Division of Student Affairs. Sorority and Fraternity Affairs is the office of professional staff that provides guidance, education, and support to the Florida Greek community. To contact SFA, call (561) 297-4924 or email fslife@fau.edu. They are located at FAU Student Union – (UN Room 204), 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton.

For basic questions, we have listed the emails below. Should you need to speak with someone in administration, you can contact the following:

Rafael Zapata, Director, Sorority & Fraternity Affairs, zapatar@fau.edu

Elaine Jahnsen, Associate Director, ejahnse1@fau.edu, 561-297-3269

Panhellenic:  For our sorority rushing blog, click here.

Questions regarding the Panhellenic Council at large: Kristine Coleman, President, panhelfaupresident@gmail.com

Questions regarding recruitment: Carmella Keim, VP of Recruitment, panhelfaupr@gmail.com

Questions regarding Panhellenic activities:

Questions regarding the Judicial Board and/or conduct:

Interfraternity Council:  For our fraternity rushing blog,  click here.

Questions regarding the Interfraternity Council: Camilo Restrepo, President, fauifcpresident@gmail.com

Questions regarding recruitment: Steven Herndon, VP of Recruitment, ifc.vpr.fau@gmail.com

Multicultural Greek Council – The Multicultural Greek Council (MGC) is the governing body for the culturally-based fraternity and sorority chapters at FAU.  The MGC currently consists of three organizations, one fraternity, and two sororities, that are culturally-based and diverse in nature. The primary purpose of the MGC is to unite its member organizations in order to share ideas and provide a support network for students. Members of the MGC experience Greek life in a unique way, as our chapters relatively small (10-25 undergraduate members) in size, which fosters strong, lifelong bonds between members and alumni.

FAU Individual Colleges – It is always good for your student to follow the chain of command if they are having an issue within their college. But, should following that chain not work, here is the contact information for each individual college.

Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters

Dean: Michael J. Horswell, Ph.D. (561) 297-3863, horswell@fau.edu
Florida Atlantic University
777 Glades Road
Boca Raton, FL 33431

College of Business

Dean: Dean M. Gropper, Ph.D. (561) 561-297-3635 dgropper@fau.edu
Florida Atlantic University
777 Glades Road
Boca Raton, FL 33431

College for Design and Social Inquiry

Interim Dean:  Naelys Luna, MSW, Ph.D. (561-297-4169) ndiaz10@fau.edu
Florida Atlantic University
777 Glades Road
Boca Raton, FL 33431

College of Education

Dean: Dr. Valerie J. Bristor, (561) 297-3357 bristor@fau.edu
Florida Atlantic University
777 Glades Road
Boca Raton, FL 33431

College of Engineering and Computer Science

Dean: Stella Batalama, Ph.D. sbatalama@fau.edu, 561-297-3400
Florida Atlantic University
777 Glades Road EE 308
Boca Raton, FL 33431-0991

Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College

Interim Dean: Dr. Tim Steigenga, tsteigen@fau.edu, 561-799-8610
Wilkes Honors College
Florida Atlantic University
5353 Parkside Drive
Jupiter, FL 33458

Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine

Dean: Phillip M. Boiselle, M.D., pboiselle@health.fau.edu, 561-297-4828
Florida Atlantic University
777 Glades Road
Boca Raton, FL 33431

Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing

Dean and Professor: Safiya George, Ph.D., APRN-BC,  FAANP, sgeorge@health.fau.edu, 561-297-3206
Florida Atlantic University
777 Glades Road
Boca Raton, FL 33431

Charles E. Schmidt College of Science

Dean: Ata Sarajedini, asarajedini@fau.edu, 561-297-3035
Florida Atlantic University
Science Building (SE-43), Room 256
777 Glades Road
Boca Raton, FL 33431

Finally, to read the 2019-20 Student Handbook and Planner, click here.

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You are going to want to know what to wear for recruitment. Welcome to Florida Atlantic University recruitment and life as a Potential New Member, or PNM! This is going to be an exciting time in your life when you get to find the chapter you will be spending your undergraduate years at. When preparing for recruitment, you’ll want to get to school prior to the Fall semester as recruitment begins before the start of classes. Over the course of a week, you’ll get to visit six chapters and get to know the sorority women who are a part of them. We’re here to give you a guide of what you can expect during this exciting time.

Orientation

Orientation happens the day before recruitment starts. Though we won’t be there to answer questions physically, you will be assigned a recruitment counselor, otherwise known as a Rho Gamma. The Rho Gamma is someone who is currently a sorority member and has been through recruitment, allowing them to better be able to assist you. They will not tell you which chapter they are a part of to provide you with a completely unbiased perspective should you have questions or concerns during your recruitment experience.

Towards the end, they typically do an ice cream social so the girls can get to know their recruitment group. During recruitment, you’ll be meeting chapter members in different conference rooms as there are no sorority houses at the university. This leads to the chapter dues being much less expensive than you would find at other universities. Prepare for your days to be busy and hectic, so refer to our list of essential items to keep with you throughout the process.

What to wear: This is super casual so girls can wear jeans and sandals or sneakers.

Round One: Sisterhood Round

Round one is known as the sister round. Sisters will discuss the sisterhood in the chapter and basically display all the fun events done all year such as formal, semi-formal, crush party, sisterhoods, socials, etc.

Round 1 is divided into 2 days and takes about 20 to 30 minutes at each chapter. Certain groups of PNMS will visit half of the sororities on day one and then they will see the other groups on the 2nd day. They do this so the PNMS and sisters are not overwhelmed. These days will be identical so it does not matter what day you attend, for example, the rooms, decor, and outfits stay the same.

This is your opportunity to ask questions about the chapters to begin to get to know them, while also giving the chapter members a glimpse of your personality so they have the opportunity to also get to know you. After visiting all six chapters, you will eliminate one sorority that you feel isn’t the right fit, and place it on your ‘non-favorite’ list.

What to wear: Sundress or romper

Outfits: Macy’s   Revolve   Amazon

Shoes: Nordstrom Rack   Revolve   Target

Jewelry: Princess Polly     Baublebar

Round Two: Leadership & Scholarship Round

Round 2 is both divided into 2 days. Certain groups of PNMS will visit half of the sororities on day one and then they will see the other groups on the 2nd day. They do this so the PNMS and sisters are not overwhelmed. These days will be identical so it does not matter what day you attend, for example, the rooms, decor, and outfits stay the same.

When heading back to the recruitment location for the second round, you will receive a list of what sororities you will have on your schedule for the day. This is based on mutual selection – just as you eliminate a chapter, chapters also will release PNM’s if they feel like it is not a good fit. Chapters will showcase their leadership opportunities and the benefits of joining a sorority. Many will discuss their chapter’s GPA, study schedule, study hour requirement. Plan on spending about 40 minutes at each chapter.

What to wear:  With this round, you can wear a casual skirt, romper, or dress paired with wedges or platform shoes. Make sure whatever you choose, you are comfortable and confident for the day ahead.

Outfits: Lulus     Lulus    Shein

Shoes:  Lulus     Nordstrom Rack    Nordstrom

Jewelry: Baublebar Free People    Anthropologie     Nordstrom

Round Three: Service & Philanthropy Round

Before you start the day, you’ll again receive a list of which chapters you will return to. At each chapter, you’ll learn more about a non-profit organization the chapter aligns itself with. Chapters have events and fundraisers throughout the year to raise money and awareness for said organization. You’ll also be speaking to additional members of the chapter to further get to know them and see if you can envision yourself in that chapter. Plan on spending about 40 minutes at each chapter.

What to wear: Round three wardrobe is a lot like round two, but think a step dressier. A nice sundress or romper is appropriate for this round paired with platform shoes/wedges. This could be something you would wear to a graduation party or daytime wedding, but again just make sure you are comfortable.

Outfits: Show Me Your Mumu   Revolve   Lulus

Shoes:  Nordstrom Rack   Revolve   Target

Jewelry: Nordstrom   Baublebar   Baublebar

Round Four: Preference Round (Prefs)

You made it to the last round of recruitment! Round Four is referred to as Preference Round as you will be making a decision of which sorority you want to be with at the end of recruitment. You’ll visit up to two houses on this day, and will speak to chapter members for longer than the previous rounds; about one hour. You’ll want to share more details about your values and where you envision yourself.

Make sure you get all the information you feel you need and share everything about yourself that you would like to, as this is the final day before bid day. These conversations will give you a better idea of what the girls are like and their reputation. It will also give the sororities a better idea of who you are and your values since they are trying to bring girls in that match the sorority’s values.

What to wear: This is the fanciest round, so we recommend a semi-formal black dress paired with platforms/wedges. Compare this to a dress you would wear to a fancy dinner or graduation ceremony.

Outfits: Lulus   Lulus   Lulus

Shoes:  Lulus   Nordstrom   Bloomingdales

Jewelry:  Nordstrom   Baublebar   Baublebar

Bid Day

It’s finally here, the day you’ve been waiting for! Today you will receive a bid to one of the chapters you visited during the preference round. Once you open your envelope, you’ll head over to your new sisters and celebrate!

What to wear: You will receive a shirt from the sorority you are selected for and can pair that with jean shorts and comfortable shoes.

Outfits: Lulus    American Eagle

Shoes: Revolve   Amazon   Nordstrom Rack

Find more great outfits, shoes, and jewelry at the stores below. We hope you will look them over.

• Nordstrom
• Nordstrom Rack
• Show Me Your Mumu
• Lulu’s
• Revolve
• Macy’s
• Amazon
• Francesca’s
• American Eagle
• Etsy
• BaubleBar
• Princess Polly
• Shein
• Bloomingdales

Congratulations and welcome to Florida Atlantic University Panhellenic!

Lindsay Fine and Catie Kuter, FAU

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Unprecedented doesn’t even begin to describe what the past few months have been like during this COVID pandemic. We may have had to change our daily way of life these past few months, but one thing we know for certain, classes are in session! Classes may look a little different this year however the fall semester will begin before we know it and it is important that we stay up to date on the latest plans and procedures at FAU.

At present, FAU will remain online throughout the rest of the summer while administrators are communicating with government officials about necessary safety measures and health protocols for the return to campus. Updates change, well, frankly, like the wind, but here are some important parts. On-campus COVID-19 testing is available and encouraged. Students can sign up for COVID testing and their results online. For those students that test positive or have been in contact with an individual who tests positive, students will be provided housing for a 14-day quarantine. Off-campus students will isolate themselves in their apartments/houses. The following numbers may be useful:

• General COVID questions can be sent to FAUCOVID19@fau.edu.
• Department of Health COVID Call Center: 866-404-6300, available 8 am to 5 pm
• Florida Department of Health COVID-19 Call Center: 866-779-6121
• Additional community resources.

Let’s talk facemasks…. just wear it. FAU is requiring all students, faculty, staff, and visitors to wear face masks while on campus. This is required at all FAU campus locations. You can find more information on facemask requirements and proper sanitation on Page 10 of the COVID-19 Reopening plan. Some have even turned their facemasks into a fashion statement. It might feel more comfortable to wear something fashionable, so get something fun and machine washable.

There is no doubt that the fall semester will look different starting with the new safety measures FAU has put in place. Students will still be able to participate in organizations, clubs, events, and activities –most virtually and others in-person, and probably outdoors, using proper social distancing. Indoor fitness will be limited in capacity, but there will be virtual fitness options offered as well. As for football and tailgating…. well, it isn’t looking very good, but no decisions have been made yet.

Housing has reduced occupancy at 96%, implemented space and amenity restrictions, and increased cleaning and disinfecting. At the Boca Raton Campus, there will be 112 beds reserved for self- isolation, if needed. Fall courses are a mix of in-classroom, hybrid and online; select courses and labs, and experiential courses will be face-to-face; however, no face-to-face classes will take place after Thanksgiving. Any classes that do take place in classrooms will only have 25% capacity to limit the number of students, faculty, and assistants at any given time. Entry to buildings will be regulated and monitored. Academic advising and support services for students will be available both face-to-face and remotely; intercollegiate athletics, including practices and competitions, will continue and follow NCAA and ACC requirements; and services such as parking, student recreation, student health, and student activities will be available.

Fraternity and sorority life will be quite different, but it will still exist. Recruitment will still happen, with some parts done virtually and others with the option to be in person.

You may want to check out some of our other blogs to help get you through these unprecedented times.

• How to Succeed in Online and Virtual Classes
• Online Test Taking
• Should my Student Go Back to School This Fall?
• Want to Get Back the Security Deposit
• Dealing With Uncertainty
• Creating Work and Study Home Space

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With an undergraduate enrollment of over 25,000 spanning across the Boca Raton Campus, FAU can feel huge. The large size of the campus means students should find a place where they feel at home. Some students will choose to rush a sorority or fraternity but others will not find Greek life their cup of tea. No worries; there are many other possible ways to get involved on campus.

Some of you may believe that your student’s first job is school, and I couldn’t agree more. That said; being involved in some way is rather important too. Firstly, joining a club will help your students build a community. Since they’re leaving their family and sometimes their friends behind, getting involved helps them to discover new friends with similar interests. It only takes a few friends to make a large school feel smaller. Joining clubs or organizations allows students to discover their passions and strengths.  It also helps them to discover what they don’t like, which can be just as important. Clubs and student organizations only enhance a student’s time at FAU.

Academic and personal growth often occurs in places other than inside the classroom. I would love to give you a list of all the different places your student can get involved, but FAU has a wide variety of recognized student organizations on campus covering almost any interest from dance, religion, politics, recreation, research, culture, music, adventure and more.

Below is a list of some popular clubs/organizations.

By far one of the most popular Student Organizations on campus is the Resident Student Organization. Students who live in FAU’s dorms run this organization. While they often create initiatives to make dorm living better, they also plan events to make dorm living fun and enjoyable for the students.

• Student Government– Perhaps a voice in FAU’s student government is of interest to your student. This is a great way to hone those leadership skills.
• OwlThon, or Dance Marathon as its commonly known, is wildly popular amongst sororities and fraternities, but truly there are many others who love to get involved. It is a yearlong event of planning and fundraising culminating in a dance marathon. When else would you get the chance to dance for 13.1 hours straight while raising money for the Children’s Miracle Network? It’s pretty awesome.
• Church groups – There are over 15 religious/spiritual organizations on campus.
• Hillel– Offers holiday and Shabbat dinners and a whole lot more. This is a great alternative since it can be difficult for kids to get home for holidays. Hillel also holds a variety of events throughout the semester for students to get involved in.
• Intramural Sports– are a great option. It can be fun and it provides exercise and stress relief. The sports choices change each semester.

It’s not necessarily what they do, but rather that they find their place. Encourage your student to get involved in one or more student organizations. It is too easy to feel lost at a large campus and getting involved will most definitely make the campus seem much smaller. Getting involved will also look good on their resume when they go to apply for internships or a job upon graduating.

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Your student got in trouble. Or they are having trouble. Now what? It’s not uncommon.  Sometimes even “the best kids” end up getting in trouble in some fashion during college. It could be as simple as a parking ticket, or as big as a charge of plagiarism.  Problems with a roommate, an apartment lease, getting caught underage drinking, are just a few of the issues that can play havoc with a college student and their parents.  No matter how well we’ve warned them to be safe, and follow school rules, it is important to also know what to do if trouble arises.

First, breathe.  Your student is probably freaking out and is terrified to talk to you.  Remain calm and get all of the facts. Remind your child to obtain and keep all paperwork and information.  At Florida Atlantic University, there are several avenues in which an issue may be resolved. The Division of Student Affairs engages, supports, and develops students and the University community by providing exemplary services, programs, and facilities as they foster a caring and inclusive environment. Here is a complete list where your student can go to find resources for resolving issues such as academics, mental health counseling, and roommate conflicts to name a few.

Not surprisingly, the Boca Raton and FAU police departments take underage drinking very seriously and can be seen handing out MIPs on and off-campus, otherwise known as a Minor in Possession. This is considered to be in violation of the Student Code of Conduct. If a student is a dependent and under the age of 21, it is reported to the Dean’s Office and the University is permitted to inform parents or guardians. Students will be required to visit the Dean’s Office, partake in a community service project, and enroll in a $100 Alcohol Awareness Course. FAU’s Alcohol Policy may be found here within the student code of conduct.

As for student code and conduct violations, FAU utilizes the Dean of Students Office to deal with these issues. Violations include plagiarism, cheating, university housing code violations, and Greek Conduct violations, among others. Each violation is dependent on the overseeing committee’s discretion and the degree of the violation.

There have been students who are pulled over and ticketed for not having their school address on their license. That will not hold up in court as non-resident college students attending college in Florida may drive in Florida without having a Florida driver’s license if they have a valid license from another state or country. For resident college students, a Florida Statute exempts students while at school in Florida so they are allowed to keep their home address.

If they do get in trouble and you need to contact someone at the University, here is a list of important contacts to have on hand.

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Campus diversity amongst students has grown considerably over the years and most colleges acknowledge the need to honor various minority groups. Colleges also propose to create campuses that maintain an inclusive atmosphere; allowing all its students to gain exposure, perceptions, global awareness, and a willingness to collaborate peacefully and freely. College campuses strive to support their black organizations and students.

Students are supported through varying resources at each school. While there are quite a few national associations, often colleges have localized branches that provide a more personalized experience. While each groups’ overall goal may differ somewhat, the overall goal of all the on-campus organizations is to encourage a welcoming space for black students to make connections. Some organizations for students of color are sponsored by professional societies, while others focus on diversity, mentoring, networking, college achievement, and other types of support.

There are many multicultural groups available for both undergraduate and graduate students at Florida Atlantic University. They range from academic groups to cultural and social groups to spiritual groups and more. I encourage you to explore all the options to see what is available to you. Among the organizations, clubs, and groups on campus; students may also be interested in joining one of the sororities or fraternities that are part of the nine African American National Pan-Hellenic Council. These social organizations provide students with the opportunity to network, volunteer in local communities, receive leadership training, access member-exclusive career boards, and participate in professional training. Not all of the national Greek organizations have chapters at Florida Atlantic University, but many do. Their missions and membership requirements vary, but what they stand for is clearly stated and you’ll be sure to find something of interest to you. That does not preclude joining any of the Greek organizations on campus.

One thing is for sure, and that’s that it is easy to get involved. The University encourages Black Student Involvement to support and create community. They advocate for the educational, social, and cultural needs of students. Whether serving as a forum for communication amongst diverse students and faculty, to help minority students build strong social networks, serve as an official voice for the black community, searching for scholarships, or simply in pursuit of a welcoming space amongst other students of color; your college undoubtedly has a place where you will find your connections. Florida Atlantic University is proud to be one of the most ethnically diverse universities in the state of Florida.

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Going back to 1978 with the release of “Animal House”, which became one of the most successful comedies of all time, to 2014 with the release of “Neighbors”, fraternities have been portrayed as groups of Neanderthals that do nothing but party, drink alcohol and abuse drugs. Fraternities have been called out on national television for purported participation in horrific activities. Certainly, if a fraternity is engaging in rushing or any behavior that crosses the line, they should, and will, end up either on suspension or maybe even kicked off-campus. But talk with many of the young men in fraternities at FAU, and they will speak of brotherhood, a lifetime of friendships and access to leadership positions on campus.

Florida Atlantic University is home to 8 national or international fraternities. Just like the sororities, the fraternities do not have housing. Their meetings and events are typically held on campus. Rush is year-round, a formal is held in the fall and an informal event is held in the spring semester. The requirements for the fraternity rush are that all interested men must be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours and must have at least a 2.5 GPA. FAU recommends students have at least a 2.75, however, some of the fraternities will accept students with a 2.5 GPA.

Rushing Around…

For parents of incoming freshmen, you have probably started to hear about rushing a fraternity. The way rush is handled for fraternities is radically different than sororities, but I am glad to give you the parent perspective on both, either way, you will not find too many who love the process.  But like it or not, Greek life does have its advantages. To ease the nerves of every parent, The University does not allow hazing of any kind; in fact, the FAU has a zero-tolerance policy on hazing. A few years back, the university rolled out its initiative “Real Owls Don’t Haze”. This program requires all prospective new members to complete an online program before registering for Rush and accepting a bid from any Greek-letter organization. If a hazing incident is reported, the fraternity or sorority will face action from their respective Council’s Judicial Board.

The more official rush is usually the second or third week of school when many of the chapters will host dinners, table out in the breezeway to talk to students and hold nightly events at various locations. At that time, boys can visit each fraternities’ tables to learn more or attend the events of Rush week. It is at these events that they are greeted by brothers who will “interview” them. They can get asked to leave (yes, asked to leave, as in, “We don’t think you will fit in here. You can leave now”) regardless of how much time they have invested getting to know some of the other brothers. Try to encourage your son to broaden his horizons and check out all the frats, not just the ones deemed popular. He may be pleasantly surprised by some of the smaller fraternities. Try to stay in touch with your son as his support system; should he need it. The rejection is real. Most boys do find their fraternity; others may not get accepted to the frat of their choice, but there is a second rush opportunity in the spring.

Hopefully, your son will be able to move beyond the labels and focus more on finding like-minded young men and a place where he will fit in. He may also want to consider the fraternity’s’ national standing. This can come in rather handy later when looking to network and find a job in the world beyond college even in another city.

Rush is based on first impressions, judgments, and appearances; certainly, in the first few rounds. This being said, mention to your son to be sure his social media is looking good. Don’t think they won’t check. The Interfraternity Council tries to promote the positive aspects of joining a fraternity and takes it very seriously.  They try to oversee that regulations are upheld, but they can only have eyes in so many places.

Here is a little about how it works.  Let’s say your son gets a bid from the house he wants. A bid is basically an invitation to join their fraternity. They then have three options to either 1.) Accept the bid and rush is over for him or 2.) Sit on the bid, the most common choice during rush week, as it allows him to continue to visit other frats and maybe even collect more bids. In the end, he can only accept one of the bids or 3.) Decline a bid and continue the hunt.  And then the fun really begins; new member period.

Rushing Spotlight

Once a bid has been accepted, your student becomes a new member. Fraternities have been in the national spotlight due to the tragic death of several members at various college campuses. Many Universities are taking a very strict approach to suspend any organization for any infraction that falls under their definition of hazing. Test your knowledge of hazing here. Talk to your student before he accepts a bid as to how to handle any situation that makes him feel uncomfortable.

At this point, you may be thinking why would I want my son to subject himself to going through this process? Personally speaking, while fraternity life may not be for everyone, they do offer a lot of benefits including being extremely visible and active on campus, involvement in philanthropies and they make FAU feel a little smaller.  Fraternity brothers partake in rituals that are unique to their letters, nationally and internationally, promoting brotherhood. Frats provide leadership opportunities as they are student-run organizations. It teaches them a great deal about social interactions and hopefully about being a gentleman as they will always be representing their letters. Each chapter charges its members’ dues. These dues pay for all of their programs and materials as well as their obligations to the international office. While there is a financial obligation, chapters do create payment plans for members needing special consideration. There may also be additional fees for retreats, formals, etc.

Learn the facts about Florida Atlantic University Fraternity rush click here.

HaveUHeard offers real information like this to help you have the best college experience possible. We glean great tips from our own experience and the experience of real parents and students from the schools we present. Pass on these great tips, tell your friends and like us on Facebook, Instagram,  Twitter, and Pinterest. Find out more about how to use HaveUHeard as a great resource here. Sign up for other great tips at haveuheard.com.

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For parents of incoming freshman, you probably are starting to hear whispers about rushing, or sorority recruitment. What is rushing her way and your way through this whole process? Talk to any parent at any school, and you will not find too many who love the process.  But like the process or not, sororities do have their advantages, especially at a large college.

This is an unusual, unprecedented time. The situation and circumstances continue to evolve daily. Please start your planning for any event by checking your university website.

Before my daughter mentioned she was interested in joining a sorority, I heard all of the common misconceptions of rushing a sorority. However, after seeing all three of my daughters recruitment and enjoy all that sororities have to offer, there is so much more to these organizations than I had previously thought.

As a mother of three daughters who joined three different sororities, I’ve seen it all. I’ve attended more than my fair share of mother/daughter weekends, mother’s brunch, and family weekends. All of my daughters had very different experiences when they rushed; two went through formal fall recruitment while my middle daughter opted into the more casual style of spring recruitment, yet they achieved their common rushing goal. All three of my girls set out to find a place to call their home away from home for the next four years. After a very long, emotional week, their goal was accomplished. My second two daughters were considered to be legacies of their sister’s sorority; meaning that their sister was considered an alumna. She could write a letter of recommendation on their behalf as could any other family member, no matter what university they went to. Click here for the email address to send a letter of recommendation.

All students that wish to join Sorority Recruitment must complete an online module entitled: Hazing Prevention: It’s everyone’s responsibility before they will be able to accept any bid requests. A link to this will be included in the confirmation page after registration.

Rushing

When my student was accepted into FAU, her journey through recruitment gave me a whole other perspective than I had with my older daughters because my FAU owl was closer to home. FAU sorority recruitment follows a typical schedule of other larger universities, the major difference being that there were fewer sororities to choose from, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Most of the women going through recruitment have heard both the positives and negatives of each chapter; this includes which of the six are the most popular. There is a preconceived belief amongst those going through sorority recruitment that they want to wear certain letters (all of the sororities have different combinations of Greek letters).

I am not going to chocolate coat sorority recruitment- it is based on first impressions, judgments, and appearances; certainly in the first few rounds where conversations last about 10-15 minutes. The Panhellenic Council tries very hard to promote the positive aspects of joining a sorority and in recent years have scaled back how much the sororities decorate their on-campus rooms. Sorority recruitment at FAU is moving towards a Value-Based Recruitment model; this model focuses on showcasing each chapters values and finding the women who best meet these values. Be this as it may, there is still the preconceived ideas and of course judgments made by first impressions.

We’ve got some great suggestions from our interns about what to wear for recruitment. You can read that here.

Speaking Greek

If I am speaking Greek, let’s address some of the particulars. Recruitment will begin August 30th and ends with Bid Day on September 6th.  Registration for recruitment opens in the summer. There is a fee, but this fee will get her a Panhellenic T-shirt and a bag. Due to the current situation, Recruitment will be held via a hybrid model. The Potential New Member orientation, Open House Round, and Invitational Round will be held virtually. Preference Round will be held in person. However, if a Potential New Member feels uncomfortable attending in person, there will be a virtual option. This is subject to change according to current CDC recommendations and local ordinances.

Florida Atlantic University has six sororities on campus. The sororities do not have houses on campus at this time. Each sorority gets a room in the student union to call home for the week and use it during rush. These rooms are typically fully decorated around a central theme for the week. For meetings and other events, each sorority chapter is assigned a room, typically in the student union, to use for the duration of the semester. Students who would like to participate in Sorority rush must be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours and have a GPA of 2.75 or higher.

Recruitment involves four rounds and a bid day. As your daughter goes through each round, she will go to fewer sorority houses. She may not get invited back to every house; chances are likely that she will not; however, she will have options that hopefully are one of the houses she was considering.  If your daughter is registered for recruitment, she is expected to attend every round and to visit every sorority on her schedule. If she must miss a round due to class, she can inform a member of the Panhellenic council so she is excused for the evening.

Perhaps your daughter will be able to look past the process and focus more on finding like-minded young women and a place where she will fit in. I have witnessed girls joining sororities because of specific Greek letters only to realize after a few weeks, their choice was not the right choice for them.

Yes, there are judgments being made based on the brand of clothes being worn, disingenuous conversations and misrepresentations.  The advice I gave my daughters is to be true to themselves. Creating a false persona just to get into a specific sorority would not result in making true friendships. When one of my daughters had her selection narrowed down to just a few, she called me panic-stricken, asking which sorority she should choose. I simply told her to go with the sorority she felt most comfortable in and to pick a Sorority where she could truly see herself calling the women her sisters.

Many parents like to send their daughters a gift on Bid Day. We recommend holding off as they will be getting gifts from the sorority they pledge on Bid Day and continually going forward from tank tops to water bottles and everything in between. Should you decide to get them a congratulatory gift, we have some suggestions here from:

Desert Cactus Greek, Brit and Bee, Alexandra and Company, Go Greek Chic, Cotton Sisters, Sorority Shop, Signature Tumblers and Gild the Lily.

Once they have chosen a sorority, read out blog Sorority Girl to learn more about sorority life.

Learn the facts about Florida Atlantic University Sorority Recruitment.

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She joined a sorority. Congratulations! Your daughter has found her home away from home for the next four years. Being in a sorority opens the door to so many wonderful experiences. I found my lifelong best friends when I became a member of a sorority at FAU. They have been by my side for many of life’s ups and downs as I have been by theirs. To this day, we have remained close friends.

Every sorority is a little different as it relates to social gatherings, academic requirements, and philanthropic requirements. Since FAU does not have Greek housing at this time, the sororities often plan several events throughout each month to ensure sisters can get together. Your daughter is expected to attend weekly chapter meetings and participate in sorority events. The sororities are often paired up with fraternities for social or philanthropy events or hold chapter-wide events with just their sisters; some of these might be mandatory.

Over the years, I have purchased sorority gifts for them, mainly at orientation. Between Big/Little, Orientation and Bid Day, they have accumulated jewelry, water bottles, stationery, wall signs and so much more. And while I know eventually (after they graduate college and move into an apartment to start adulting, their decorating tastes switch), seeing them enjoying this bond with so many young women and the impact the sorority makes during their college years is well worth having all of the sorority items they collect.

Should you decide to get them a congratulatory gift, we have some suggestions here from:

Desert Cactus Greek, Brit and Bee, Alexandra and Company, Go Greek Chic, Greek Gear, Greek Creations,Cotton Sisters, Signature Tumblers, All That Jas,  Bauble Bar, and Gild the Lily. Even Bed, Bath & Beyond carries Greek merchandise including tumblers, pillows, poufs and more!

Being in a sorority is not just about the social aspect, although that is a big part of joining. Many of the sororities require their members to participate in the philanthropy aspect teaching them about helping those less fortunate. They are expected to keep up their grades, as each sorority loves to be able to brag about having the highest GPA amongst all sororities.  They can be found holding positions on Homecoming, Student Government, Order of Omega, and OwlThon to mention a few. Members also have the opportunity to take on positions within their own chapters, often giving them experience in their area of interest. This opens the door for new members to have the opportunity to get involved on campus.

Most of the sororities hold family events each year. Often they do something special for families during FAU family weekend, this year it will be September 20th through 22nd, 2019. Typically the chapters at FAU have another family weekend again during the spring semester.

Most colleges are extremely strict today when it comes to drinking and hazing. I am not going to cherry coat this; it does happen. FAU is no different. Sororities have been put on probation for alcohol consumption and not been allowed to have any socials. Your daughter should never feel pressured to do something that makes her feel uncomfortable.

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Campus diversity amongst students has grown considerably over the years and colleges vie to maintain an inclusive atmosphere; allowing all students to gain exposure, perceptions, global awareness, and a willingness to collaborate peacefully and freely. Whether serving as a forum for communication, helping students build strong social networks, or simply in pursuit of a welcoming space amongst other Hispanic or Latino students; FAU undoubtedly has a place where you will find your connections.

FAU is proudly federally recognized as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI); the Hispanic enrollment at FAU exceeding 25 percent. Aware of this rise in enrollment, FAU strives to be sure their campus promotes an inclusive HSI culture.

There are various organizations for Hispanic and Latino students at FAU that are sponsored by professional societies, while others focus on diversity, mentoring, networking, college achievement, and other types of support. There is undoubtedly a place where all students can find their connections.

Clubs and organizations offered to serve the Latinx and Hispanic communities:

• Association of Latin American Students– works to support the Latin American students at FAU
• Brazilian Student Association– integrates and supports the Brazilian community on campus while promoting cultural awareness on both Brazil and the Portuguese language.
• Club de Espanol– The purpose of this organization will be to promote students and faculty in intellectual enrichment related to the Hispanic World.
• Management Leadership for Tomorrow– A national non-profit that has made groundbreaking progress in developing the next generation of African-American, Hispanic and Native American business leaders
• Somos Boca – is a student organization whose goal is to enrich the educational experiences for Hispanic/Latinx students by offering members events that will allow them to grow academically, personally, and professionally.

FAU has sororities and fraternities that specifically recognize Hispanic students.

• Alpha Psi Lamba– Co-ed Latin Fraternity. Its mission is To promote continued personal and collective growth of our membership, success, and unity through education, leadership, cultural awareness, and community service.
• Lamba Theta Alpha is the first Latin Sorority in the nation. Its purpose is to cater to the needs of women on the FAU campus.
• Lambda Alpha Upsilon- Their mission is to build a network of professionals that promotes brotherhood, scholarship, and service to the community.

You will also find that there are scholarships available to the Hispanic and Latin community, such as the Deborah Minney Minority Scholarship, Diversity Enhancement Scholarship for Transfers, and the Gates Millennium Scholarship Program. More information about these scholarships.  FAU encourages students to visit the Hispanic Scholarship Fund for additional scholarships dedicated to Hispanic students.

It should also be mentioned that in 2019, FAU was ranked the highest for diversity out of all the public institutions in Florida.  In addition, FAU celebrates Latinx Heritage month every September.

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