Parents' Ultimate Guide to Tau Kappa Epsilon
Navigating your child’s journey to college (and fraternity life) can feel like a whole new world. But this guide—and all the resources and essential links below—gives you everything you need to understand Tau Kappa Epsilon. We continually update this page, so check back often!
What to Expect From Fraternity Life
Hearing the door close behind you as you walked down the hallway of his dorm took everything you had. What you worked so hard to prepare him for was so hard to give him: freedom. The freedom to grow, to learn, and most importantly, to make his own decisions. Now more than ever, you’re proud of the good choices he makes, as they remind you of the man he is becoming. That’s why you’re here: Because your son is ready to choose Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity, setting him on the positive path for today and the bright future ahead of him.
Parents' Associations
Your son’s experience with TKE isn’t complete without your active participation. The TKE Parents’ Associations encourage parents to stay informed and involved with Tau Kappa Epsilon, acting as advocates of the academic, social, and personal development of our TKEs. While the practices of TKE Parents’ Associations vary with each chapter, common programs and events include Mom and Dad’s Day, Family Weekend, and even mentoring programs. As a TKE mentor, you can be paired with an undergraduate TKE who will seek the guidance and wisdom they need to become successful TKEs for today and tomorrow. With your involvement as an active member of a TKE Parents’ Association, Tau Kappa Epsilon can continue to provide the best possible experience to its undergraduate members.
Honorary Initiation
Having been around almost since our founding, our Honorary Initiations extend the privilege of membership in Tau Kappa Epsilon upon men of “sterling character and staunch uprightness” who are not enrolled as students at a campus where TKE has an active or emerging chapter. Honorary Initiates enjoy all the rights afforded to alumni members of the chapter into which they are initiated.
Honorary Initiation is an expression of appreciation for the outstanding service of standout men, including some fathers of our Fraters. Formal inclusion of such men into the brotherhood of TKE often draws them into a closer relationship with the initiating chapter, inviting them to a lifetime commitment to our principles and values and strengthening the Fraternity’s ties with that family. Many chapters have built strong bases of alumni influence and support by inviting outstanding men in their community to accept Honorary Initiates.
Frequently Asked Questions
We know you may have a lot of questions in this pivotal time. You’re in the right place. Below you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions we get, designed to give you quick and helpful information. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, feel free to reach out.
Through our membership development and education programs, each member of TKE is provided with the resources and tools to help him achieve his personal best in all areas of college life and for continued success after graduation.
Our men embody the principles promoted by the Fraternity and are poised for excellence. That’s why they’ve chosen TKE: "The Fraternity for Life."
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 friendships.
Absolutely not. Alcohol abuse is unhealthy and inconsistent with the ideals of Tau Kappa Epsilon. Every individual member and chapter is expected to uphold federal, state, county, and city laws, as well as university policies regarding the consumption of alcohol.
Students often find managing their time difficult when moving from the highly structured high school environment to the freedoms of college. Tau Kappa Epsilon 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 Tau Kappa Epsilon is concerned about the academic achievement of its members, your son is still ultimately responsible for utilizing the resources made available.
Tau Kappa Epsilon does not condone or tolerate any form of hazing and is committed to a membership education period that instills a sense of responsibility and commitment in our new members. This period will assist your son in overcoming some of his concerns about success in college.
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.
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 chapter usually offers a variety of payment plans.
For more information regarding the fees charged by the International 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.
Participating in any worthwhile activity always requires a time investment. Research has shown that involved college students are more likely to graduate and report greater satisfaction with their college experience. Through his involvement with Tau Kappa Epsilon, your son will learn how to balance his academic, work, campus involvement, and social commitments.
You'll be amazed at what your son gets from his experience in Tau Kappa Epsilon. Joining TKE will expand your son’s collegiate experience—in fact, most alumni say that TKE completed their educational experience by teaching them valuable skills that are not taught in the classroom.
Here's what TKE offers: lifelong friends, leadership opportunities, social and athletic activities, academic support and excellence, and networking opportunities.
It depends on the individual chapter. However, your son will likely want to live in the house to take advantage of the opportunities it presents. We encourage all parents to make sure that the house has passed its safety inspections. We also encourage you to talk to the men who currently live in the house for more information about what it’s like to live there. We are confident that both you and your son will fondly look back on his time living in the house with his brothers.