Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Delta Upsilon different?
Delta Upsilon is the only non-secret, non-hazing, non-sectarian fraternity at Georgia Tech. This means that all of our rituals are open to the public, hazing goes against who we are, and we choose men of merit regardless of race or creed.

What is a fraternity or sorority?
A fraternity is an organization usually found on college campuses. Fraternities can be founded for social, academic, philanthropic or many other reasons. Typically fraternities have all male members and sororities have all female members.

What is rush?
Rush is a recruitment period during which fraternities and sororities open their doors to campus and seek new members. At Georgia Tech, rush is entirely alcohol-free. Male rushees are able to visit any fraternities they want in whatever order or capacity they desire. During rush fraternities and sororities may extend to you a bid to join.

What is a bid?
A fraternity or sorority may extend interested candidates a bid or "invitation" to join the fraternity. At that point, it is up to the candidate to decide whether to accept the bid and join the organization (thus beginning the pledge process) or to pass on it.

What does it mean to pledge?
A pledge is someone who has accepted a bid with a Greek organization. Each Greek organization has different requirements for pledges to become full Brothers or Sisters.

What is the Delta Upsilon pledge process?
Our pledge process lasts 8 weeks. At the beginning of the pledge process, the pledges are informed of all of the requirements needed in order to initiate. These include reaching a preset point minimum as set by the VP-Member Education, obtaining the paddle signature of each active brother, and the demonstration of positive attributes that better the chapter. Points are earned through participation in brotherhood events, good academic performance, completion of philanthropy, involvement in outside clubs, and similar activities. A minimum number of points must be obtained from each designated area, in order to ensure that the man is well-rounded.

What are the paddles for? What is a paddle signature?
The paddles are decorated by each pledge during their pledge process with their name, the fraternityÕs colors, and the schoolÕs seal, among other items. The requirement of paddle signatures is a way of ensuring that the pledges get to know each active brother. When a brother signs a pledgeÕs paddle, it means that the brother accepts the pledge into the chapter and sees him as an asset to the fraternity. The paddle is a concrete symbol of acceptance into the brotherhood.

Are the paddles used? Are the pledges hazed in any other way?
No, we are non-hazing. The creation and possession of a paddle are simply general fraternity traditions that we keep, though it is never used for anything outside of collecting signatures. We believe hazing divides rather than strengthens the bonds of brotherhood. Hazing is not tolerated by any of our members, and any member who violates this policy is to be strictly punished.

What does it mean to be a member of Delta Upsilon?
Delta Upsilon strives to achieve our four founding principles:
The Promotion of Friendship
The Diffusion of Liberal Culture
The Development of Character
The Advancement of Justice
As a member of Delta Upsilon you are expected demonstrate these ideals in your life through your interactions with your brothers, your classmates, your roommates, your friends, and all others.

How will joining Delta Upsilon affect my grades?
We take academics very seriously. All pledges are required to complete 10 study hours per week. Any brother who makes bellow a 2.6 GPA each semester is placed on mandatory study hours. Failure to complete the mandatory study hours results in the brother or pledge being brought to the Judicial Board. The Judicial Board will then take any and all action deemed necessary to ensure the brother or pledge succeeds academically. The Brothers are constantly helping and encouraging each other academically. Study groups are commonly seen in our house.

What things does Delta Upsilon do to give back to the community?
At Georgia Tech, we are actively involved with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta. Every semester we work with the Boys and Girls Club to coordinate a flag football tournament for its members. This tournament acts as a fundraiser for the Techward Bound Scholarship, which is for those from the Atlanta area who otherwise would not be able to attend Georgia Tech. Our brothers also routinely volunteer at local Boys and Girls Clubs where their assistance is greatly appreciated.

What is the Delta Upsilon social scene? How do you manage risk?
At Delta Upsilon, we know how to have a good time. Our Foam Party is one of the largest social events at Georgia Tech. That being said, we strive to maintain a safe environment for all members and guests. Georgia Tech does not permit mass alcohol containers such as kegs, punch bowls, or even a cooler filled with beers. Delta Upsilon strictly follows these policies. At large social events, we have brothers designated as sober monitors as well as contracted security guards. Our Risk Management and Loss Prevention Chair is closely involved in the planning of all events to ensure the safety of all involved. The Risk Management and Loss Prevention Chair also ensures that all brothers and pledges are educated in the Delta Upsilon risk prevention policies.

If something unfortunate were to happen....
We are committed to the well being of our members. We have accidental insurance on all members and guests at fraternity sponsored events. Should a situation arise where medical attention is required, we will not hesitate to respond in a manner appropriate to the situation.

How much does Delta Upsilon Cost?
We try to keep our dues and rent at a competitive level. At times we may have to adjust our rates. The current costs are listed bellow:

+$800 Dues a semester excluding summer
+$735 Meal Plan (5 lunches and 4 dinners per week)
+$1700 Rent a semester $1000 for summer
+$100 Security Deposit fully refundable assuming no damage to the room
+$150 House Fee a semester excluding summer

How soon can a pledge expect to live in the chapter house? Are Brothers required to live in the house?
Brothers can move into the house immediately based on availability, but if you are in Georgia Tech housing you are subject to their rules concerning payment of their fees, which are non-transferable. Living in the house is not required at any point, but is highly recommended.

How is the chapter property cleaned and maintained?
The brothers and pledges are required to clean the house based on our work assignment system. Failure to complete your work assignment results in a $10 fine. If a work assignment is not completed before 12 am, it may be ÒstolenÓ by another brother for a $5 credit. General repairs are conducted by the chapter on a regular basis. For large scale repairs, outside contractors are hired.

What are the rules and policies of Delta Upsilon?
TThe Georgia Tech Chapter of Delta Upsilon does not tolerate hazing of any kind, sexual harassment, or the abuse of alcohol or drugs. We have a Judicial Board whose sole purpose is to decide on disciplinary matters. To see our complete rules and policies see our By-Laws.

Can the rules change? If so how?
Our chapter must abide by the rules and policies set forth by Delta Upsilon International. The House Rules may be changed at the beginning of each semester by a 2/3 vote of the brotherhood. The By-Laws can be changed at any point by a 2/3 vote of the brotherhood.

If you have additional questions please do not hesitate to ask by email or attend one of our General Fraternity Meetings Wednesdays at 7 pm.