A frat rat fails to understand the biggest part of a fraternity -- brotherhood.
The first fraternity in the United States was founded in 1776 at the College of William and Mary. Fraternities exist to develop brotherhood, network and enrich the college experience. Many college fraternities have houses where members live, hold meetings and socialize. Brothers who live in these houses should be aware of interlopers who want to break down the bonds of brotherhood instead of build them up. These people are known as "frat rats."
Hazer
Hazing is a dangerous, dark activity that plagues Greek life. Pledges who are in the process of joining a fraternity have been known to undergo torture, embarrassment, forced drinking and humiliation as part of hazing rituals. Those who carry out hazing are considered rats because of the unacceptable way they subject another person to such treatment. If you are aware of hazing that is going on, contact the department at your university that oversees Greek life, such as a Panhellenic council or University Life, or notify the local police department or campus security.
Tattle-Tale
Another way in which a member of your own fraternity can become a "frat rat" is by being a snitch. A brother is not a rat for snitching about illegal activities, such as hazing, but it would be dishonorable for him to be caught telling secrets to a rival fraternity or sorority. Additionally, if a brother finds out a secret about someone else in the house, he is expected to keep it.
Outsiders
People outside of the fraternity can also be labeled as "frat rats." People, typically girls, that spend too much time at the fraternity house may get this label. Usually a "frat rat" in this scenario reaps the benefits of being in the house -- attractive guys, popularity, food or drinks -- without contributing anything back. Like a rat, these individuals just hang around and nibble on all of the fraternity's resources and advantages.
What To Do
Once a house has identified a "frat rat," it is important to know deal with the situation. A "frat rat" caught early in its infestation of house can be dealt with privately. If the rat has affected everyone in the house, then it may be necessary to call a meeting. The individual could be banned from the house or kicked out of the fraternity. However, the fraternity should never stoop to hazing tactics or other forms of punishment to discipline its own members.
Tags: frat rats, Greek life