MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY FRATERNITY & SORORITY LIFE
Welcome to our 2020-2021 Fraternity & Sorority Guide! The Fraternity & Sorority Life community at Michigan State is at an important place as we continue to work towards a more inclusive, respectful, and civically engaged community. Our chapters have the opportunity to be leaders during their collegiate years, the East Lansing community, and years after they have graduated from Michigan State. Fraternities and sororities offer lifelong connections and access to a variety of resources and networks. With this comes a large amount of responsibility at a very important time in a young Spartan’s life. We have work to do as a community and need to understand the history of our organizations. All of our chapters have established values they stand for and it takes us holding each other accountable so the values may become a reality. If you are a parent/family member of our students who is considering joining, doing your research on the fraternity or sorority your child is thinking about is important. Ask chapters where they spend a lot of their time, what is the financial commitment to join, is there a requirement to live in the chapter house (if there is one), what is their commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and how involved are adults/alumni involved in the chapter? Students who may want to join should ask these questions. This is a big commitment and you should know crucial information in your decision making process. Recommended readings to learn about our councils: National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC)- The Divine Nine: The History of African American Fraternities and Sororities Multicultural Greek Council (MGC)- Foundations, Research, and Assessment of Fraternities and Sororities Panhellenic Council (PC)- The Sorority Life Interfraternity Council (IFC)- Fraternity: An Inside Look at a year of College Boys Becoming Men Please let our office know if we can help. This is a great experience and one we continually improve upon. My email is Floresg6@msu.edu and we are here to move the fraternity and sorority community forward. Si quiere leer informacion en Espanol, aqui esta! Go Green,
Guillermo Flores Associate Director for Fraternity & Sorority Life
Fraternity & Sorority Life Fraternities and Sororities have been an active part of the Michigan State University community since 1872. We currently have 62 chapters that are a part of four governing councils which include the Interfraternity Council, Multicultural Greek Council, the National Pan-Hellenic Council, and the Panhellenic Council. Each council and chapter has something unique to offer. All governing councils promote the highest ideals of scholarship, leadership, and community service while also building relationships that will last a life time.
4,628 Students
62 Organizations
13% of the undergraduate population
Why Should I Explore Fraternity/Sorority Membership? TIFFANIE QUINN SENIOR "Joining a sorority helps you to build relationships, enhance skills, and give back to the community. Through interacting with organizations, I have enhanced my professionalism, completed hundreds of community service hours, and grown personally. Since becoming a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., I have become a great leader and have been supported through every endeavor by my sisters. I can honestly say have found lifelong friends and a home away from home. I am able to travel all over the world and connect with sorors no matter where I am. It has overall enhanced my college experience and I couldn't imagine it without such an amazing organization."
CAMDEN RITTENHOUSE SENIOR “Making the decision to join Fraternity & Sorority Life (FSL) at Michigan State will open doors to endless opportunities in life. The fun times you will share with your brothers and sisters, whether you’re at a social event, participating in philanthropy or just hanging out, are memories that will last a lifetime. Your obligations and responsibilities within your organization will teach you so much and will allow you to become your absolute best self. FSL at Michigan State will open your eyes to new experiences you never thought were possible, and it has allowed me to become the leader I have always strived to be.”
Why Should I Explore Fraternity/Sorority Membership? RYAN VOGEL JUNIOR "The experiences that can be gained from joining a fraternity or sorority are immeasurable. Not only can you create lifelong friendships, but you become a member of an organization built on values which you align with. Through my sorority membership, I have been given opportunities to involve myself in service, pursue leadership positions, and build relationships over 2,000 miles from home. I have found a community where I can grow personally, socially and academically. Fraternity & Sorority Life can make a large campus feel smaller, and truly give you a place to call home."
ANDREW KIM JUNIOR "Exploring Fraternity & Sorority Life allows for many benefits that range from simply meeting new people to securing connections for jobs through networking. I personally have grown from being a shy introverted person to understanding how to best communicate, and get out there and express myself. Through fraternity life I’ve also gained important skills such as leadership and the ability to collaborate/work with others. Lastly, Fraternity & Sorority Life is extremely fun. You make so many meaningful memories and bonds that will last forever."
How to Join INTERFRATERNITY COUNCIL (IFC)
MULTICULTURAL GREEK COUNCIL (MGC)
IFC's primary recruitment occurs at the beginning of the fall semester. The Meet the Chapters Event is the introductory event where any students interested in learning more about joining an IFC fraternity can come and meet the 28 chapters. At this event, you will learn about the values and traditions of each chapter as well as other important information such as GPA requirements, estimated costs, and the schedule of events for the rest of recruitment week.
MGC is a collective group of multicultural, multiethnic, and progressive fraternities and sororities. Because each chapter is unique, their intake process is as well. Each of the 11 chapters have different expectations, requirements, and processes for bringing in new members. We recommend you check out each chapter's information and meet them at different events to get to know them and their process.
NATIONAL PAN-HELLENIC COUNCIL (NPHC)
PANHELLENIC COUNCIL (PC)
Each of the 9 chapters in the NPHC have a different process for conducting intake. This is a very individual and private process to ensure the best fit for both the chapter and its members. There is often an application and interview process, and most chapters will also host a series of informational sessions so you are able to learn more about the chapter and process before it begins. To learn more about the chapter, check out their social media pages.
Panhellenic Formal Recruitment takes place at the beginning of the fall semester. The Formal Recruitment process is an opportunity for women to meet all 14 of the Panhellenic sororities on Michigan State's campus. Each day women visit the chapters to learn more about their sisterhood, philanthropy, and values allowing each woman to see a variety of options in a short period of time. Women return to chapters based on a mutual selection process.
**Please note activities may be altered due to COVID-19 and state/university regulations.
Interfraternity Council (IFC) The Michigan State University’s Interfraternity Council chapters pride themselves on the pillars of brotherhood, leadership, community involvement, and academic success. Beyond the classroom, these leaders are active members of the greater MSU student body representing what it truly means to be a Spartan. As a result of being a part of Fraternity & Sorority Life, members are held to a higher standard. Each IFC Chapter agrees and continues to meet and exceed the standards of Michigan State University, and is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for members and guests at all times. Learn more by visiting @ifc_michigan_state on Instagram!
Alpha Epsilon Pi
Alpha Gamma Rho
Alpha Kappa Psi
Alpha Sigma Phi
Beta Theta Pi
Delta Kappa Epsilon
Delta Sigma Phi
FarmHouse
Phi Gamma Delta
Kappa Sigma
Phi Delta Theta
Phi Kappa Psi
Phi Kappa Sigma
Phi Kappa Tau
Pi Kappa Alpha
Pi Kappa Phi
Psi Upsilon
Sigma Alpha Epsilon
Sigma Alpha Mu
Sigma Beta Rho
Sigma Nu
Sigma Pi
Sigma Tau Gamma
Tau Kappa Epsilon
Theta Chi
Theta Delta Chi
Triangle
Zeta Psi
Multicultural Greek Council (MGC) The Multicultural Greek Council (MGC) at Michigan State is a unique governing body that represents Latinx, Asian, Progressive and Multicultural/Multiethnic Greek-letter organizations on campus. MGC organizations are smaller in membership size, which allows for a close-knit group of members. MGC fraternities and sororities are truly diverse, representing an immense number of cultural backgrounds, nationalities, and ethnicities. Culture and history are central to these organizations, as many of these groups were created out of the need to represent the interests of minority students. Members participate in service projects and programs that are not only pertinent to their individual group, but these events also connect them to the Michigan State and East Lansing communities. Learn more by visiting @mgc_msu on Instagram!
alpha Kappa Delta Phi
Alpha Phi Gamma
Delta Lambda Phi
Delta Tau Lambda
Kappa Delta Chi
Lambda Phi Epsilon
Lambda Theta Alpha
Lambda Theta Phi
Phi Iota Alpha
Sigma Lambda Beta
Sigma Lambda Gamma
National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) The National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) is composed of the nine largest historically AfricanAmerican Greek-letter organizations. All of the ‘Divine Nine,’ as they are nicknamed, NPHC organizations are represented on Michigan State’s campus. Internationally, NPHC organizations have a membership of over 1.5 million members. NPHC organizations provide members with opportunities for strong brotherhood and sisterhood. These fraternities and sororities deeply respect and place important emphasis on the cultural and historical context of their organizations. NPHC organizations stress the value of philanthropy by actively engaging their members in service projects in the East Lansing area. NPHC fraternities and sororities also hold academics and personal growth in high regard, holding scholarship balls and educational programming throughout the school year. Learn more by visiting @msu_nphc on Instagram!
Alpha Kappa Alpha
Alpha Phi Alpha
Delta Sigma Theta
Iota Phi Theta
Kappa Alpha Psi
Omega Psi Phi
Phi Beta Sigma
Sigma Gamma Rho
Zeta Phi Beta
Panhellenic Council (PC) The Panhellenic Council at Michigan State University is the governing body of the 14 National Panhellenic Conference sororities on campus. The Panhellenic Council strengthens the Greek Community and is responsible for promoting scholarship, philanthropy, and safety for each sorority as well as the Greek Community as a whole. The Panhellenic Council provides activities and programs throughout the year to address current issues affecting college women. The Michigan State Panhellenic Association desires to build a community that reflects diversity and inclusion within the sorority chapters. They strive to make the Michigan State campus stronger through our commitment to promoting diversity and creating positive change within the fraternity and sorority community. Women of all backgrounds make up the Michigan State University Panhellenic Association and each individual is celebrated for her perspectives, ideas and contributions to her organization and to the entire community. Learn more by visiting @msu_panhel on Instagram!
Alpha Chi Omega
Alpha Omicron Pi
Alpha Phi
Alpha Xi Delta
Chi Omega
Delta Gamma
Gamma Phi Beta
Kappa Alpha Theta
Kappa Delta
Kappa Kappa Gamma
Pi Beta Phi
Sigma Delta Tau
Sigma Kappa
Zeta Tau Alpha
Community Events & Initiatives GREEKS TAKE THE LEAD The Greeks Take the Lead Program (GTTL) is a mandatory workshop for all fraternities and sororities in order to be a registered student organizations (RSOs). GTTL serves as a way to help fraternity and sorority students feel empowered by providing further education on how they can intervene and end sexual violence in their chapters and greater community. All chapter presidents and risk managers participate in leadership-based interactive training, and all general members are required to choose a workshop focused on a specialized topic related to sexual misconduct and relationship violence.
GREEK FALL WELCOME During Fall Welcome students gather at the Rock on Farm Lane and enjoy free food, games, giveaways, and live music. New and returning students are able to learn more about Fraternity & Sorority Life. Additionally, they can meet individual organizations or councils and learn about their pillars of scholarship, leadership, and service.
SAFE HALLOWEEN An annual event in which fraternities and sororities host a carnival of various Halloween activities for children to enjoy. The purpose of Safe Halloween is to provide a safe alternative to trick-or-treating for the children of the East Lansing's community. In the streets, a DJ plays Halloween tunes while you can choose to bounce on the moonwalk or carouse the activities sponsored by our organizations.
**Please note events may be altered due to COVID-19 and state/university regulations.
Signature Council Events NPHC YARD SHOW The NPHC Yard Show is an annual fall welcome event consisting of each sorority and fraternity under the National Pan-Hellenic Council. Each of the nine organizations is allotted a time slot where they can showcase their chapter's history through steps, strolls, chants, and dancing. This event allows NPHC organizations to introduce themselves to the MSU community and incoming students.
MGC SHOWCASE The purpose of MGC's Showcase is for all organizations to preform and show their fellow councils and community members what each organization stands for. Each chapter within the council is unique in everything they do. The showcase takes place during both the fall and spring semesters and celebrates graduating seniors and chapter's accomplishments.
IFC & PC GREEK WEEK Every spring IFC and PC collaborate to form Greek Week teams. Each team chooses an organization to sponsor then competes against one another in various activities such as fundraising, Greek Day of Service, Greek Games, and more! Members make a positive impact on many different philanthropic organizations while making lasting memories. In the past two years, they have raised over $152,000 for local, national, and international charities!
**Please note events may be altered due to COVID-19 and state/university regulations.
Service & Scholarship FRATERNITY STUDY ABROAD This program is designed by and for fraternity members interested in exploring masculinity, college men’s issues, and gender roles from a comparative, intercultural context and as it relates to leadership within the fraternity community. It is an opportunity to connect with fraternity members in different chapters. This program takes place during the fall semester and the students travel to Italy over Spring Break. It is one of the only programs of its kind in the country.
SERVICE & PHILANTHROPY The Fraternity & Sorority Community raises thousands of dollars annually for local and inter/national organizations. Along with each organizations own philanthropic causes, chapters participate in their peers' philanthropy and and service events in the community. From dodge ball tournaments to serving food pantries, our members donate thousands of hours per year volunteering at various locations and organizations in the local community and beyond.
COMMUNITY CLEAN UPS Each semester the community comes together to participate in neighborhood clean ups. These cleanups take place before and after holidays and large events in East Lansing. Our students are dedicated to finding ways to give back to the community in which they call home for nine to twelve months of the year.
**Please note events may be altered due to COVID-19 and state/university regulations.
Leadership Programs & Organizations ORDER OF OMEGA The Order of Omega is a leadership honor society for members of Fraternity & Sorority organizations. The society recognizes upperclassmen who have exemplified high standards in the areas of scholarship, leadership, involvement within their organization and Fraternity/Sorority, campus, and local community. Members share the common goal of recognizing outstanding fraternity and sorority leaders on campus.
FRATERNITY & SORORITY LIFE KICK OFF (FSLKO) This event takes place at the start of the fall semester. During this event, Chapter Presidents and Council Officers get the chance to meet fellow leaders and connect cross council. To kick off the academic year, students learn about each other’s recruitment processes and goals for the year. Community Partners and presenters also provide tools and information to help students have a successful fall semester.
FRATERNITY & SORORITY LIFE RETREAT (FSLR) This event takes place at the start of the spring semester and all Chapter Presidents and Council Officer attend. During this event, campus partners and student leaders have the opportunity to engage the attendees through presentations and community building activities. The FSL Retreat is organized by a planning committee comprised of student representatives from each of the 4 governing councils and FSL staff. **Please note events may be altered due to COVID-19 and state/university regulations.
Get In Contact FACEBOOK Michigan State Fraternity & Sorority Life
INSTAGRAM @GoGreekMSU
EMAIL General@greeklife.msu.edu
OFFICE LOCATION STUDENT SERVICES BUILDING 556 E. CIRCLE DRIVE ROOMS 315 & 316 EAST LANSING, MI 44824