Q. Why should I join a fraternity/sorority?
A. Joining a fraternity/sorority has several benefits in a college experience as well as in one’s life. FSL organizations are recognized for producing future student leaders. Going FSL teaches lessons of responsibility, time management, leadership, teamwork, and so much more, that benefit someone for the rest of their life. In addition, you are making numerous new friends and becoming actively involved on campus.
Q. How do I join a fraternity/sorority?
A. If you are interested in joining a fraternity/sorority, you should attend activity fairs, recruitment events, and/or informational to get to know the organization and its members. Once you have selected an organization, and the organization has selected you, you become a new member. At this point, you will undergo the new member education process. Upon completion of the process, you will be initiated as a member of the organization.
Q. How much money/time does joining a fraternity/sorority cost?
A. Financial requirements vary for each organization. New members sometimes have to pay a new member fee, initiation fee, and pin fee. Once initiated, dues apply, which can range depending on the organization. All chapters are willing to set up a payment plan to help members manage their financial responsibilities. Once you decide to join, the new member education process differs for each group. The maximum amount of time for new member education is six weeks if you are joining in the fall semester and eight weeks if you are joining in the spring semester.
Q. Will I be hazed?
A. St. John’s University has a strict anti-hazing policy. Hazing includes any action that may produce physical or mental discomfort, embarrassment, ridicule or endangerment of a student or group of students. Hazing of any kind is not condoned nor will be tolerated at St. John’s University. If at any time you feel you are being hazed, you should contact the FSL Advisor.
Q. What are the requirements I need to fulfill before joining?
A. You must be currently enrolled at St. John’s University as a full-time undergraduate student. You must have completed at least 12 credits at a college or university. You must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5.
Q. What about all of the stereotypes?
A. FSL members are value-based organizations dedicated to the development of character and lifelong friendship, in addition to community involvement and educational advancement.
Q. Will my entire life be the fraternity/sorority after I join?
A. FSL members are encouraged to be involved in other areas in addition to FSL Life. This means being in other organizations, having non-FSL friends, and participating in events aside from those in FSL Life. Joining a fraternity/sorority does not mean giving up your life.
Q. What impact will the fraternity/sorority membership have on my grades?
A. FSL organizations want their members to excel in academics. This includes study hours, tutoring, and other supplementary academic programs. In addition to this, you can access a network of fraternity/sorority members that already know how to use campus resources such as the library, computer labs, and academic advisors. Although many believe joining will negatively affect their grades, it often does the contrary.
Q. Who should I contact if I have any questions/concerns?
A. You should contact Fraternity and Sorority Life at [email protected].
FAQ for Formal Recruitment Process for Panhellenic Council Sororities Only
Q. What is formal recruitment?
A. Formal recruitment is a process for sororities in the Panhellenic Council at St. John’s University. It consists of several nights where you have the opportunity to meet members of each sorority to see which one you feel most comfortable with. At the end of formal recruitment, a bid, meaning an invitation to join, may be extended to you from a sorority you have limited it down to.
Q. If I go through the formal recruitment process, am I obligated to join?
A. Once you sign up and attend formal recruitment, you have no obligation to join any organization. If at any time you want to quit the process, you are free to do so.
Q. What if I have work or classes during one of the nights?
A. Please notify a member of the Panhellenic Council or your Recruitment Counselor ahead of time if you have schedule conflicts. We will usually be able to work with your schedule so you can still go through the Formal Recruitment Process.
Q. Do I have to visit every sorority? What if I already know who I want to join?
A. During Night #1 of Formal Recruitment, you have to visit every sorority. We mandate this because many times you may have a preconceived notion of who you want to join; however, after meeting another, you may decide you would rather join a different one. During Night # 2 & 3, you only see the sororities that have selected you and that you have selected.