Fraternity and Sorority LifeGustavus Adolphus College

The fraternity and sorority community at Gustavus Adolphus College is dedicated to fostering a transformative student experience. Greek chapters strive to promote and enhance member leadership, service, scholarship, and lifelong relationships. Through their involvement, members achieve a higher standard of excellence and positively impact the greater campus community.

This transformation is only possible when organizations promote Gustavus’ core values of Excellence, Community, Justice, Service, and Faith. Chapters and individuals live these values by:

• Supporting members’ physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.
• Contributing to members’ academic goals and successes.
• Promoting civility and respectful treatment of one another.
• Protecting members from manipulation, exploitation, or degradation of any nature.
• Fostering relationships built on trust, acceptance, honesty, and mutual respect.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a fraternity or sorority?

Fraternities and sororities are groups of individuals of similar interest bonded together by common goals, aspirations, and ritual. Rituals are based on common principles such as honor, friendship, truth, and knowledge, and each group works to instill and support these ideals through everyday activities. Membership in a fraternity or sorority is a lifelong obligation. The choice to join the community means working with students who can pursue common goals and ideas while being held to a higher standard. Each chapter develops a special bond that is nurtured thorough common work, ideals, service projects, and other shared experiences.

Why join a fraternity or sorority at Gustavus?

Fraternity and Sorority life at Gustavus offers countless benefits and development opportunities. Students often share that joining their chapter gave them a stronger sense of community, belonging, and purpose while in college and beyond. The Greek community at Gustavus was established in 1904 and prides itself on its three core values of leadership, scholarship, and service. Organizations aim to contribute to campus through philanthropic endeavors, community service, and interpersonal development. Through fraternities and sororities, students participate in social events, develop leadership skills, and make lifelong friends. Almost one-fifth of the Gustavus student body is Greek.

Leadership: Fraternity and sorority life offers an abundance of leadership and growth opportunities. Whether you become involved in Panhellenic, The Inter-Greek Council, or a position within your chapter, you are sure to develop new skills and relationships through your lived experiences. Gustavus Greeks are also heavily involved in athletic teams, Student Senate, ROTC, and other reputable campus organizations.

Scholarship: Greek organizations prioritize and contribute to members’ academic success. Scheduled study time is a component of the new member period and is regulated throughout membership. Each semester the all-Greek GPA average is higher than the overall campus GPA, and all members must maintain a 2.5 GPA to participate in recruitment and remain eligible.

Service: Contributing to the surrounding community is a vital aspect of fraternity and sorority life. Chapters host their own philanthropy event each year to contribute to meaningful causes like medical foundations, national issues like homelessness and domestic violence, and local non-profits. Organizations also participate in other events year-round as required by the Inter-Greek Council. To learn about each chapter’s philanthropy, view chapters’ individual pages, or contact them for details.

Which organizations does Gustavus have on campus?

Gustavus supports a wide variety of fraternity and sorority organizations, all with unique relationships, histories, involvements, and contributions to campus. See "Organizations" for a complete list.

Recruitment and Joining

How do I join?

Recruitment is the process in which Potential New Members (PNMs) explore Greek chapters and ultimately make a selection that’s a mutual fit for both them and the chapter. Recruitment events consist of learning about the distinct values and purpose of each chapter, forming relationships with the members, and ultimately making a choice of whether or not to join the Fraternity and Sorority community. Conversations should revolve around these principles. All sophomores, juniors, and seniors will receive an email with instructions and deadlines for recruitment registration first thing in the fall.

All Potential New Members must register online. 

• Sororities: https://mycampusdirector2.com/
• Fraternities: https://forms.gle/bx4sfyZRTYuaAxXNA

When can I join?

Students are eligible to join a chapter as early as Fall of their Sophomore year and can join any fall semester during their time as a student.

What are the requirements for joining?

Potential New Members must adhere to the following requirements in order to participate in the new member period (according to the IGC Constitution):

1. Must have achieved sophomore standing by year in credit and year in residence at any college or university
2. Must have a cumulative grade point average above 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
3. Make a bid (Article IX), after which they will be notified of their unalienable rights according to the New Member Bill of Rights
4. Any active member or Potential New Member of a Greek life organization who is found responsible for an act of sexual misconduct as defined in the Gustie Guide and who receives a sanction of Disciplinary Probation, Suspension, or Expulsion for such an offense shall not be allowed to retain or obtain membership in the Greek community indefinitely. This judgement shall be reversed in the event of a successful appeal in accordance with the process outlined by the Gustie Guide.

For more questions regarding eligibility, please contact the Inter-Greek Council.

Are there fees associated with registering for recruitment?

No; participating in recruitment is completely free at Gustavus.

How long will joining take?

The length of the new member period (known as the time from when a member joins the chapter to the time he or she is initiated), differs between chapters. The new member period can last anywhere from two to six weeks depending on the new member program. This is a great question to while completing the recruitment process!

Can I wait and join a chapter my junior or senior year?

Yes, it is encouraged that everyone who is interested in a chapter experience the recruitment process.

What is hazing, and will it happen to me?

Hazing is defined as any action taken which produces bodily harm or danger, mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, fright, or ridicule. Once a common tradition, hazing has been banned by all national fraternal organizations and institutions of higher education. Gustavus rigorously enforces this policy, and organizations that violate the policy are subject to immediate suspension of campus recognition and privileges. Please see more information in the Gustie Guide.

Student clubs and organizations at Gustavus Adolphus College provide the campus community with activities, programs, and resources that enhance the quality of student life. Students who participate in co-curricular activities are more likely to succeed at both personal and professional goals, develop leadership skills, form lasting friendships with peers and learn more about a chosen career field.

This growth is only possible when organizations promote Gustavus’ core values of Excellence, Community, Justice, Service, and Faith. Groups and individuals live these values by:

• Supporting members’ physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.
• Contributing to members’ academic goals and successes.
• Promoting civility and respectful treatment of one another.
• Protecting members from manipulation, exploitation, or degradation of any nature.
• Fostering relationships build on trust, acceptance, honesty, and mutual respect.

Identifying Hazing

The following are key identifiers that hazing is taking place:

• The activity violates the College’s five core values and philosophy statement.
• The activity is degrading, demeaning, intimidating, or hurtful.
• The activity seems meaningless, tedious, and/or unnecessarily time consuming.
• Alcohol and/or drugs are involved.
• Active and new members are unwilling to discuss the activity with advisors, parents, or prospective members.
• Active members would be unwilling to participate with the new members and engage in the same activities.
• Active members and new members would not be comfortable participating in the activity in front of their parents, advisors, or non-member peers.
• There is risk of injury or question of safety.

Types of Hazing

Students sometimes have difficulty understanding hazing, lacking the information to recognize what actions create harmful situations and lead to negative group dynamics. Being able to identify hazing is an important step in eliminating it. The five core values of the College provide an excellent lens for examining the validity of new member education practices.

Remember that hazing at any level has the capacity to inflict mental and physical harm on its target.

Hazing activities fall into three major categories:

• Power Differential Hazing
• Harassment Hazing
• Violent Hazing

Power Differential Hazing

Power differential hazing damages relationships and creates unhealthy dynamics between new members and existing members. This type of hazing is more psychological than physical; thus it is often falsely viewed as harmless by group members. Power differential hazing dismisses standards of mutual respect and can result in the ridicule, embarrassment, and humiliation of new members.

Common examples:

• Deprivation of privileges granted to existing members
• Requiring new members to perform duties not required of existing members
• Expecting certain items to always be in one’s possession
• Quizzing/drills on meaningless information
• i.e. Information that is not relevant to the new members success as an active, contributing member within the sorority or fraternity
• Socially isolating new members
• i.e Preventing new members from interacting with people outside of the fraternity or sorority

Harassment Hazing

Harassment hazing includes behaviors that cause emotional or physical stress. It creates situations that confuse and frustrate new members.

Common examples and the Communal Principles they violate:

• Verbal abuse
• i.e yelling, singing degrading or sexual songs, requiring that new members do the same
• Threats or implied threats
• Sleep deprivation
• Stunt/skit nights with degrading, cruel, or humiliating acts
• Expecting new members to do chores or personal favors for existing

Violent Hazing

Violent hazing includes activities with the potential to cause physical, emotional, or psychological harm to new members.

Common examples and the Core values they violate:

• Use of alcohol or drugs
• Paddling or other forms of assault
• Public nudity
• Expecting illegal activity
• Abductions or kidnaps
• Expecting sexual activity

Be aware that these lists are not all-inclusive. Many hazing incidents depend on the context of the hazing, not only on the act itself. For instance, conducting an activity late at night in which new members are chastised for failure and there is no opportunity for debriefing creates an atmosphere conducive to hazing.

To reduce hazing, organizations should conduct new member activities in an open, safe environment.

Talking about Hazing

The mental and physical safety of our students is extremely important to Gustavus. It’s important to talk to students with whom you work, instruct, or advise about hazing and their campus involvement to proactively address any potential concerns. Here are some great questions to help begin the conversation:

• How are you feeling about your New Member Education period?
• Do you know what hazing is?
• How can you stand up or say no if it occurs?
• Do you know how to report the situation if you are being hazed?
• Do you know the resources at Gustavus if you are hazed?
• What kind of activities are involved in joining the group or team? Are you comfortable with all these activities?
• Is your participation in this organization or team impacting your class work?
• Is alcohol involved in any of these activities?
• Have you met the organization’s advisor or coach?

Students may or may not feel comfortable expressing concern directly to you if they are being hazed. If you notice any of the following signs of hazing in your student, please report them to the Dean of Students Office.

• Sudden change in behavior or attitude after joining an organization or team
• Wanting to leave the organization or team with no real explanation
• Sudden decrease in communication with friends and family
• Failure or struggle to study, attend classes, or participate in academics in any way
• Physical or psychological exhaustion
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Unexplained injury or illness
  • Change in sleeping or eating habits
  • Withdrawal from normal activities
  • Expressed feelings of sadness or feeling of worthlessness

• Increase in secrecy and unwillingness to share details

Ways to Stop Hazing and Helping Others

Hazing does not go unrecognized; friends, family, and co-workers often witness the harmful effects of hazing and often the hazing itself. However, the isolation hazing creates makes it difficult for these groups to support the student being hazed. Here are some suggestions for reaching out to a person you suspect is being hazed and to offer support.

• Tell the person that you are concerned.
• Describe what you have observed (e.g., lack of sleep, changes in your friend's mood).
• Ask your friend what he or she has had to do as part of joining the group.
• If the person describes being hazed, underscore that hazing is wrong and that he or she does not have to go along with it.
• If you suspect that your friend is being hazed but he or she will not say so, ask if there are things going on that he or she is not supposed to talk about. If that is the case, it is very likely that the person is being hazed.
• Let your friend know that it is okay to withdraw from an organization at any point.
• Offer to support the person and ask how you can be helpful.
• Stay connected; allowing your friend to maintain ties outside the organization will help him or her think more clearly about available options and resources.

Reporting

Hazing activities can be reported anytime through Campus Safety at 507-933-8888 or during normal business hours through the Dean of Students Office at 507-933-7526.

Other Resources:

• Be willing to approach College staff for advice or to report hazing activity. These resources are listed below.
• Campus Activities Office 507-933-7598
• Dean of Students Office: 507-933-7526
• Campus Safety: 507-933-8888
• College Counseling Center: 507-933-7027

If I go through the recruitment process, am I obligated to join?

You are under no obligation to join a chapter just because you participate in recruitment. You are encouraged to participate in all recruitment activities because it is an excellent opportunity for you to learn about Greek life and meet new friends. Because Greek life is a lifelong commitment, you should feel comfortable with your choices throughout the process.

Can I join more than one social organization?

No. Although you may become familiar with all organizations through the recruitment process, you may only accept one invitation to join a chapter. There are, however, other Greek-letter organizations that center on certain professions, academic honors, or community service. Students are welcome to join both a social as well as non-social organization as well as any other student organizations.

New Member Education

What is the new member education period like?

The new member education process is a time to bond with individuals in the organization; learn the history of the chapter, organization, and College, and create relationships within your class and chapter. Most groups host weekly new member meetings, special programs, and social events designed to educate on the values of the chosen chapter. Most organizations will pair new members with a mentor to help guide them throughout their time in the organization. Becoming a new member is a welcoming, educational, and rewarding process, and community is a guiding value of the College and Greek life. You should be able to experience this process in a way that you feel safe, valued, and welcomed and never shamed, humiliated, or fearful. The Campus Activities Office is always available to address individual student concerns and help them have a positive new member experience. See the New Member Bill of Rights in Appendix A of the Inter-Greek Senate Constitution:

Goals of a New Member Program

As a result of their transition into fraternity/sorority life, new members should be able to demonstrate the following knowledge, skills, and attitudes:

• List expectations of the greater Greek community
• Describe the organization’s structure and function
• Know where to get information, resources, and assistance
• Manage their behavior in accordance with their organization’s values
• Identify and address problems related to the organization’s values
• Aspire to higher standards of conduct and achievement
• Maintain openness to personal development experiences
• Feel pride in and affinity for the organization and the greater Greek community

Key Elements of a New Member Program

The list below articulates key elements that a strong New Member Education Program incorporates into its curriculum:

• Make sure the program poses no mental or physical harm
• Describes the structure and activities of the program
• Articulates to the new members the philosophy and purpose of the new member experience
• Facilitates educational experiences
• Provides constructive feedback to members and new members
• Communicates expectations of membership
• Current members model sisterhood/brotherhood and exemplary conduct
• Current members feel responsibility and ownership for the learning of new members
• Effective transitions and training occurs
• New member educators act as a liaison between the new members and current members, maintaining a balance and understanding of expectations and behavior
• Lists techniques for evaluating and improving new member activities
• Seeks advice on the program from chapter and campus advisors
• Holds old and new members accountable for any straying from the program that could be or become hazing

When Designing an New Member Program:

• Do not include alcohol in any new member activities.
• Provide opportunities for existing members to participate in some activities alongside new members. This can reduce hazing and give existing members the opportunity to model positive behavior. 
• Identify the intended positive outcomes for all new member activities. If the activity does not have any consider revisions that make it a more educational, enjoyable experience.
• Anticipate the times and actions that lend themselves to hazing. Remember that activities such as scavenger hunts, skits, and study hours are not hazing IF they are conducted in a positive and welcoming way.

Appendix A: New Member Bill of Rights

1. The right to experience a new member Education process that is consistent with the institutional mission statement of Gustavus Adolphus College and Inter-Greek Senate.
2. The right to ask questions and receive accurate and objective answers from members.
3. The right to engage in leadership development opportunities and explore one’s individual leadership potential.
4. The right to experience a sense of pride for one’s chapter and alma mater.
5. The right to make informed choices without undue pressure from others.
6. The right to maintain and improve relationships with others beyond one’s affiliation.
7. The right to build awareness and appreciation for fraternity or sorority history.
8. The right to experience a genuine sense of brotherhood/sisterhood.
9. The right to a new member education process that encourages mental and physical well-being.
10. The right to develop and/or enhance healthy social skills.
11. The right to have a positive, safe and inspiring new member education period.
12. The right to new member activities which reflect the value of scholarship.
13. The right to receive assistance in developing and/or pursuing career goals.

How will joining a fraternity or sorority impact my academics?

Academic achievement is a priority for Gustavus Greek students. Many organizations enforce grade point average requirements and offer study sessions and other programs to assist members achieve their potential. Students who take advantage of the academic support available and properly balance their time between academic and extra-curricular pursuits find that membership enhances academic performance. Several national studies have consistently found that retention rates are significantly higher for fraternity and sorority members than for unaffiliated students. During the new member period, all chapters are required to include study hours in their schedules.

What are the costs of joining?

Chapter dues vary between organizations, as do methods of payment and fundraising. Individual chapters can provide more detailed information about their financial commitment of joining.

What is the time commitment of joining?

As with other extra-curricular activities, the more time and effort you contribute to your Greek experience, the more benefits and integration you’ll experience. Chapters hold at least one “chapter” meeting each week, typically hosted over the weekend. Optional activities such as holding an office, attending social and community events, or participating in various projects will vary within each individual chapter. With time management, your Greek activities should fit into your weekly schedule and allow plenty of time for classes, studying, family, work, and participation in other campus activities and sports.

What is the leadership structure of the Greek organizations?

Inter-Greek Council (IGC)

The Inter-Greek Council serves as the overarching governing body of all fraternities and sororities at Gustavus. Its purpose is to establish, promote, and maintain a unified, well-balanced and respected Greek community. The organization achieves these goals by supporting committed individuals who in good character devote themselves to the values of leadership, service and scholarship specifically by:

Acting as a liaison between the Greek community and the rest of the Gustavus community.

Acting as a governing body for the Greek community as a whole.

Acting as a source of unity and structure for the entire Greek community.

Implementing these principles through the community Standards of Excellence.

How to Join: The IGC executive board is elected by chapter presidents in early December. committee opportunities are available year-long and are regularly communicated to chapter leaders via weekly presidents meetings.

College Panhellenic Council (CPH, Panhell)

Gustavus Panhellenic is composed of undergraduate delegates of two nationally-affiliated sororities of the National Panhellenic Conference. The council assists in establishing guidelines for membership recruitment, service opportunities, and social activities for Panhellenic Association sorority members. All guidelines act in accordance with the IGC Standards of Excellence as well as the National Panhellenic Conference unanimous agreements and policies.

Gustavus Panhellenic is proud to serve in their purpose of advancing all sorority women, their campus, and surrounding communities.

Order of Omega

Order of Omega serves as the national leadership honor society for members of fraternity & sorority organizations. The Gustavus chapter of Order of Omega recognizes juniors and seniors who have exemplified high standards in the areas of scholarship, leadership, involvement within their respective organization and within the Fraternity/Sorority, campus, and local community. Members are selected from the top 3% of students at each institution.

What are the standards of excellece expected from each Greek organization?

The Inter-Greek Council prides itself on its Standards of Excellence by which all chapters must abide. Expectations surrounding academics, service, philanthropy, and the educational experience are crucial compotents of the fraternity and sorority community.

Article V. Excellence and Standards

To be in good standing, each chapter must complete an End of Semester Report submitted to the Inter-Greek Senate Advisor. See Appendix B for details on report requirements.

1. Community Service
1. To obtain Standards by the Inter-Greek Senate requirements, each chapter must
1. Have 33% of members at 2 IGS sponsored events per semester
2. Have 50% of members at 2 chapter organized events per semester
2. To obtain Excellence by the Inter-Greek Senate requirements, each chapter must
1. Have 50% of members at 2 IGS sponsored events per semester
2. Have 66% of members at 2 chapter organized events per semester
2. Dues
1. To obtain Standards by the Inter-Greek Senate requirements, each chapter must pay the amount decided upon by the Inter-Greek Council by the end of the fall semester.
2. To obtain Excellence by the Inter-Greek Senate requirements, each chapter must pay the amount decided upon by the Inter-Greek Senate before Fall Break.
3. Educationals
1. To obtain Standards by the Inter-Greek Senate requirements, each chapter must attend either 2 Inter-Greek Senate sponsored events per semester with 33% attendance at each event or attend 1 Inter-Greek Senate Sponsored event with 33% attendance and 1 chapter sponsored event with 50% attendance per semester. Events sponsored by neither the Inter-Greek Senate nor the chapter in question can be approved, for the purpose of standards, by a majority vote of the IGC.
2. To obtain Excellence by the Inter-Greek Senate requirements, each chapter must attend either 2 Inter-Greek Senate sponsored events per semester with 50% attendance at each event or attend 1 Inter-Greek Senate Sponsored event with 50% attendance and 1 chapter sponsored event with 66% attendance per semester. Events sponsored by neither the Inter-Greek Senate nor the chapter in question can be approved, for the purpose of standards, by a majority vote of the IGC.
4. President's attendance at President’s meeting
1. To obtain Standards by the Inter-Greek Senate requirements, each chapter with two presidents must have an 80% attendance of their president(s) at the President’s meetings per semester.
1. If at least one president cannot attend a meeting, a selected representative may step in, at discretion of the Vice President of Operations
2. To obtain Standards by the Inter-Greek Senate requirements in a chapter with a single president, the president and another selected representative from the chapters leadership must have an 80% attendance of their representatives at the President’s meetings per semester.
3. To obtain Excellence by the Inter-Greek Senate requirements, each chapter with two presidents must have an 100% attendance of their president(s) at the President’s meetings per semester.
1. If at least one president cannot attend a meeting, a selected representative may step in, at discretion of the Vice President of Operations
4. To obtain Excellence by the Inter-Greek Senate requirements in a chapter with a single president, the president and another selected representative from the chapters leadership must have an 100% attendance of their representatives at the President’s meetings per semester.
5. Scholarship
1. Standard: Spring and fall term chapter average GPA of 2.5 or higher.
2. Excellence: Spring and fall term chapter average GPA of 3.1 or higher.

Complete Inter-Greek Senate Constitution