The Fraternity and Sorority Life community has been a part of St. John’s University for over 60 years. We have seven active fraternal organizations, governed by one student-run council (President Circle).
Fraternity and Sorority life (FSL) serves as a premier leadership development experience designed to enhance the skills necessary to succeed as a St. John’s student and alum. The fraternity and sorority experience is grounded in the 4 pillars:
- Scholarship
- Leadership
- Fellowship (Brotherhood and Sisterhood)
- Service
Our Community
Office of Student Life oversees the seven social organizations on St. John’s University Staten Island campus. Our chapters include:
- Fraternity
- Alpha Phi Delta
- Kappa Sigma
- Iota Alpha Sigma
- Sororities
- Kappa Betta Gamma
- Gamma Eta
- Phi Eta Chi
- Theta Phi Alpha
Unrecognized Organizations
Any other social Greek-letter organizations besides the ones listed above are currently unrecognized by St. John’s University and/or their national organization. Participation in organizations that have had their recognition suspended or revoked by the University is prohibited and is a violation of the Community Standards. These violations may result in individual sanctions up to and including suspension from the University.
How to Join
Fraternities and sororities at St. John’s obtain new members through a variety of recruitment and intake events that begin early fall semester or spring and continue for many chapters throughout the year.
Membership Expectations
Expectations of membership vary between chapters. Typically, chapters have requirements based on categories listed below. These are great things to ask about during the recruitment/intake process as they are not only considered prior to joining a chapter but are requirements throughout membership.
- Maintain a minimum GPA
- Attend chapter meetings and events
- Be involved in other organizations on campus
- Complete service hours
- Support the organization’s philanthropic efforts
- Be involved with committees within the chapter
- Maintain financial good standing
- Uphold the values of the organization
Parent and Family Resources
Fraternities and sororities now occupy a place in American popular culture, but they are much more than the stereotypes portrayed in movies and television. Fraternities and sororities are organizations made up of groups of students that have bonded together and agreed to live out the values espoused by their founders, their creed and the national organization. Fraternities and sororities are values-based social organizations, meaning they subscribe to a specific set of core values and beliefs and incorporate concepts such as brotherhood/sisterhood, community service, scholarship, leadership, and building relationships into their daily actions.
Parents and families are key partners in a student's commitment to higher education. The fraternity and sorority experience may be something completely new to the families of students or something very different from an older family member's own experience. If your student has expressed interest in joining a fraternity or sorority at St John’s University, you may have questions. Browse our FAQs on this page.
Costs to be a member of a fraternity or sorority can vary greatly by chapter, but it is important to know ahead of time that there will be some costs associated. The dues go toward (inter)national fees, chapter operating costs, and social functions. New members should expect to pay higher dues their first semester due to initiation fees.
Students elect their own officers to manage the day-to-day operations of the organization. These officers are assisted by chapter members serving on committees and alumni who serve as advisors to the officers and general chapter members. Each chapter is governed by its (inter)national headquarters and governing council on campus. Additionally, the Office of Student Life staff supports and advises the governing councils, chapter officers and chapter advisors.
The time commitment generally varies from chapter to chapter and from member to member, but you can expect your student to invest more time in their fraternity or sorority during the first semester as they go through the new member education program. New member education focuses on learning the history and facts about the organization, developing leadership and time management skills, and spending time getting to know their brothers or sisters. Although it can be time intensive, it should not interfere with academic commitments. If you have concerns about the time your student is putting into their chapter, do not hesitate to contact our office.
Please read our Fraternities and Sororities References Guide at St. John’s University and for answers to some common questions. If you have additional questions or concerns, you may contact the Office of Student Life at [email protected] or 718-390-4131
About the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life
The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life is here to guide you through the journey ahead.
| Queens Campus | Staten Island Campus |
| Nicole Torres Director, Fraternity and Sorority Life D'Angelo Center, Room 130 [email protected] 718-990-3511 | Auraine Scott Associate Director of Student Life [email protected] 718-390-4443 |