Wednesday, November 13, 2024

Share Your LeLaf Memories with FSL!

As we approach LeLaf, we invite alumni to join in the excitement by sharing their cherished memories from this storied rivalry. The tradition of LeLaf is not just about the game; it’s about the camaraderie, the spirit of competition, and the unforgettable moments that define our time at Lehigh.

Share Your Memories!

We encourage you to dig through your photo albums and send us your favorite snapshots from past LeLaf games. Whether it’s a picture of you and your fraternity or sorority brothers and sisters decked out in school colors, or a candid moment capturing the thrill of victory (or the agony of defeat), we want to see it all! Your memories will help us celebrate the rich history of this rivalry and inspire current students as they embark on their own Greek journeys.

How to Participate

Please send your photos along with a brief description of your memory to Abigail Miller (abm323@lehigh.edu) by Wednesday, November 20th. We will be featuring these images on our Instagram account the day before LeLaf to get our Greek community excited! This is a wonderful opportunity for alumni to connect with current students and share in the pride of being part of the Lehigh’s Greek community.

We look forward to seeing your photos and sharing in the spirit of LeLaf!


Wednesday, October 2, 2024

Donations Needed for the FSL Student Opportunity Fund!

As members of the Lehigh community, we all recognize the profound impact that a fraternity or sorority can have on personal growth by offering enriching opportunities, invaluable experiences, and lasting friendships. However, for many students, the financial burden of membership can present a significant challenge. This semester, we’ve seen an unprecedented increase in requests for financial assistance from our Fraternity and Sorority members.

To ensure that our Greek community remains strong and inclusive, we invite you to consider contributing to the Fraternity and Sorority Life Student Opportunity Fund. Your generous support will help subsidize membership dues for students in need, empowering them to engage fully in Greek life without the weight of financial stress.

By donating to the FSL Student Opportunity Fund, you could help to provide much needed aid to members of the community. For more information on how to contribute you can reach out to gocampaign@lehigh.edu or call 866-758-ALUM.

Your support can truly transform the lives of students and foster a thriving community. Thank you for considering this meaningful opportunity to give back!

Thursday, May 2, 2024

Congratulations to the 2023-2024 Fraternity and Sorority Leadership Award Winners!

 The Office of Student Involvement is proud to recognize individuals and organizations for their outstanding accomplishments during the 2023-2024 academic year. Though the past year has certainly posed unexpected obstacles and challenges, our community has shown true leadership and demonstrated what it means to be members of Greek letter organizations.

On April 30th, the community came together to recognize fraternity and sorority leaders.


Individual Awards

Greek Leader of the Year

This award recognizes individuals for their achievements and contributions to the fraternity and sorority community and larger campus community.   Leadership is not limited to those holding positions, therefore consideration will be given to individuals who exemplify many, if not all, of the values of brotherhood or sisterhood, strong character, leadership, scholarship, and service in their daily lives.

Luis Caceres, Phi Sigma Chi Multicultural Fraternity, Inc.

Alexander Weissman, Theta Chi

Kwynsky Miguel, Alpha Gamma Delta



Outstanding Fraternity/Sorority President of the Year

Awarded to the chapter president who has demonstrated superior leadership and service to his/her chapter, as well as to the fraternity and sorority community.  This leader is one who consistently represents their organizational values, communicates a clear vision for success, and leaves their organization in a better place than when they took office. 

Sorority - Jacqueline Vargas-Bines, Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc.

Fraternity - Aaron Slate, Chi Phi



Emerging Leader of the Year

Awarded to a newer member of the fraternity and sorority community who has shown leadership characteristics within their peer group, fraternity and sorority community, and greater Lehigh community.  These members are enthusiastic about their experience as new members and are eager to pursue leadership opportunities and bring about positive change to the fraternity and sorority community.

Kelechi Anyanwu, Phi Sigma Chi Multicultural Fraternity, Inc.

Andrew Rasmussen, Delta Chi

Emily Sigel, Kappa Alpha Theta



Advisor of the Year

This award recognizes the extraordinary efforts of an advisor who has helped to positively shape the experiences of fraternity/sorority members.  Advisors willingly, often without receiving anything in return, give of themselves to contribute to overall chapter excellence, daily operations, university and headquarters relations, and role modeling through leadership, and thus we encourage nominations for any advisor whom you feel is worthy of this distinction. Nominators should indicate whether the nominee advisor is an alumni or faculty/staff advisor, so that we can recognize and thank the advisors for their contributions from these distinct roles.

William Glaser, Jr., Delta Chi



Commitment to Fraternity and Sorority Life

This award recognizes the long-time commitment an individual makes to a chapter or the community at large. A fraternity and sorority community functions best when all stakeholders are invested - this includes undergraduate members, alumni members and advisors, staff at international offices, Lehigh faculty and staff, and family members. We are excited to have the opportunity to recognize and thank the numerous people who engage with our fraternity and sorority community on a daily basis and help to develop students as positive, engaged leaders. Harry McNally is a member of Chi Psi's 1957 new member class and Lehigh's Class of 1960 and has served as an engaged volunteer for Chi Psi since his graduation. For his long term commitment to Chi Psi and the Lehigh University Fraternity and Sorority Community we are pleased to recognize Harry McNally, Chi Psi Alumni Advisor, with the inaugural Friend of Fraternity and Sorority Life Award, which shall henceforth be known as the McNally Friend of Fraternity and Sorority Life Award.

Harry J. McNally, Jr., Chi Psi



Tradition of Excellence

This award is presented to one or more individuals who consistently exceed expectations in one or more of the following focus areas for college students and active fraternity/sorority members.  This award is intended to affirm the efforts an individual can make in one area that was deserving of significant focus, or in several areas that showcase their ability to impact a community in several ways.  Nominators should identify the appropriate focus areas for which they believe the nominee should be recognized (listing is appropriate), and provide examples for each area of, to ensure recognition is given for all selected areas:

Inclusive Leadership and Inspiring Change


Kwynsky Miguel, Alpha Gamma Delta - Inclusive Leadership

2024 Panhellenic Council - Inspiring Change




Organization Awards 


Fraternity/Sorority Chapter of the Year

This award is given to a chapter that excels in all of the following areas: Leadership and Member Development, Organizational Operations, Community Service and Engagement, and Academic and Intellectual Advancement. In addition, this chapter has positively contributed to both fraternity and sorority life as well as the Lehigh community. This chapter served as role models for their fellow members and led by example. 

Sorority - Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc.

Fraternity - Sigma Phi Delta



Outstanding Philanthropic Effort 

This award is given to an organization that has gone above and beyond in supporting a cause, effort, or agency in a sustainable and meaningful way.   This is typically represented by groups who recognize the nature of philanthropy as efforts to raise both awareness and support (e.g. financial, goods, time, and energy), while collaborating with others for a shared purpose.  Efforts that are distinguished in this category can be either ongoing or one-time programs.

Delta Chi



Commitment to Service 

This award recognizes meaningful service efforts and action where participants gain exposure, develop an understanding, and respond to the needs of the community voice.  This typically includes building and developing positive relationships, developing active citizens, and incorporating reflection.  These criteria, when established and achieved, are indicative of dedicated efforts to create and inspire sustainable change.  Efforts that are distinguished in this category can be either ongoing or one-time programs.

Alpha Gamma Delta



Program of Distinction

This award is given to an organization that is proud of a particularly successful event, program, or effort they executed in the past academic year.  Consideration will be given to those efforts that incorporated collaboration, innovation, and/or education components as well as addressed a problem and/or met a need.  

Phi Sigma Chi Multicultural Fraternity, Inc. - Homophobia in Greek Life

Chi Phi - Narcan Distribution Program



We would also like to recognize and thank the numerous staff, alumni, and students that help to support the Fraternity and Sorority community at Lehigh--thank you!


Monday, March 25, 2024

Giving Day and March Mania on March 26th and 27th!

 Giving Day and March Mania will be held on March 26th and 27th as a combined opportunity for donations! By donating to the Fraternity and Sorority Life office, you will help support students within the community attend leadership workshops and seminars that will benefit their chapters and the Lehigh community as a whole. Your support provides opportunities for fraternity and sorority members to attend meaningful leadership and development opportunities like Greek EMerging Leaders, the Northeast Greek Leadership Association (NGLA) Annual Conference, the Summit for Greek Excellence, and a variety of health, safety, and well-being programming. 

Hear from our students how impactful these opportunities are:

"Having the opportunity to attend NGLA was one of the most insightful and rewarding experiences as a Greek leader. If you are considering going...do it! Take this chance to connect with countless other professionals and student leaders who proudly wear their letters, bond with other members of our Lehigh delegation, and gain experiences that will hopefully shape your identity as an individual and a Greek leader!" -Spring 2024 NGLA Attendee

"I enjoyed the hands on opportunity to learn how Lehigh expects us to operate social events instead of relying on lecture notes or written guidelines that can be ambiguous." -Spring 2024 Participant of 'A Perfect Party' Risk Reduction Workshop

"I really liked the TED Talk that you included! It motivated me to start a new position on exec for [my chapter], and I'm excited to see what will come in the future!!!" -Fall 2023 Participant of the Summit for Greek Excellence


You can access the page to donate here: https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/43180/donations/new

Make sure you select "Fraternity and Sorority Programs" from the "Student Experience" drop down. 

Thank you so much for supporting our students!

Monday, November 20, 2023

A Weekend of Leadership Training

Last weekend, the Fraternity and Sorority Life office  hosted a weekend of leadership for fraternity and sorority members that sit on chapter and council executive boards. 


LAUNCH was hosted on Saturday, November 11th, on Lehigh’s Mountaintop campus and facilitated by a representative from the North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC). The primary focus of this day-long workshop was to build community within the chapters and councils. The beginning of the day was focused on self-assessment and reflection both for leaders to access themselves and their chapters or councils as a whole. Incoming leaders were provided with workbooks in order to complete assessments, which they would later use to engage in self-reflection. As the day went on, the focus shifted to team-oriented activities. These included discussions and reflection on Fraternity and Sorority Life at Lehigh and how to help it flourish. Everyone was split into teams made up of individuals from different chapters and councils in order to encourage diverse discussion and ideas. Kyla Branco, the incoming president of Kappa Alpha Theta, explained, “There aren’t a lot of times that leadership from different sororities and especially different councils can come together and share ideas. It was really rewarding to have conversations with people that had different backgrounds and life experiences in order to make Fraternity and Sorority life the best it can be for all of us.”


The following Sunday, November 12th, the Fraternity and Sorority Life office held the annual Summit for Greek Excellence. At this event, all chapter and council leadership positions were invited to connect with other offices on campus, topics related to their specific programming area, and a refresher on university policies and medical amnesty. There were five informational sessions that focused on topics ranging from engaging chapter alumni to fostering an inclusive environment. Incoming and ongoing leaders learned about resources their chapter could utilize in different situations and ideas for specific programs they could put on within their chapter to encourage member development. This was also an opportunity for students to meet with other chapter and council leaders that hold similar roles and responsibilities.



The weekend of leadership was a huge success, and we can’t wait to see what these incoming leaders will accomplish! A special thanks to all of the staff and program leaders that made it possible!


Friday, November 17, 2023

Get Ready for Fraternity & Sorority Recruitment!

Hello!


Are you interested in joining a fraternity or sorority at Lehigh University? 

Our community consists of 24 individual chapters that offer a unique experience for students looking to join a brotherhood, sisterhood, or to get more involved. 

Please see below about information related to the recruitment/intake process for our Cultural Greek Council. Interfraternity Council, and Panhellenic Council.

For more information please check out the Fraternity and Sorority Life website at go.lehigh.edu/gogreek or follow us on Instagram at @lehighfsl.




Cultural Greek Council


The Cultural Greek Council (CGC) consists of 5 chapters founded as culturally-based organizations. Students interested in joining a CGC organization should contact a member of specific organizations for more information. Students can attend programmatic and informational sessions advertised by that organization. There are no structured processes or specific time - periods for membership intake. Individual organizations conduct an independent, discretionary process. If there are questions, contact Assistant Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life Enrique Rosado at enr323@lehigh.edu  or the Cultural Greek Council at incgc@lehigh.edu 


REQUIREMENTS

All potential new members participating in recruitment must have at least 12 completed Lehigh credits, a minimum 2.500 GPA, be in good standing with the university, and have attended a Greek PREP 5x10. Individual organizations may have higher GPA requirements.


For interested individuals: CGC Interest Form

To learn more about the council, visit their website at https://lehighcgc.squarespace.com/ or follow them on Instagram @lehighcgc.


Cultural Greek Council Expansion

The Cultural Greek Council is excited to welcome two new organizations to their council! 


Lambda Phi Epsilon International Fraternity, Inc. is the world’s largest Asian-interest fraternity. Lambda Phi Epsilon is dedicated to guiding men on a lifelong discovery of authenticity and personal growth. You can find more information about Lambda Phi Epsilon by following them on instagram @lehighlambda.interestgroup.


Lambda Tau Omega Sorority, Inc. was founded on the principles of womyn empowerment, multiculturalism, and a commitment to service.  You can find more information about Lambda Tau Omega by following them on instagram @lehigh_mermaids. 


Students interested in learning more about how to join either organization can contact the Office of Student Involvement at infrasor@lehigh.edu




Interfraternity Council


In order to participate in IFC Recruitment, you must register by Wednesday, January 17th at the link below. 


IFC Fraternity Recruitment Registration


The Interfraternity Council (IFC) consists of 11 fraternity chapters. The primary recruitment process occurs in the spring semester and consists of events hosted by individual chapters. Students will attend events hosted by chapters they are interested in, and if the chapter expresses interest, the student will receive an invitation to begin new member education. Questions about IFC recruitment can be directed to the) Interfraternity Council at inifc@lehigh.edu or Associate Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life Dr. Alexandra Smith at abs623@lehigh.edu 


Spring 2024 Recruitment Schedule:

Required Kick-off Event: Sunday, January 21st from 6:00pm-7:30pm in Rauch 184

Makeup Greek PREP: Sunday, January 21st from 7:30-8:15 PM in Rauch 184

Open Events: Monday, January 22nd- Friday, January 26th

Closed Events: Invitation by chapter only; Saturday, January 27th - Monday, January 29th

Bid Acceptance: Wednesday, January 31, 2024


REQUIREMENTS

All potential new members participating in recruitment are required to have at least 12 completed Lehigh credits, a minimum 2.500 GPA, to be in good standing with the university, and to have attended a Greek PREP 5x10 session. Individual organizations may have higher GPA requirements. 


Welcome Back Pi Lambda Phi!

Pi Lambda Phi (“Pi Lam”) will rejoin the Interfraternity Council in the spring 2024 semester. The work that Pi Lambda Phi is doing with programs around emotional intelligence, leadership development, and DEI demonstrates the organization’s commitment to sustaining an impactful legacy at Lehigh and our surrounding community. If you are interested in learning more about joining Pi Lambda Phi please contact the Pi Lambda Phi staff at inplf@lehigh.edu or the Office of Student Involvement at infrasor@lehigh.edu. You can also follow them @lehigh_pilam on Instagram to learn more!



The Panhellenic Council consists of 8 Panhellenic sororities who host primary recruitment each spring. Primary recruitment registration will close on January 5th. The cost for registration is $50 which includes meals throughout recruitment and virtual training from our partners at Launchpoint.


Panhellenic Sorority Recruitment Registration Link


REQUIREMENTS

All potential new members (PNMs) participating in recruitment are required to have at least 12 completed Lehigh credits (transfer credits do not count), a minimum 2.500 GPA, to be in good standing with the university, and to have attended a Greek PREP 5x10. Individual organizations may have higher GPA requirements. If you missed the Greek PREP sessions in the Fall, a makeup session will take place prior to formal recruitment in January.


ARRIVALS

All potential new members (PNMs) participating in recruitment will receive specific information about pre-arrival requirements for returning to their residence by January 10, 2024.  It is anticipated that PNMs will sign-up for an arrival time on either Monday, January 15th or Tuesday, January 16th.  Primary Recruitment will begin Tuesday, January 16th at 6PM with a mandatory PNM Orientation session. The first round of recruitment will begin the morning Wednesday, January 17th.


ATTENDANCE 

Your presence at all recruitment meetings and events during Primary Recruitment is of the utmost importance. If you anticipate missing some or all of recruitment (e.g. study abroad, Gryphon training, athletic team practice, etc.), please contact Panhellenic Exec at inpanhel@lehigh.edu.


Should you have any additional questions, feel free to contact Panhellenic Exec at inpanhel@lehigh.edu or the Panhellenic Advisor, Julianna Dougherty, via email at jud322@lehigh.edu.






Eligibility


Deferred Recruitment:

First-year students cannot join a fraternity or sorority until their second semester. Knowing that membership in a fraternity or sorority is an organizational obligation and potentially a residential obligation, Lehigh University believes it is important for students to acclimate to University life before making such an important decision.


Academic Requirements:

A Lehigh University student is eligible to join a fraternity or sorority after successfully completing a full-time Lehigh schedule of 12 credit hours or more and earning a 2.500 GPA or higher. Transfer credit hours do not apply towards eligibility. Individual organizations may have higher GPA requirements. 


Student Conduct Implications

Certain violations of the Student Code of Conduct will affect membership eligibility in a fraternity or sorority, including students who have been found responsible for serious violations of the LU Code of Conduct involving alcohol/drugs and students found responsible for more than one alcohol/drug violation. Violations include the use, distribution, or possession of alcohol or drugs.  Students will not be permitted to join a fraternity or sorority in the semester the violation occurs, or the following semester.


Please note that Lehigh University reserves the right to restrict student participation in extracurricular activities for a single violation of any type depending upon the circumstances.


Other Requirements:

Students interested in joining a fraternity or sorority in Spring 2024 are required to attend a Greek PREP session. Greek PREP stands for Greek Pre-Recruitment Education Program. As a result of participating in this program, students will learn about the structure and mission of the fraternity and sorority community, policies and expectations, appropriate interactions with chapters, available opportunities that exist at Lehigh and proper communication methods. The Office of Student Involvement  believes this program is an important element in demonstrating to interested students the value of the fraternity and sorority experience so that students are best equipped to prepare them for the opportunity of joining a fraternity or sorority at Lehigh. This program meets the 5x10 requirement for Creative Curiosity. Click here for more information.





PARENT & FAMILY INFORMATION


If your parent or guardian has questions regarding the recruitment process and membership in a Greek organization, please encourage them to take a look at our Parent & Family website. 

Wednesday, October 18, 2023

Lehigh Interfraternity Council Expansion Announcement

 The Lehigh University Interfraternity Council is thrilled to announce that it will be welcoming two additional fraternities to the community!


Expansion opened earlier this year and received an outstanding 22 applications. Following an initial review, an expansion committee selected five organizations to present on campus, and chapters ultimately voted on two organizations to join the Lehigh Interfraternity Council in 2024 and 2026. More information on the process is included below. 


Pi Lambda Phi (“Pi Lam”) will rejoin the Interfraternity Council in the spring 2024 semester. The work that Pi Lambda Phi is doing with programs around emotional intelligence, leadership development, and DEI demonstrates the organization’s commitment to sustaining an impactful legacy at Lehigh and our surrounding community.

 

Pi Kappa Phi (“Pi Kapp”) will join the Interfraternity Council for the first time in the spring 2026 semester. The organization’s unique approach toward positive alumni engagement, mental health resources for all members, and enthusiasm for fostering a healthy fraternal experience positions Pi Kappa Phi to be a major contributor to Lehigh.


The Interfraternity Council and Office of Student Involvement are grateful for the overwhelming interest and support received from staff, student leaders, alumni, and inter/national headquarters throughout this process. With the introduction of these two new organizations, we look forward to the dynamic and new opportunities that will be created for welcoming a diverse group of current and incoming students into Fraternity and Sorority Life at Lehigh.




Additional information about the Interfraternity Council expansion process:


The Interfraternity Council (IFC) received 22 expansion proposals for the two available opportunities to be recognized on campus. Of those, 5 were selected to present on campus in September and early October.

The committee that made this decision was composed of student representatives from the IFC’s member organizations and staff members from the University. The final decision was voted on by the Interfraternity Council. These student members took this process very seriously and guided the decisions that were made in a mature and deliberative manner. They are to be praised for their work on this committee. 

This was an incredibly competitive expansion process, and the committee appreciated the positive work all of the applicants are doing with the fraternal community. We hope to see these organizations apply for expansion again in the future, should IFC have the opportunity to expand again.

The Office of Student Involvement is committed to regularly reviewing the need for additional opportunities for undergraduate students to join a fraternity or sorority. The Joint Expansion Policy provides an outline of the requirements and process for selecting additional fraternities and sororities for recognition.