Across All Councils: The Four Councils of FSU FSL

By: Bella Bozied

The Fraternity and Sorority Life (FSL) at Florida State University is a department that overlooks each aspect of Greek life on campus. Within the community, there are four councils that students can choose from when finding their own community and home: Interfraternity Council (IFC), Multicultural Greek Council (MGC), National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), and Panhellenic Association (PH). 

Each council works to provide students with various opportunities to build themselves into better leaders, teach them how to work together through mentorship and recognize who they hope to be. The similarities and differences between councils are what make each unique and bring each council together in different ways.

The Interfraternity Council (IFC)

IFC houses 18 men’s fraternities on FSU’s campus and is dedicated to the academic and social development of all its members. The organization's commitment to service, scholarship, and leadership allows for a variety of events held by the fraternities themselves and IFC as a collaborative effort.

Adam B, a member of Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI) appreciates the brotherhood that his fraternity and IFC provide every member of the council. He says, “It’s all about bringing brothers together and strengthening that brotherly bond so we’re not just brothers by association.”

As the current Executive Director of External Relations, corresponding Secretary, and Risk Manager, Adam aims to stay involved and present in all his chapter activities. “With IFC it’s all about bringing the community together so that it can reach its fullest potential. Every chapter learns from the others on how to improve. It’s that sense of engagement and understanding that is so crucial to these events.”

Through his three years within the community, Adam said his favorite event was a workshop hosted by IFC. The goal was to collaborate with others to find connections in other councils. Adam said everyone spoke for hours, truly displaying that even though everyone has different letters they’re all still one community. 

To see, learn, and get more involved check out their website!

The Multicultural Greek Council (MGC)

MGC is the governing body for eight culturally-based fraternities and sororities. Each chapter strives to better the community through philanthropic and community service efforts while working together to celebrate the diverse identities of every member. Many members of the fraternity councils describe MGC as a tight-knit community. Such as Abigail R who currently serves as President of the Sophisticated Alpha Sigma Chapter of Kappa Delta Chi Sorority, Inc. (KDChi). 

“You tend to know everyone in all of the other organizations, especially your syands, which are the members of other organizations who initiated the same semester and year as you.” Abigail says, “Organizations plan a lot of events together, and of course, there are events for the council as a whole.”

MGC has events such as monthly Townhalls, which can be potlucks, and MGC Week which is full of events, such as MGC Showcase and Why MGC. Abigail says this week is one of her personal favorites because during Showcase you get to see organizations stroll, step, or salute and she loves to see what each chapter does. Additionally, during Why MGC, a panel is hosted spotlighting representatives from each organization. 

She said the panelists “answer questions about their experience as a member of their Chapter and MGC, which helps those interested in joining learn about our council and what they can look forward to if they're interested in becoming a member of any of our organizations.”

As President, Abigail recalls that all involvements highlight important topics and are central to the vital theme of bringing awareness to FSU. Last semester, her chapter held an event in collaboration with FSU’s Center for Health and Wellness (CHAW) on alcohol awareness. She finds her own chapter, general MGC, and collaborative events important in learning new things and strengthening the community.  

To see, learn, and get more involved check out their website!

The National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC)

Seven chapters come together within the NPHC, which are predominantly African-American sororities and fraternities. The communities are committed to scholarship, community service, and cultural enrichment within FSU. NPHC was established to unify members and empower those to enact change within local and worldly communities. Their highest and main goal is to create mutual respect between each of the seven chapters, and all other Greek councils.

“The NPHC culture is all about bringing people together for a good time filled with unity and celebration. From the hype of Market Wednesday roll calls to the adrenaline rush of the Extrav Step Show, the NPHC aims to create unforgettable experiences,” said Dudley M. Jr., chapter Vice President of Iota Delta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (FSU Alphas). Market Wednesday is a great time to watch all the chapters, as well as MGCs, as they are announced and present their calls. 

Dudley recalls how the importance of events, like the roll calls, allows the NPHC to go beyond just having fun together. “[All events are] centered around keeping traditions alive and fostering enduring memories,” said Dudley, “within not only the Fraternity and Sorority Life but also the FSU community.”

Being an active member of his chapter and the NPHC community for a year now, Dudley expresses his passion for the connections he’s made and his favorite events. Summer Oasis, Meet the Neos, Market Wednesday, and New Member Presentations always bring together the community.

To see, learn, and get more involved check out their website!

The Panhellenic Association (PH)

PH is a combination of 17 chapters open to all women on FSU’s campus. The community hosts Philanthropy events, date functions, and tandem PH events such as New Member Week and other festivals to open the doors to each Panhellenic chapter facility. 

Sophia P. is a member of Phi Mu who is involved in the chapter’s sisterhood and Dance Marathon committees.

“I originally joined FSL to make Florida State’s big campus feel a bit smaller. As a very involved member of my high school, I enjoyed how easy Panhellenic makes it to get involved on FSU’s campus.” 

Sophia P. states one of her favorite PH memories is the opportunity to interact with women from other chapters. “Attending Panhellenic events with my friends from other chapters stands out from my many memorable FSL experiences. It’s always fun to catch up with other women and be reminded of Panhellenic’s sense of community.”

To see, learn, and get more involved check out their website!

Each fraternity and sorority across all the councils make the FSL community strong — within their own chapters and beyond. The various councils were created and stand strong to welcome people with all different identities, together. Our differences make us stronger, and coming together to uplift each other is what it’s all about.