As the new semester begins, many different events, clubs, and other opportunities are available to students at Florida State. A major one of these is rushing a fraternity. Rushing is the process in which potential new members (PNMs) become acquainted with the fraternities on campus and decide which fraternity of these they would like to pledge.
Here’s what students should know if they’re looking to rush this semester.
History of Greek Life at Florida State
In 1947 Governor Millard Caldwell signed a bill transforming the Florida College for Women into Florida State University. Soon after the passing of this bill, the Interfraternity Council (IFC) approached then-president Dr. Doak Campbell and the rest of the university board to admit a variety of chapters of fraternities onto our campus. Dr. Campbell and the board of directors ultimately decided that it would be best to introduce eleven fraternities, but this has since grown to sixteen.
In May of 1947, John Patterson was the first male student in history to be enrolled at Florida State University, and was also the founder of the first fraternity at FSU, the Florida Beta Chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE). Sigma Alpha Epsilon is still one of the largest and most prominent fraternities on campus, and it currently holds the title of the largest fraternity in the country, with over 336,000 lifetime members.
How to get involved
In order to start the process of getting into one of Florida State’s prestigious fraternities, it is essential to have registered with the Interfraternity Council (IFC) by January 11. There are also some other very important criteria that must be met to partake in the rushing process.
Rush at Florida State is only open to students taking at least twelve credits, and Tallahassee Community College (TCC) students may not participate in the rush process. You must have also attended the mandatory orientation for PNMs on January 15, as “Rush Week” takes place from January 21 to January 25.
For more information, visit Florida State’s Interfraternity Council page. If you are interested in learning more about each individual fraternity, navigate to this link.
