Programs
The Office of Sorority & Fraternity Life is home to values based organizations. We are committed to community, leadership and service.
Fall 2021
Below is a list (not inclusive) of upcoming trainings for Fall 2021. Please note who is required to attend. Some events will be held in-person and some events will be held virtually via Zoom.
Live-In Advisor Meeting
August 18, 2021 5:30pm - 6:30pm EST
Location: Willard Straight Hall Room 413
Who should attend: Current live-in advisors
Live-in advisors serve as an important part of the residential fraternal experience. The Office of Sorority and Fraternity Life will host a meeting to discuss the beginning of the semester, discuss important updates, build community among live-in advisors, and share relevant resources. This will be virtual.
Student & Family Orientation 1
August 19, 2021 from 2:00pm - 3:00pm EST
Who should attend: Family members and students
Location: TBD
Student & Family Orientation 2
August 20, 2021 from 2:00pm - 3:00pm EST
Who should attend: Family members and students
Location: TBD
Student & Family Orientation 3
August 21, 2021 from 2:00pm - 3:00pm EST
Who should attend: Family members and students
Location: TBD
Tri-Council Retreat
August 24, 2021 from 3:00pm - 5:00pm EST
Location: APP 303AB
Who should attend: Tri-Council officers and Order of Omega officers
The Tri-Council Retreat is a bonding and developmental opportunity for IFC, PHC, and MGFC council members. This educational and impactful experience aims to equip leaders to face the challenges of the coming semester and motivate them to raise the standards of our community.
New Student Orientation
August 25, 2021 from 11:00am - 12:00pm EST
Location: GSH 132
Who Should Attend: New students
Leaders Retreat
August 25, 2021 from 1:00pm - 4:00pm EST
Location: Physical Sciences Building, Rooms 120, 214, 403, 458 (please report to Room 120 first)
Who should attend: Tri-Council Executive Board, Chapter Presidents, and Chapter Vice-Presidents (or #2 officer)
The Leaders Retreat is a developmental opportunity for undergraduate members of the Cornell Sorority & Fraternity community. We are pleased to be able to offer this in-person again. This educational and impactful experience aims to equip leaders to face the challenges of the coming semester and motivate them to raise the standards of our community.
Beginning of the Semester Update
August 31, 2021 from 7:00pm - 8:00pm EST
Location: virtual
Who should attend: all sorority and fraternity life members
The beginning of the Fall semester updates gives all sorority and fraternity members the chance to gather together and get updates on what the Fall 2021 semester has to offer. This will be an informative information session that will provide updates on billing, dining, events, etc.
House Managers Training
September 9, 2021 from 4:30pm - 6:30pm EST
Location: TBD
Who should attend: Only for University Owned Facilities/University Owned House Managers
Our House Manager Training will take place in-person this Fall semester. We want to make sure House Managers are well equipped for the year and that they can get as many of their questions answered as possible. Being our main point of contact for houses in the COVID-19 world, educating them on what the role of House Manager really means and all the responsibilities will go a long way.
New Members Educator Training
November 15, 2021 from 4:30pm - 6:30pm EST
Location: Willard Straight Hall Room 407 Memorial Room
Who should attend: New Member Educators, Intake Coordinators, and Chapter Presidents
New member educators and intake coordinators play a critical role in the onboarding of a sorority or fraternity's newest members. This training will teach the importance of the role as well as discuss relevant policies, procedures, and practices related to the new member experience and share best practices and requirements to create a safe and successful process. This event will be held in-person.
Additional Training Opportunities
There are several programs available to students from all organizations, including Sorority & Fraternity Life, on a range of important topics such as Using Campus Groups, Inclusion, Working with your Advisor, Creating Community through Experiences, Delegation, and Branding and Marketing. While these programs are not required for sorority and fraternity leaders, we strongly encourage attendance to learn more and develop your skills in these important areas. You can learn more on the Leadership Workshop Series page.
Community and Lifelong Membership
Providing experiences that expand an individual's worldview and instill within them a sense of home away from home is a core tenet of our purpose. Membership in a fraternity and sorority also extends beyond the college years. In fact, there are a significant number of Cornell alumni who give their time, talent and treasure to help to make sure this experience is available for the next generation. Many of our organizations maintain an alumni database and host alumni/undergraduate events for networking purposes.
Leadership Development
Membership in a fraternity or sorority offers numerous opportunities for leadership development. Workshops and seminars are presented regularly to chapter members helping them develop decision-making skills, strengthen their communication techniques, and encourage involvement in the community. Leadership positions are available to members at many levels: students may choose to volunteer on chapter committees, become chapter officers, or serve as officers at the governing council level. National organizations, local alumni boards, and Cornell staff provide a wide range of leadership training and educational programs which help make the student experience rewarding and beneficial.
Philanthropy and Service
Sorority & fraternity members take it as a part of their mission to support their national and locally supported philanthropies (not-for-profit causes). Throughout the year each chapter spends time fundraising and volunteering to help their philanthropies of choice. Some of the fundraising and hands-on service efforts include pancake breakfasts, dodge ball tournaments, 5K runs, volunteering at elementary schools, visiting retirement communities, taking children to Cornell athletic events, and environmental improvement programs such as Adopt-A-Highway. The time spent together on these events is one of the many opportunities for members to bond while making a difference in someone's life.