Benefits of FSL Membership
Leadership
There are many opportunities to gain leadership experience throughout the Fraternity & Sorority community. Many students gain the skills and hands-on experience that later helps with future career paths. Within each chapter there is generally both an executive board and an assistant board. Often members can begin to take positions their first year of membership. Many of the positions hold great responsibilities. For example, as treasurer you would be in charge of creating, delegating, and managing a budget of as much as $50,000 annually. In any of the positions you would gain relevant experience organizing large events, budgeting, creating publicity, public speaking, and skills in time management.
Outside of the chapters, there are other opportunities for leadership as well. You can get involved and gain leadership opportunities through the Multicultural (MGC), National Pan-Hellenic (NPHC), Panhellenic, and Interfraternity Councils (IFC). MGC, NPHC, Panhellenic, and IFC are the governing boards of the Fraternity & Sorority communities and serve as a forum for discussion and exchange of information. In this way, you can gain both leadership opportunities and meet members from all of the different chapters.
Scholarship
All fraternal organizations were founded on a "strong tradition of high academic standards." First and foremost, students at William & Mary are here to be students, and the Fraternity & Sorority community both acknowledges, respects, and works towards furthering its members academic success. There are numerous resources both within individual chapters and through the councils to encourage and support academic achievement. Some programs here at William & Mary within the Fraternity & Sorority community, include but are not limited to, study incentives, mentor programs, study hall hours, and furthering rapport with the university's faculty.
Philanthropy/Community Service
The William & Mary community is dedicated to service and this love for others overflows to, from, and within the fraternal community. Individually, every chapter has a philanthropy that they sponsor, including the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Camp Fantastic, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Court Appointed Special Advocates, and Service for Sight. Many chapters also support local organizations. Each chapter holds various philanthropy events throughout the year, such as KD Campus Golf, Kappature the Flag, Dunk-a-Theta, Delta Phi Croquet and Sig Ep Bubble Soccer.
Annually, the four Councils co-sponsor the Arc Carnival. The Arc serves clients with intellectual disabilities, and each Arc client is paired with a student buddy to hang out with at the carnival, which is an afternoon full of fun, games, dancing, and food! In the Fall of 2007 the Fraternity & Sorority community finally adopted the Arc as its official all-community philanthropy, after an 8 year relationship with the organization. The partnership was kicked-off with a 5k raising $500 for the Arc. Additionally, our members participate in monthly activities with Arc clients.
Albert Einstein said that, "only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile." Amid the rigorous academics of William & Mary and adjustment to the "real world," our members still find time to lend a hand to those in need. The Fraternity & Sorority community echoes Einstein through commitment of its members to give of themselves freely and sincerely for others and each other.
Social
Community-wide events, athletics games, mixers, formals, date parties, chapter events, chapter retreats, intramural sports, and many fun filled days make the social scene at William & Mary something you will never forget! As a member of the Fraternity & Sorority community, you will find a special closeness with your sorority sisters and fraternity brothers that will develop into long-lasting friendships.
