Dedicated to the academic, social, and professional development of our members
History of the IFC
John “Pat” Patterson was the first male student to enroll at FSU in May 1947. He was a founding member of the FL Beta chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon.
The founding of the IFC at Florida State came as a result of a bill passed by the Florida Legislature in May 1947, making the Florida State College for Women at Tallahassee co-educational and changing the name of the latter institution to what is now known as Florida State University. Soon after this bill had passed, eleven national fraternities approached the University administration about the possibility of establishing local chapters at FSU.
Dr. Doak Sheridan Campbell (1941 – 1957), the fifth University president, was president during the transition from Florida State College for Women to The Florida State University.
As a result, Dr. Doak S. Campbell (University President) appointed a committee to make recommendations to the University Executive Council. The Executive Council agreed to allow eleven fraternities to establish local chapters. Dr. J. Broward Culpepper (Dean of Student Welfare) asked the eleven fraternities to verify their interest in starting local chapters on the Florida State campus. Additionally, the University created a Faculty Fraternity Committee to develop guidelines and procedures for local colonies to follow before receiving a charter with the national organization.
Photograph of IFC Representatives from The Florida Flambeau article on March 4, 1949.
The FSU Interfraternity Council was established on March 5, 1949 with the chartering of 7 men’s fraternities. From the initial 7 fraternities in 1949, to now 18 active men’s IFC fraternities in 2024, there is a diverse array of fraternities, each with its own unique qualities, creating a perfect fit for each individual looking to join a fraternity in the council.
IFC Statement of Purpose
The Interfraternity Council (IFC) at Florida State University is the governing body for 20 men’s fraternities on campus. The Interfraternity Council is dedicated to the academic and social development of its respective fraternities and their members. Members in IFC organizations are active in every aspect of campus. With a diverse array of fraternities, each with its own unique qualities, there is a fit for each individual looking to join a fraternity in the council.
IFC Mission Statement
To promote and perpetuate the best interest of The Florida State University and the Greek letter social fraternities therein, to encourage the most complete intellectual, emotional, physical, and social development of the members of the fraternities, to ensure that the fraternities chartered at The Florida State University establish high standards and lofty pursuits, and to foster cooperation among said fraternities, and the University community, we do ordain and establish this constitution of the Interfraternity Council of The Florida State University. The Interfraternity Council of The Florida State University does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, race, national or ethnic origin, religion, sexual orientation, or disability.
Core Values of the IFC Community
Hardworking
A stigma exists that fraternity men simply float through their college experience, drifting from one social experience to the next. Fraternity members are highly involved across majors, organizations, and hold leadership positions across campus.
Connected
Florida State students are ambitious. They seek to build community and connection for both career and personal development. Fraternity men are seeking that same level of connection. Often people simply think of the chapter’s alumni as the main source of connection, and that holds true at Florida State. However, an extra layer of personal networks and connections exists within each fraternity chapter. Those connections lead men to get more involved on campus and even professional opportunities.
Disciplined
Men in fraternities have an expansive experience at Florida State. They choose to be involved for more than the friendship that fraternity inherently provides, but with the hope for more. A college experience with more challenges, more support, and more fun.
Hit Your Mark
Men in the IFC community are dedicated to more than their own organization. Numerous examples exist of men engaging in other organizations. Involvement has led to connections which lead to opportunities. Opportunities are earned through hard work, and doing the work necessary to build outstanding organizations.
Fraternity is the index feather for the men joining fraternities at FSU. The index feather on an arrow provides stability and keeps an arrow on target, and it accomplishes that mission when used correctly. If an index feather is not positioned correctly before release, the arrow might not only miss its target, but fail to launch. When wielded properly, fraternity is the stability mechanism for men at Florida State to propel towards their goals and ambitions.
Our goal is to be the pinnacle of the fraternity experience. We understand this goal is simultaneously challenging and idyllic. Our community chooses this mindset because the opportunity to create the future is more compelling than simply accepting a mediocrity. We aspire to the premiere developmental opportunity for men at Florida State University.