Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is Seal & Serpent Society?
Seal and Serpent Society is an independent gender neutral society, founded and located only at Cornell University. We do not belong to a national organization like other fraternities - there is one and only one chapter of Seal and Serpent. Seal and Serpent is one of the oldest independent fraternities in the country that has been in continuous existence since its creation.
Is Seal & Serpent a service fraternity or a secret society?
While service is an element of our mission, Seal and Serpent is not solely a service fraternity. We are dedicated to the mutual improvement of our members and the reflection of the ideals of Cornell University, of which service is one element. But we are more multi-faceted than relying on one element of our mission to define who we are.
We are also NOT a secret society. We certainly do not hide our existence, nor do members conceal that they are a part of Seal and Serpent. There are elements of who we are that are reserved for members only, and we are exclusive in extending invitations for membership. We are simply a co-ed fraternal organization. There are not many like us and that is exactly why you should consider us when looking for an organization not afraid to stand out.
What is an “independent” fraternity?
“Independent” means that we are not part of a national organization. Seal and Serpent exists only at Cornell University. As an independent house we make our own rules. Our undergraduate members are continuously re-inventing Seal and Serpent to suit who they are and what they want to accomplish. We are supported by our alumni, all of whom share the common history at the same chapter, in the same house, at the same university. This shared experience creates an immediate bond, that we feel is stronger than a bond one can achieve in an organization with numerous different branches spread throughout the country. In addition, we do not send dues to a national chapter, nor do we answer to the governance of a national body that may not have our own unique interests at heart.
What about pledging, hazing, and stuff like that?
Seal and Serpent fully endorses, supports, and abides by Cornell's policy on hazing. Many of our members had been turned off to the idea of joining a house club, society, or fraternity because of the stories they had heard about pledging. Rumors of degrading or dangerous activities and serious academic damage seemed unappealing at best, and repugnant at worst.
Our new member education process focuses on getting to know the other members of the organization, building teamwork, and learning about our history and ideals, while having fun in the process. We are serious about our new members keeping their grades up, and nothing in our pledging program is ever demeaning or dangerous.
Over the course of the pledging period, which is determined in large part by the Cornell calendar and academic commitments of our pledge class, we engage in a series of activities that help pledges get to know their fellow new members and learn about our history and the daily operations of the house. From the very start we want our newest members to take an active role in shaping the future of the fraternity.
Seal and Serpent Society is an independent gender neutral society, founded and located only at Cornell University. We do not belong to a national organization like other fraternities - there is one and only one chapter of Seal and Serpent. Seal and Serpent is one of the oldest independent fraternities in the country that has been in continuous existence since its creation.
Is Seal & Serpent a service fraternity or a secret society?
While service is an element of our mission, Seal and Serpent is not solely a service fraternity. We are dedicated to the mutual improvement of our members and the reflection of the ideals of Cornell University, of which service is one element. But we are more multi-faceted than relying on one element of our mission to define who we are.
We are also NOT a secret society. We certainly do not hide our existence, nor do members conceal that they are a part of Seal and Serpent. There are elements of who we are that are reserved for members only, and we are exclusive in extending invitations for membership. We are simply a co-ed fraternal organization. There are not many like us and that is exactly why you should consider us when looking for an organization not afraid to stand out.
What is an “independent” fraternity?
“Independent” means that we are not part of a national organization. Seal and Serpent exists only at Cornell University. As an independent house we make our own rules. Our undergraduate members are continuously re-inventing Seal and Serpent to suit who they are and what they want to accomplish. We are supported by our alumni, all of whom share the common history at the same chapter, in the same house, at the same university. This shared experience creates an immediate bond, that we feel is stronger than a bond one can achieve in an organization with numerous different branches spread throughout the country. In addition, we do not send dues to a national chapter, nor do we answer to the governance of a national body that may not have our own unique interests at heart.
What about pledging, hazing, and stuff like that?
Seal and Serpent fully endorses, supports, and abides by Cornell's policy on hazing. Many of our members had been turned off to the idea of joining a house club, society, or fraternity because of the stories they had heard about pledging. Rumors of degrading or dangerous activities and serious academic damage seemed unappealing at best, and repugnant at worst.
Our new member education process focuses on getting to know the other members of the organization, building teamwork, and learning about our history and ideals, while having fun in the process. We are serious about our new members keeping their grades up, and nothing in our pledging program is ever demeaning or dangerous.
Over the course of the pledging period, which is determined in large part by the Cornell calendar and academic commitments of our pledge class, we engage in a series of activities that help pledges get to know their fellow new members and learn about our history and the daily operations of the house. From the very start we want our newest members to take an active role in shaping the future of the fraternity.