Meet the Team: Fraternity and Sorority Life

UNC Fraternity and Sorority Life (FSL) supports Carolina students through education and development of a campus culture that promotes making healthy choices. Associate Director Cassie Thomas shares insight on how FSL works to support students.

How long has Fraternity and Sorority Life (FSL) been at Carolina? The first Assistant Dean of Students for Greek Affairs started in 1994, and the Office of Greek Affairs was established in 1995 to bring Greeks more closely in line with the University.

How many staff are in FSL and what are their various roles? FSL has three professional staff and two graduate students.

• Ion Outterbridge serves as the Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life. In his role, Ion works closely with community partners and handles issues regarding risk and crisis management. He also oversees FSL Budget and supports the holistic vision of the office.

• Berengére Phillips is one the Assistant Directors of Fraternity and Sorority Life. She is the primary advisor and contact for the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) and the Multicultural Greek Council (MGC).

• Cassie Thomas is the other Assistant Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life. She is the primary advisor for the Panhellenic Association (PHA) and the Interfraternity Council (IFC)

• Laney Humphreys and DeVanté Thomas-Pittman serve as the Graduate Assistants in the office and help with the advisement of all four councils and the day to day operations of the office.

What does FSL do to support students at Carolina? FSL educates, advises and empowers fraternities and sororities and their members to live according to their organizational values and to contribute to the University and greater community. Our office enhances the academic experience, holistic development and civic contribution of students by providing effective services and developmental opportunities that enrich the Carolina experience. We also provide resources and coordinate services to assist students in transitioning to off-campus living. We promote authentic relationships among students and their neighbors by encouraging them to be active and responsible members of the communities in which they live.

What would you say to encourage students to join a fraternity or sorority at UNC? A fraternity and sorority here at Carolina will be your home away from home. They will be your best friends long after graduation. We have an organization for everyone. We have organizations as large as 200+ people and as few as 10. Our organizations support a variety of different philanthropies and organizations, such as the Make A Wish Foundation, Raising Awareness of Violence Against Women and the Fireman’s Challenge.

How has your team adapted to provide service during COVID-19? We have continued to provide all of our services in the midst of COVID-19. We facilitated our retreats, workshop, programs, and meetings on virtual platforms. We assisted and supported COVID-19 protocol management of our 30 privately-owned fraternity/sorority houses.

What is the one thing about your office you wish students knew? We provide a culture of care for students and are always here to help no matter how small or large a challenge may be.

Where are you located? Our office is located on the third floor of the Student Union in Suite 3508.