Fraternity life has long been a meaningful part of the college experience, providing young men with opportunities to lead, grow and serve within a values-based brotherhood.
The social benefits of brotherhood—like camaraderie and alumni networking—may be common knowledge, but research suggests a less obvious relationship between membership and overall wellness. One recent study found that fraternity members are less likely than the general student population to report feelings of depression, anxiety or thoughts of self-harm.
Ryan Lugabihl, Pi Kappa Phi’s Chief Collegiate Officer, has experienced these benefits first-hand. “Our goal is to help students grow into responsible, confident men. We do that by offering real opportunities to lead, build lasting friendships and give back through service; all in a supportive environment that challenges them to be their best.”
With nearly 12,000 undergraduate student members across more than 160 campuses, Pi Kappa Phi aims to provide an exceptional experience for every student, rooted in safety, growth, service and community.
About Pi Kappa Phi
Pi Kappa Phi seeks to create an uncommon and lifelong brotherhood that develops leaders and encourages service to others for the betterment of our communities. Dating back to the fraternity’s founding on December 10, 1904, at the College of Charleston in Charleston, South Carolina, Pi Kappa Phi has exemplified a commitment to leadership, service before self and building a better world. Today, on more than 160 campuses across the United States, Pi Kappa Phi continues to broaden its commitment to building exceptional leaders through uncommon opportunities.
Prioritizing safety and well-being from day one
As with any student organization, promoting a safe and respectful environment requires ongoing effort, education and intentionality. That’s why Pi Kappa Phi has made harm reduction and member wellness a priority.
The Fraternity’s culture of Ultimate Respect serves as a guiding principle, empowering members to support one another and uphold high standards of conduct. From peer-to-peer accountability to campus collaboration, Pi Kappa Phi invests in resources that prepare its members to lead with integrity and care for one another.
“Our goal isn’t perfection, it’s progress,” Lugabihl shared. “We’re not just telling students what to avoid. We’re helping them learn how to make good decisions, how to support each other and how to grow through the experience.”
Seeking ways to reinforce this commitment to accountability and a culture of safety, Pi Kappa Phi turned to RealResponse.
Creating a two-way dialogue with the Pi Kappa Phi community
Prior to RealResponse, reports were submitted anonymously through a one-way portal with no ability for follow-up or dialogue. Now, Pi Kappa Phi staff can engage directly and discreetly with the individuals who submit concerns, allowing for faster responses and more meaningful outcomes.
“RealResponse has transformed how we engage with our members and their families,” Lugabihl said. “It gives us the ability to listen more closely, respond more effectively and be proactive about building a safer experience.”
The platform is available to members, parents and chapter leaders year-round and is promoted through multiple channels to ensure visibility and accessibility. This holistic approach ensures that the platform supports multiple diverse use cases, including:
- Parent communication: While Lugabihl and his team receive reports from current undergraduate members, they were surprised to see an uptick in parent inquiries. “RealResponse has given parents a clear and easy way to reach out, whether they have questions, concerns or need help finding support for their student,” said Lugabihl. “That kind of access has been incredibly valuable.”
- Proactive dialogue: Initial reports submitted through RealResponse often lead to formal investigations, so Pi Kappa Phi relies on the platform to collect additional information to gather context and take action early. “RealResponse gives us a way to ask questions, gather feedback and better understand what’s happening on the ground,” Lugabihl said. “We can reach out to specific groups in real time, and because responses stay anonymous, people feel more comfortable sharing what we need to hear.”
- Philanthropic coordination: Pi Kappa Phi gets even more mileage out of RealResponse by using it as a logistics hub for events through The Ability Experience, Pi Kappa Phi’s philanthropic initiative. During national events like the Journey of Hope, where members are cycling across the country, the platform supports check-ins and coordination to prioritize safety and care for participants. “We have students on the road all summer,” Lugabihl explained. “This tool lets us check in, offer support and make sure they’re safe no matter where they are.”
Striving for an exceptional experience
With RealResponse in place, Pi Kappa Phi has already seen a positive increase in communication and transparency. The platform not only streamlines issue reporting, it reflects the Fraternity’s deeper commitment to creating a culture where students feel heard, supported and empowered.
“This isn’t just a safety tool, it’s a leadership tool,” said Lugabihl. “It allows us to model the kind of respectful, responsive environment we want our members to emulate.”
Pi Kappa Phi’s use of RealResponse reflects a clear priority: creating a fraternity experience where concerns are addressed, questions are answered and members are supported. By using tools that improve communication and accountability, the Fraternity is taking practical steps to ensure students have what they need to stay safe, feel heard and lead.
RealResponse is invested in elevating students’ voices throughout their college experience. By offering a safe, anonymous platform for two-way communication, we ensure everyone has a chance to be heard.
