Campus Club or a Cult?
Graphics by Maria Masek
College is about new experiences, getting involved around campus, preparing for the real world, and getting aggressively "recruited" by strangers at a pop-up table in Schine (or targeted in the basement of Bird Library at 1 a.m. to join a "Bible Study”). With over 300 clubs and student organizations at Syracuse University there are plenty of opportunities to choose from. But if you’re not careful, you may end up a member of something that is...more than what you signed up for. Let’s talk about two different types of cults: the metaphorical college "cult" stereotype and the real cult known for targeting SU and ESF Students.
The Stereotypical College "Cult"
A strong sense of community within an organization is not a problem. But sometimes, the club you joined either for networking or fun may be a little extreme – or something equivalent to a cult. Here's what to look out for:
They Love You Too Much, Too Fast
A normal club welcomes you, adds you to the GroupMe, and hopes you show up again. A borderline “cult” immediately makes you feel like you’ve found a new family.
They bombard you with praise, attention, and promises of forever friendships. Much like actual cults, they prey on vulnerable individuals, exploit their emotions, and brainwash them using psychological manipulation techniques (such as an overwhelming amount of positivity).
You Can Never Leave (Without Drama)
A real club understands that you just get too busy with school, work, and life (this is college, after all). A "cult,”on the other hand, will make you feel as if you’re betraying them if you even consider doing something else with your free time.
Your Schedule is Not Your Schedule
A normal club meets once a week; maybe twice if they're feeling rambunctious. A "cult,” however, will have you booked for “sister/brotherhood workshops,” or “mandatory chapter meetings,” multiple times a week.
There’s a Mysterious ‘Higher-Up’ Running the Show
Most campus clubs have an e-board of students who just want a leadership position to display on their LinkedIn profiles and resume. Be on the lookout, as "cults" often have their e-board displayed on Instagram profiles or chapter websites.
They Want Your Money… all of it
Club or chapter dues are normal. Fundraising is normal. Being coerced to “invest” in the organization’s future? Not normal.
If financial commitment seems to be a bigger deal than actual participation, consider redirecting your funds (and your spare time) elsewhere.
The Real Cult Targeting Syracuse Students
While the metaphorical “college cult” mostly refers to Greek life, it’s true that some actual cults have made their way to campus.
Syracuse University and ESF students report being targeted by a group posing as a Bible study who prey on students looking for community and purpose. Unlike the "cult" clubs we discussed, this is the real deal and they take advantage of the deceptive recruitment tactics mentioned above and more.
A Firsthand Account
A close friend of mine experienced an attempt to recruit her into one of these legitimate cults. She shared her experience with me, but her name will not be mentioned for privacy reasons.
The story takes place during the first week of the Fall 2024 semester. My friend was in the basement of Bird Library at 1 a.m. when two women approached her. They briefly introduced themselves and started talking about their club: a "Bible study group" with "flexible hours."
She attempted to reject the offer by claiming she wasn't religious, yet they persisted by reassuring her this was okay, how they have all different types of members, and that they "study the Bible in a different way." What made this more unsettling is these women were noticeably older, appearing to be in their 30s or beyond—not even college students.
When interviewing my friend about this experience, I mentioned the World Mission Society Church of God, the cult previously exposed by Jerk Magazine’s Tori Baker in April 2024. Without hesitation, she identified them as the same group that had approached her—four months after they were supposedly banned from campus.
This is your reminder to stay vigilant.
The last known interaction with WMSCG members was early in the fall semester, but that doesn’t mean they’re gone for good. Groups like this operate in cycles, disappearing for months before resurfacing when students let their guard down. Just because you haven’t seen them doesn’t mean they won’t try again.
How to Protect Yourself
- Trust your gut. If something feels off, it probably is.
- Do your research. Google the group and if there’s even a tiny bit of controversy, take it seriously.
- Talk to others. If your friends outside the group are expressing concern, listen to them.
- Know you can leave. No group should make you feel trapped or obligated beyond reasonable commitment.
- Report suspicious behavior. If you suspect WMSCG or a similar group is approaching students, contact DPS immediately.
The bottom line is college is supposed to be fun and joining a club should enhance your experience—not consume it. Whether it’s an average club, a "cult" or the real deal, you should always stay aware and never feel pressured to stay where you don’t feel you belong.