The Brotherhood of Phi Kappa Nu is an all-gender fraternity at Cornell College. The Newts were founded in 1975 by the seven founding fathers of the group. The group was founded on the idea of a Five-Fold Purpose with focus in athletics, academics, leadership, community service and social activities. In 2024, the sixth fold, that of Art, was added. In order to ensure that members uphold the values expressed in the group's purpose, the Newts have standards for each of the six folds which encourage individual excellence and track accomplishments. Through their Six-Fold purpose, the Newts foster individual accomplishment and a sense of brotherhood within the group.

The Brotherhood of Phi Kappa Nu shall adhere to the Six-Fold purpose of excellence in the following areas of College life: Academic, Art, Athletic, Leadership, Service, and Social. The reason for the existence of the social organization Phi Kappa Nu is to encourage its members to achieve excellence in each area through individual effort and group cooperation.