Fraternity and Sorority Life Program Review

Building a community of growth and trust, together

In October 2024, Penn State commissioned RISE Partnerships to conduct an external review of the fraternity and sorority life program at University Park. The results will drive the implementation of action steps to strengthen the fraternity and sorority community with enhanced University relationships, transparency, accountability, safety, and innovation.

Key Findings

The report is publicly available here. Findings include:

• Fraternity and Sorority Membership Growth:
  Fraternity and sorority life remain an important part of the Penn State student experience, with more than 6,800 active members at University Park. Membership has steadily increased since 2019.
• Civic Engagement and Philanthropy:
  Civic engagement remains strong within the fraternity and sorority community, with members at University Park contributing over 27,000 service hours and raising more than $2.2 million for philanthropic causes. These efforts demonstrate the positive impact of fraternity and sorority life on the broader community.
• Ongoing Hazing Concerns:
  Hazing continues to be a serious problem within the fraternity and sorority community, as it is at universities nationwide. Students reported continued behaviors such as acts of servitude, forced alcohol consumption, and physical violence.
• Trust, Agency, and Transparency Challenges:
  Stakeholders across the fraternity and sorority community cited a lack of trust, agency, and transparency. Student leaders in particular shared feelings of disenfranchisement and vulnerability in their roles.
• Impact of Reform Measures:
  Unintended challenges resulting from earlier reforms are affecting the fraternity and sorority community. Competition from unrecognized groups, housing difficulties, and limited access to social event spaces for sororities are among the key concerns identified.

Current Initiatives in Progress

Prior to the completed program review, the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life began to implement several initiatives. While there is additional work to be done, these demonstrate progress towards strengthening the community. 

• Elevating Positive Messages and Information:
  News stories highlighting student leaders and fraternity and sorority life have been published in partnership with Student Affairs Communications and Marketing. A Community Guide is being developed, and OFSL is redesigning its website and participating in the NSO Resource Fair to introduce students and families to the community.
• Advancing Signature Events and Spaces:
  Student leaders and OFSL continue to expand Greek Sing and Greek Week, with Greek Sing moving to a larger venue next year due to increased participation. The University is partnering with students and alumni to develop and advance a design for a new NPHC plot on campus.
• Rebuilding and Realigning OFSL Staff:
  OFSL has hired two Associate Directors and one Assistant Director, with three additional staff expected to join this summer. Increasing the number of chapter coaches will allow for more individualized support and connection with chapter leaders, advisors, and headquarters staff.
• Hazing Prevention Efforts:
  A University-wide hazing prevention committee is evaluating evidence-based practices and developing a marketing and communications plan. Student Affairs also hosted the Hazing Prevention Institute last summer, welcoming participants from across the Commonwealth.
• Accountability Process:
  IFC, OFSL, and OSACR are collaborating to build a structure for council involvement in the accountability process. Social event and recruitment concerns are often addressed through advisory letters and proactive engagement instead of initiating formal conduct processes.
• Communication About Unrecognized Groups:
  Student Affairs has increased direct communication to students and families to highlight health and safety concerns about unrecognized chapters. The website with information on suspended and unrecognized groups has also been updated to provide expanded resources.
• Panhellenic Common Space Engagement:
  The Panhellenic Council organized a committee with students, advisors, alumni, headquarters, OFSL, and University leadership to identify solutions for community needs. This collaboration continues to focus on both short- and long-term improvements. 

Next Steps

Over the summer months the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life will work with stakeholders to advance the following initiatives:

• Engage Stakeholders
  Establish an advisory board with a focus on our alumni and advisors and identify ways for community stakeholders to engage with each other on a consistent basis. OFSL is benchmarking models at other universities.
• Enhance Prevention Staffing
  Create and hire a staff member focused on enhancing health and safety through prevention efforts, specifically related to hazing and dangerous drinking.
• Develop Additional Resources and Training
  Increase additional resources and training for the student and advisor community.
• Revise the Chapter Coaching Model
  Expand the coaching model to include chapter leaders, alumni advisors, national headquarters staff, and Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life staff to align goals and create more consistent training opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Provide Feedback

To share feedback, please send a message to OFSLexternalreview@psu.edu.