Councils & Chapters

A recognized fraternity or sorority is one that is currently in good standing with the University. Recognized fraternities and sororities are monitored for performance related to University policies and standards. This would include the anti-hazing policy and the alcohol policy. Staff in the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life advise these chapters and helps them continue to improve and excel.

Recognized fraternities and sororities are active partners in Penn State’s vibrant fraternity and sorority community. Recognition grants access to university facilities, leadership training, and programming support through the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life. Chapters also participate in governing councils—IFC, MGC, NPHC, and PHC—and engage in community-wide events that strengthen collaboration, service, and shared learning. With guidance from dedicated staff, recognized organizations gain the tools and connections to thrive both on campus and beyond.

Recognition Policy

Any group desiring recognition as a new chapter or reestablished chapter must adhere to the following expectations:

Notice of Interest

The Headquarters must provide an official letter of interest one year prior to the semester in which they plan to seek recognition or reestablishment.

• The letter must outline:
  • Anticipated start/timeframe of the expansion/extension process
  • Proposed membership recruitment process
  • Proposed new member education/intake process.
  • Acknowledgement and agreement of by all participants to adhere to all aspects of the Penn State Fraternity and Sorority Statement of Relationship.
• Once the above information is received, the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life will verify if the organization is a member of a national/international coordinating or governing council.
• Submission of the Notice of Interest does not guarantee that institution has the capacity to support the request or requested timeline. Consideration will also account for the recent recruitment/membership trends and health of recent expansion efforts and overall health of the fraternity and sorority community.

Newly Established Groups

• Groups must be affiliated and in good standing with a headquarters that is part of a national or international governing association (Headquarters).
• Fraternities and Sororities recognized by and/or seeking recognition by the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life must agree to adhere to all aspects of the Penn State Fraternity and Sorority Statement of Relationship.
• Groups must follow Penn State’s Code of Conduct and Policies and Rules for Student Organizations.
• Groups must seek affiliation with an existing Penn State governing council prior to recognition
  • Upon petition for recognition by a Penn State governing council the petitioning organization may be approved for provisional membership
  • If the petitioning organization does not obtain provisional recognition by a Penn State governing council, the petitioning organization will be offered a justification for denial and may petition the governing council in the subsequent academic term (Fall or Spring; Summer not included)
  • The petitioning organization may appeal the decision with the Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life or designee.
  • If the decision to uphold the denial for recognition is not appealed or the appeal is denied, the petitioning organization will not obtain recognition by the University.

Groups Returning from Loss of University Recognition for Misconduct

• A group which previously lost University recognition due to misconduct will not be reviewed for recognition until all previously communicated requirements from the Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response are satisfied.
  • Prior to return, the group must request a notice from the Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response verifying that all previously communicated requirements were met.
  • The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life in conjunction with the Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response will consider student behaviors, such as attempts to reconstitute an organization with the same or akin membership after loss of recognition or groups which fail to adhere to the terms of university suspension at the time of their separation from the institution will be considered when reviewing their request for return. Failure to adhere to the university sanctioned organizational suspension may delay the group’s eligibility to regain university recognition.
  • The general practice is for each council to expand by one new chapter per semester. If the organization lost recognition by the university or governing council, re-establishment will be determined based on when the organization’s recognition was removed.
  • The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life will work with the re-establishing organization to assist in developing mitigation strategies and monitoring practices, to aid in the prevention of recurrent negative organizational behaviors.