Interfraternity Council (IFC)
The Interfraternity Council (IFC) is the governing body for North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) organizations, professional fraternities, and independent men’s and co-ed fraternities at Penn State. IFC chapters are built on the values of leadership, scholarship, brotherhood, and service—and joining an IFC chapter is an opportunity to make lifelong connections while developing skills that will serve you long after graduation.
Joining an IFC fraternity means being part of a community committed to personal growth, academic achievement, and making a positive impact at Penn State and beyond. Explore your options, connect with chapter leadership, and see where you can find your home.
Understanding Recognition
In order for a fraternity to operate at Penn State, it must be recognized as an affiliate group of its inter/national fraternity, otherwise known as a chapter. Chapters must also maintain University recognition by upholding the standards and expectations outlined for all fraternities and sororities. Below you’ll find a list of IFC chapters that are currently recognized by the University.
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Alpha Chi Rho, established at Penn State in 1922, is a national fraternity that emphasizes character, honor, and integrity. Members are committed to developing leadership skills and giving back through service and philanthropy. The chapter fosters a close brotherhood rooted in the motto “Be Men,” encouraging personal growth and lifelong friendships. Alpha Chi Rho creates an environment where students can excel academically and make a positive impact on the Penn State community.
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Founded at Penn State in 2002, Alpha Delta Phi is a social fraternity that emphasizes personal growth, academic excellence, and lifelong brotherhood. The chapter supports literacy initiatives and local service projects. Members engage in leadership development and philanthropic events that build connections across campus.
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Alpha Gamma Rho was founded at Penn State in 1922 and blends fraternity life with professional development in agriculture and related fields. The chapter promotes service and scholarship, with philanthropy focused on agricultural education. Members are dedicated to personal integrity, leadership, and professional success.
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Alpha Kappa Lambda promotes “Men of Character Committed to Making a Difference.” The Penn State chapter focuses on academic achievement, service, and brotherhood. Members participate in philanthropic efforts supporting local and national causes while creating a welcoming and supportive environment.
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Founded at Penn State in 1931, Alpha Phi Delta is an Italian heritage fraternity that welcomes all men committed to its values. The chapter emphasizes friendship, loyalty, and community service, including support for children’s hospitals and local charities. Members share a strong commitment to personal growth and cultural awareness.
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Established at Penn State in 1908, Alpha Sigma Phi promotes “To Better the Man.” The chapter supports RAINN and other philanthropic partners through fundraising and service. Members are dedicated to academic success, character development, and lifelong brotherhood.
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Alpha Tau Omega was founded at Penn State in 1888, making it one of the campus’s oldest fraternities. Members value leadership, scholarship, and service, with philanthropy often supporting veterans and local charities. The chapter fosters strong brotherhood and community engagement.
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Beta Sigma Beta, established at Penn State in 1910, is known for strong brotherhood, leadership, and academic focus. The chapter supports various philanthropic causes, including THON and community service initiatives. Members take pride in their traditions and lifelong friendships.
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Chi Phi, founded at Penn State in 1911, values truth, honor, and personal integrity. The chapter supports charitable efforts through service and fundraising, including THON. Members strive to build leadership skills and a positive impact on campus.
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Delta Chi has been part of the Penn State community since 1916. The chapter promotes friendship, character, and justice. Members support The V Foundation for Cancer Research and participate in leadership and service projects.
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Founded at Penn State in 1923, Delta Sigma Phi emphasizes building better men through brotherhood, scholarship, and service. Members are involved in philanthropic initiatives, including THON and Habitat for Humanity. The chapter cultivates a supportive and engaged community.
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Delta Theta Sigma is a professional agricultural fraternity established at Penn State in 1922. Members balance academics, leadership, and service, focusing on the agricultural community. The chapter fosters lifelong friendships and professional connections.
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Delta Upsilon was founded at Penn State in 1911 and is the world’s oldest non-secret fraternity. Members value friendship, character, culture, and justice. The chapter engages in philanthropic efforts and leadership development.
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Kappa Sigma, founded in 1869 at the University of Virginia, emphasizes fellowship, leadership, scholarship, and service. At Penn State, members engage in philanthropic efforts and leadership experiences that support academic success and community involvement. The chapter values responsibility and lifelong brotherhood.
- Learn more about Kappa Sigma in Discover
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Lambda Chi Alpha, established at Penn State in 1915, promotes brotherhood, leadership, and service. The chapter’s philanthropy supports Feeding America and local hunger initiatives. Members build lifelong friendships while striving for academic and personal excellence.
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Phi Delta Theta, founded in 1848 at Miami University, is committed to friendship, sound learning, and moral rectitude. At Penn State, members focus on leadership, academic success, and service while fostering a values-based brotherhood.
- Learn more about Phi Delta Theta in Discover
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Founded at Penn State in 1888, Phi Gamma Delta emphasizes friendship, knowledge, service, morality, and excellence. The chapter supports the USO and local charities through service and fundraising. Members value strong brotherhood and leadership development.
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Phi Kappa Psi was established at Penn State in 1888 and focuses on fostering academic achievement and community service. Members support philanthropies such as Boys and Girls Clubs of America. The chapter encourages personal growth and leadership.
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Founded in 1922 at Penn State, Phi Kappa Tau promotes leadership, learning, and service. Members participate in philanthropic initiatives supporting SeriousFun Children’s Network. The chapter builds brotherhood through shared values and community engagement.
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Phi Kappa Theta was established at Penn State in 1914 and is committed to leadership, service, and spiritual development. Members support causes including THON and local community initiatives. The fraternity fosters academic success and lifelong friendships.
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Founded at Penn State in 1907, Phi Sigma Kappa emphasizes brotherhood, scholarship, and character. The chapter supports Special Olympics and local charities. Members strive to build strong leadership skills and contribute positively to campus life.
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Sigma Alpha Epsilon was founded at Penn State in 1891 and is committed to fostering friendship, scholarship, and service. The chapter supports Children’s Miracle Network and other charitable efforts. embers build leadership skills and lifelong connections.
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Founded at Penn State in 1912, Sigma Phi Epsilon promotes balanced men through academic success, leadership, and personal development. Members support Big Brothers Big Sisters and local community service projects. The chapter emphasizes building a strong brotherhood.
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Founded in 1921 at Penn State, Tau Epsilon Phi promotes friendship, chivalry, and service. Members support the American Cancer Society and local philanthropic efforts. The chapter builds a close-knit brotherhood through shared traditions and values.
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Founded at Penn State in 1914, Theta Chi values truth, temperance, and tolerance. The chapter supports the USO and local charities, promoting leadership and academic success. Members develop strong bonds of brotherhood.
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Theta Delta Chi, established at Penn State in 1917, promotes intellectual, moral, and social excellence. Members participate in THON and community service initiatives. The chapter fosters lifelong friendships and personal development.
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Theta Delta Chi, established at Penn State in 1917, promotes intellectual, moral, and social excellence. Members participate in THON and community service initiatives. The chapter fosters lifelong friendships and personal development.
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Founded at Penn State in 1916, Zeta Beta Tau is a non-pledging fraternity that emphasizes brotherhood, service, and academic achievement. Members support Children’s Miracle Network and other philanthropic causes. The chapter builds an inclusive and engaged community.
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Zeta Psi, founded in 1847 at New York University, is one of the oldest fraternities in North America. At Penn State, members engage in leadership, service, and academic pursuits that support personal development and lifelong connection.
- Learn more about Zeta Psi Fraternity, Inc. in Discover
Understanding Unrecognized Groups
Unrecognized organizations are groups that have lost University recognition or never had it in the first place. These organizations operate without oversight or support from Penn State, and they do not follow the standards or safety requirements established for recognized chapters. Participation in unrecognized groups can involve serious risks, including dangerous hazing, lack of accountability, and unsafe social environments.
