Resources

Many IFC fraternities have recognized off-campus chapter houses owned and operated by alumni organizations. These houses often offer meal plans for both residents and out-of-house members, creating opportunities to build lifelong friendships and deepen chapter bonds. 

If you’re interested in joining an IFC fraternity, you’re encouraged to explore off-campus fraternity housing as one of many living options.  

• Students should not sign an off-campus lease or an on-campus Housing and Food Service contract until they have completed the IFC recruitment process during the spring semester and received a bid for membership. 

To make sure all students who join an IFC fraternity have time to secure housing, the LiveOn Housing Process for on-campus options remains open through mid-February, after IFC primary recruitment. 

Most PHC sororities have dedicated floors in our renovated South residence halls—an area often referred to as the Sorority Village. These beautiful spaces include private living rooms and kitchenettes reserved exclusively for chapter members. 

Living on a sorority floor offers a strong sense of community, connection, and leadership development. While each sorority has unique expectations, many chapters require that new members live on the sorority floor during their first year of membership. 

If you’re considering participating in PHC recruitment, you should also participate in the University’s housing process for current students during the fall semester. Students who sign an on-campus housing contract and later join a sorority through PHC recruitment should expect to live on the sorority floor or within South Halls for, at minimum, their first membership year. 

Community Support 

Each building has a Resident Assistant (RA) who maintains a safe and welcoming environment, and a Sorority Assistant (a student member of the chapter) who works alongside the RA to build relationships and foster communication within the community. 

At this time, our NPHC chapters do not have formal group living spaces. However, the university is open to exploring on-campus housing options for these organizations if there is interest in creating shared living communities.

At this time, our MGC chapters do not have formal group living spaces. However, the university is open to exploring on-campus housing options for these organizations if there is interest in creating shared living communities.

A recognized fraternity or sorority is one that is in good standing with the University. These organizations are monitored for their adherence to University policies, including the anti-hazing and alcohol policies. Recognized groups receive support and guidance from the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life and have access to various University resources. 

Recognized fraternities and sororities enjoy: 

• Access to Penn State facilities for events and meetings
• Leadership development and programming from the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life
• Participation in governing councils
• Involvement in community-wide events
• Guidance from professional staff 

Fraternities and sororities emphasize academic success. Many provide tutoring, study hours, and peer support. Chapters require a minimum GPA of 2.5, though many exceed this. Academic support is a core component of fraternity/sorority membership. 

Joining a fraternity or sorority can be a meaningful way to build friendships, develop leadership skills, and get involved in service and campus life. Members often find a strong sense of community and opportunities for personal and professional growth that extend beyond the classroom.

That said, like any extracurricular activity, success comes from maintaining a healthy balance. It’s important to manage your time, prioritize academics, and make choices that support your well-being. When approached with balance and intention, a fraternity or sorority experience can enhance both your college journey and your future beyond Penn State.

While chapters are self-governing, they operate under University oversight as a recognized student organization. Penn State monitors organizational behavior, enforces policies, and provides resources. Chapters also belong to councils (IFC, PHC, MGC, NPHC) which provide structure and support and many receive similar support from a national headquarters.