Fraternity & Sorority Life

Fraternities & Sororities are one of the easiest ways to help you succeed while at Penn State.  By joining a fraternity or sorority, you are instantly connected with a community of over 4000 other students in over 85 different chapters.  Each chapter is unique and offers a different experience, guided by its founding values and principles.  

Fraternities and sororities provide you with a home away from home, making the large university experience seem more manageable.  For many incoming students, the opportunity for social interaction is one of the greatest benefits.  Through these interactions, you develop a close network of friends with whom you keep in touch long after you leave Penn State.

Academically, many fraternities and sororities have grade point averages above the all-university average and provide academic assistance for their members through peer tutoring and study hours.  Most of the chapters at Penn State provide service to the community through community service or philanthropic events. 

Membership in a fraternity or sorority also offers many leadership opportunities.  Besides chapter executive councils governing various functions, there are opportunities to be a leader in one of the governing councils that guide the fraternity & sorority community.  Members of fraternities and sororities also provide leadership to the Penn State Dance Marathon and the Penn State Homecoming celebration.

To join a fraternity or sorority, you need to register in advance.  The Interfraternity and Panhellenic Councils host recruitments events at the beginning of the semester, while the National Pan-Hellenic and Multicultural Councils hold events throughout the semester.  At these events, you will get the opportunity to meet current members and find out about each chapter.

For more information, visit the Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life