Top 10 Questions & Answers

  1. What are the benefits of joining a fraternity or sorority?
  2. What does it cost to be Greek?
  3. Will joining a fraternity or sorority affect my academic success?
  4. What is hazing?
  5. There are so many fraternities and sororities at Penn State University. How do I tell the difference between all of them?
  6. Being in a fraternity or sorority sounds like it takes a lot of time. Is this true?
  7. Do all fraternities and sororities have chapter houses?
  8. Do I have to live in the fraternity chapter house or on the sorority residence hall floor?
  9. Is there really a law forbidding more than 3 unrelated females from living together that prevents sororities from having houses at Penn State?
  10. How do I get more information about Greek Life? / How do I contact the Office of Greek Life?
What are the benefits of joining a fraternity or sorority?
Supportive friends, leadership opportunities, philanthropic projects, community service, career opportunities, and becoming part of a national network. This only begins the description of how being Greek will positively affect your life; and membership is for life!
What does it cost to be Greek?
Every fraternity and sorority is self-supportive. Each chapter and its national headquarters determine the monthly/semesterly dues and membership fees. Some chapters also include a one-time association and initiation fee. Many chapters offer a payment plan. While the costs vary by chapter, the yearly expenses to live in a fraternity house are comparable to the residence hall costs, and in many instances are less expensive.
Will joining a fraternity or sorority affect my academic success?
The act of joining will not have any effect on your GPA. Making good grades in college is the responsibility of the individual. What will affect your academic performance is your ability to manage your time well in addition to the amount of support you get from the chapter you join. This is something you should ask about before you join. Educational sessions on time management, resume writing, study skills, and more are offered and encouraged.
What is hazing?
Hazing is any physical or mental act that puts a person in a stressful or dangerous situation. Hazing is not permitted by any of the 3 Greek councils at Penn State. Hazing can manifest itself in many different ways and it is usually hard to detect since the participants are usually willing to be subjected to these juvenile and sometimes dangerous acts. Secrecy also plays a major role. If you suspect that hazing is happening in a Greek fraternity or sorority at Penn State University, please call the Office of Greek Life at (814) 863-8065. Every effort will be made to respect the confidentiality of complaints.
There are so many fraternities and sororities at Penn State University. How do I tell the difference between all of them?
One of the ways to assist with this understanding is to visit the web pages for the governing Greek councils. There are 3 governing councils: Interfraternity Council (IFC), National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), and Panhellenic Council (PHC). The web site for each of these councils is www.greeks.psu.edu
Being in a fraternity or sorority sounds like it takes a lot of time. Is this true?
Participating in any worthwhile activity always requires an investment of one's time. Research has shown that involved college students are more likely to graduate and they report greater satisfaction with their college experience. Through the Greek experience, you will learn how to balance academics, work, campus involvement, and social commitments.
Do all fraternities and sororities have chapter houses?
No, approximately 50 of the 57 IFC fraternities have chapter houses. An alumni corporation or an independent landlord owns some of the chapter houses. The national sororities of NPHC and Panhellenic have living space in the residence halls.
Do I have to live in the fraternity chapter house or on the sorority residence hall floor?
For the IFC fraternities, living in the chapter house is up the individual chapter. Each group has their own requirements - this is a good thing to find out during the recruitment process. Fraternity living is comparable to living in the dorms or in an apartment. Most chapters' fees include room and board. Information about costs can be obtained through the Office of Greek Life. Also it is suggested you ask about this information during recruitment. Similarly, each sorority with residence hall floor space has its own requirements for living on the floor. One of the many benefits of sorority life is living with your sisters, and this living arrangement allows for this.
Is there really a law forbidding more than 3 unrelated females from living together that prevents sororities from having houses at Penn State?
No. Sororities have a suite and a floor in residence halls because of an agreement with the University. They are free to move off campus but find it a cost and security advantage to remain in the residence halls. For more information on the sorority move from houses to residence halls in the 1950's, visit the Penn State Room at Pattee Library.
How do I get more information about Greek Life? / How do I contact the Office of Greek Life?
There are many sources of information available -- especially if you have access to the world wide web. You can go the main Greek Life homepage and click on "related links" for more information. You can also call the Greek Life office (814-863-8065) or stop by (213-216 HUB-Robeson Center). Our FAX number is 814-863-3820. You can send us mail at:

Office of Greek Life
213-216 HUB-Robeson Center
Penn State University
University Park, PA 16802

 

Center for Fraternity & Sorority Life
213-216 HUB-Robeson Center
University Park, PA 16802

Phone: 814.863.8065
Fax: 814.863.3820

greeks@sa.psu.edu