UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State is introducing an updated fraternity and sorority recruitment framework that provides governing councils and some individual chapters the option to conduct recruitment several weeks into the fall semester start or continue with a spring timeline, beginning in the upcoming academic year.
The change reflects a strategic, feedback-informed effort to strengthen the fraternity and sorority experience, enhance student safety, and align Penn State with practices at peer institutions.
Informed insights from the RISE Partnerships report and community feedback, the updated approach is designed to create a more structured, transparent and accountable recruitment environment. It also directly addresses concerns related to unrecognized or “ghost” pledging and other unsafe recruitment behaviors that can occur outside established processes.
“This approach allows us to better meet the needs of our community while reinforcing the expectations that enhance student safety,” said Megan Pepper, director of the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life. “Through our engagement with students and councils, we consistently heard a desire for earlier, more structured recruitment opportunities. This framework reflects that feedback, and we are encouraged by the opportunity for organizations and councils to take advantage of a model shaped in partnership with them.”
The Interfraternity Council and Panhellenic Council — which operate independently — will determine whether to adopt a delayed model or maintain a spring recruitment model. Chapters within the Multicultural Greek Council and National Pan-Hellenic Council who do not facilitate council-wide recruitment activities also will have the option to choose which timeline best suits their needs in accordance with their inter/national membership policies. The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life will coordinate efforts with councils and chapters and help facilitate recruitment regardless of the pathway of choice.
Councils and chapters that choose to utilize the earlier fall recruitment period will be expected to meet additional University requirements designed to support student well-being and risk reduction.
Those expectations include clearly defined recruitment timelines, adherence to a social event moratorium period during recruitment, and other safety measures consistent with national organization standards and practices at peer institutions.
“We appreciate the partnership of our councils and student leaders in shaping this approach,” said Andrea Dowhower, vice president for Student Affairs. “This framework reflects what we have heard from the community, and we look forward to continuing that partnership as councils and chapters determine the path that best supports their members and upholds our shared commitment to safety and accountability.”
The updated framework also provides first-year students with the opportunity to engage with campus life and make informed decisions about membership, while ensuring that recruitment activities take place within a more transparent and supported structure.
This initiative is part of Penn State’s broader commitment to fostering a fraternity and sorority community where students can thrive — one that balances tradition with shared responsibility for safety, well-being and positive student experiences.
Additional details about recruitment timelines and implementation will be shared with students and families in the coming months.
Penn State Student Affairs supports holistic student success through advocacy, education, engagement and care. With more than 30 programs and units, Student Affairs helps students thrive in and out of the classroom, discover community and belonging, build leadership skills and create lasting memories. All programs and events are open to all students, regardless of sex, gender, sexual orientation, race or other protected class. Student Affairs is committed to building a community of belonging for all. Learn more about Student Affairs programs at studentaffairs.psu.edu.