UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.— Beginning spring 2021, Penn State will impose revised eligibility requirements for students who wish to participate in fraternity and sorority recruitment. Under the new guidelines, all students who meet a set of requirements will be eligible to participate, with the exception of those who have who have been sanctioned with Conduct Probation with a Transcript Notation by the University’s Office of Student Conduct.
Previously, any student with “active conduct violations or sanctions,” were prohibited from participating in recruitment. The new requirement specifies that the only conduct sanction that will disqualify students from participation in recruitment is Conduct Probation with a Transcript Notation when it is still active at the time of recruitment. Conduct Probation with a Transcript Notation is reserved for serious or repeated violations of the University’s Code of Conduct only, and is one step below suspension. Naturally, students who have been suspended or expelled from the University are also ineligible to participate in fraternity and sorority recruitment.
Additionally, in light of on-going challenges due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Faculty Senate reimplemented the opt-in alternative grading system for the fall 2020 semester. While students may choose to opt-in for alternative grading for fall 2020, students planning to participate in recruitment must still meet the 2.5 cumulative Penn State GPA requirement to be eligible for participation.
The revised criteria has been added to a list of requirements aimed to protect the social, emotional and academic interests of students who wish to participate in fraternity and sorority recruitment for the 60+ organizations that belong to the University’s four governing councils; the Interfraternity Council, the Multicultural Greek Council, the National Pan-Hellenic Council and the Panhellenic Council. These requirements were put in place to mitigate potential conduct issues that may arise at both the individual and organizational levels.
All students who wish to participate in fraternity or sorority recruitment or intake for spring 2021 must:
- Have earned at least 14 credit hours at Penn State; or earned 27 transfer credits; or be considered an adult learner
- Have a 2.50 cumulative Penn State GPA
- Not have Conduct Probation with a Transcript Notation at the time of recruitment or intake
- Not be suspended or expelled at the time of recruitment or intake
- Be enrolled as a full-time student
- Participate in an online information session sponsored by the Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life
These requirements apply to all campuses with recognized fraternity and sorority chapters including University Park, Harrisburg, Behrend and Altoona.
Penn State’s formal fraternity and sorority recruitment for spring 2021 will be held virtually Jan. 20 – Feb. 1 for Panhellenic Council chapters and Jan. 28 – Feb. 17 for Interfraternity Council chapters. Chapters affiliated with the National Pan-Hellenic Council and Multicultural Greek Council will be conducting membership intake and recruitment activities informally on a chapter by chapter basis.
Penn State hosts one of the largest fraternity and sorority communities in North America with participation from a diverse group of students who seek to enhance academic, leadership and service opportunities while at the University. More information about Fraternity and Sorority Life at Penn State can be found on the Student Affairs website.
