Starting a New Chapter

The University of Richmond recognizes that a strong Fraternity and Sorority Life (FSL) community is a beneficial element of Student Life. In overseeing expansions, chartering, and re-establishments, the Center for Student Involvement requires that (1) a need for the organization must exist and (2) there must be strong evidence that the proposed organization would positively contribute to the FSL community.

Current Extension Openings

The Panhellenic Council is currently open for extension through the Fall 2026 semester. In November, the Panhellenic Council and Fraternity & Sorority Life will host up to three National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) organizations to present to the campus community.

By December 2026, a new Panhellenic organization will be selected to join campus. This organization will not participate in Formal Recruitment until 2028, but will engage in Continuous Open Bidding (COB) upon arrival to campus.

In consultation with University Leadership, National Headquarters, and the students, the Director of Student Involvement will make the final determination of if expansion, chartering, or re-establishing chapters is appropriate.

Eligibility Requirements

  • The establishing organization must not be currently operating as an unrecognized organization with either the support of the establishing organization nor by current students claiming to be part of that establishing organization. 
  • The establishing organization must be actively affiliated with a national council at the time of applying (Example: NPHC, NPC, NIC, NMGC, NAPA, NALFO, etc.).
  • The establishing organization must operate a national headquarters at the time of applying that must show proof of fifteen (15) consecutive years of business operations and have undergraduate chartered chapters at fifteen (15) or more colleges and universities at the time of application.
  • The national organization must disclose the institutions and dates of their three most recent chapter closures.
  • The organization must have policies that are congruent with the fraternity and sorority policies of the University of Richmond.
  • The organization must be able to send professional staff or elected volunteers to campus to conduct the key components of the new chapter’s creation.
  • The organization must be able to assemble, train and support a chapter advisory team prior to the induction of the first new member class upon expansion approval.
  • All chapters at the University of Richmond are required to have proof of liability insurance. Chapters shall assess their own risks and if it deems appropriate and/or prudent, maintain higher limits and/or broader coverages. General Liability Insurance with minimum limits of no less than $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 annual aggregate. The policy must: (1) Include coverage for alcohol liability, hazing liability, and sexual misconduct and assault liability; (2) Name the University of Richmond as an additional insured; (3) Be primary to any insurance maintained by the University; and (4) Be placed with an insurer licensed or authorized to conduct business in the Commonwealth of Virginia and with an A.M. Best rating of not less than A-VII