Governing Councils
With more than 50 recognized organizations, Fraternity and Sorority Life (FSL) at the University of Maryland is a vibrant community built on shared values of scholarship, leadership, service, and brotherhood/sisterhood.
Our community is made up of four governing councils, each with its own rich history, traditions, and areas of emphasis. Explore each council below to learn more about their member chapters, recruitment or intake processes, and leadership opportunities:
Interfraternity Council (IFC)
The Interfraternity Council (IFC) governs 22 nationally affiliated men’s fraternities at UMD. These organizations have historically been predominantly white and were originally founded during a time when students of color were systematically excluded from many college organizations and institutions. Today, IFC chapters at the University of Maryland continue to evolve, offering leadership, service, and brotherhood opportunities to students of all backgrounds.
Multicultural Greek Council (MGC)
MGC is home to 12 culturally-based fraternities and sororities that center identity, heritage, and community empowerment. Rooted in Latinx, Asian, South Asian, multicultural, and religious identities, these organizations were created to uplift underrepresented communities and foster belonging through service, cultural celebration, and leadership. MGC was established at UMD in 2003 to support these organizations and provide a collective voice for chapters committed to equity and inclusion.
National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC)
NPHC is home to 8 of the “Divine Nine” historically Black fraternities and sororities. These organizations were founded in response to racial exclusion from higher education and campus life, particularly at land-grant institutions like UMD. Since their founding, NPHC organizations have built a legacy rooted in scholarship, service, cultural pride, and social justice. NPHC was established at UMD in 1976, and its member organizations remain deeply connected to alumni and graduate chapters that continue to serve communities beyond college.
Panhellenic Association (PHA)
The Panhellenic Association (PHA) represents 16 sororities affiliated with the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC), which is comprised of historically white women's organizations. These sororities were founded in a time when women of color were excluded from most fraternal spaces. At UMD, PHA chapters now strive to foster inclusive sisterhoods while honoring their traditions of scholarship, leadership, and service.
