Building a Stronger, Safer, More Inclusive Community

About the Fraternity and Sorority Life Transformation Initiative

Fraternity and Sorority Life has long been a vital part of student life at the University of Maryland. In 2024, the University launched the Fraternity and Sorority Life Transformation Initiative—a comprehensive, community-informed effort to reimagine and strengthen this important part of the Maryland experience.
With the support of the Division of Student Affairs, three dedicated working groups representing our four governing councils—Interfraternity Council (IFC), Multicultural Greek Council (MGC), National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), and Panhellenic Association (PHA)—engaged students, alumni, advisors, and community partners to create a roadmap that centers student well-being, equity, accountability, and leadership development.

A Community-Centered Approach

With guidance from the Center for Leadership and Organizational Change (CLOC), the working groups:

• Assessed cultural, operational, and structural needs across councils and chapters
• Centered the voices of students and alumni
• Elevated council-specific histories and lived experiences
• Developed actionable recommendations tailored to each council’s needs

The result is a bold call for transformation—not only to address immediate challenges but to foster a long-term culture of trust, safety, and excellence.

Key Areas for Transformation

The report identifies nine cross-cutting calls to action, applicable to all councils and chapters:

• Inclusive Infrastructure
  Create transparent, equitable systems of support and accountability.
• Staff Excellence
  Ensure DFSL professionals are culturally competent and council-specific in their support.
• Strategic Partnerships
  Strengthen collaborations with alumni, advisors, national organizations, and UMD offices.
• Internal Communication
  Ensure policies, expectations, and resources are communicated clearly and inclusively.
• Data-Informed Decisions
  Use disaggregated data to improve support, recognition, and accountability.
• Risk Management & Safety
  Establish shared accountability and proactive approaches to safety and conduct.
• Housing & Facilities
  Reassess policies and models to meet diverse housing and space needs.
• Member Engagement
  Support lifelong learning and values-based recruitment, education, and retention.
• Public Narrative
  Develop marketing and PR strategies that highlight achievements and lived experiences.

Council-Specific Recommendations

Each working group developed distinct recommendations in alignment with the history, structure, and aspirations of their respective councils:

• Interfraternity Council (IFC) & Panhellenic Association (PHA)
  Focus on rebuilding trust, transforming recruitment and education processes, and institutionalizing accountability and wellness.
• Multicultural Greek Council (MGC)
  Prioritizes equity in policy, inclusive leadership development, access to campus resources, and increased visibility.
• National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC)
  Calls for equity in policy, visibility through space and recognition, and dedicated professional support.

Our Commitment Moving Forward

This report is just the beginning. The University of Maryland and the Department of Fraternity and Sorority Life will:

• Launch a strategic planning process and a formal implementation roadmap
• Host ongoing stakeholder engagement sessions
• Create a transparent progress-tracking dashboard
• Prioritize meaningful, sustained investment in Fraternity and Sorority Life

Together, we are building a future where all councils and chapters can thrive.

Additional Information

For additional context on the committee’s charge and development process, including meeting summaries and member lists, please visit the UMD Fraternity & Sorority Life Transformation Initiative page, available through August 2025.