Recognition
Sororities and fraternities have a historical association with the University of Maryland. When
managed responsibly by international and local chapters, housing corporations, and officers, they
offer students a valuable social and learning experience. It is the policy of the University,
therefore, to offer eligible sororities and fraternities an opportunity to fulfill this purpose by
extending them certain privileges, services, and resources.
You can access the recognition status of fraternities and sororities by clicking below.
Chapter Experience Framework
The Chapter Experience Framework (CEF) is the Department of Fraternity and Sorority Life’s developmental approach to supporting, recognizing, and strengthening fraternities and sororities at the University of Maryland. Replacing the former Chapter Expectations model, the CEF was shaped by student, staff, advisor, and stakeholder feedback and is designed to better reflect the work chapters are already doing to create meaningful member experiences. The Framework establishes a shared foundation for recognized chapters while allowing flexibility in how organizations demonstrate growth, learning, leadership, and impact across areas such as academic achievement, health and safety, membership development, organizational wellness, community engagement, and values-based leadership.
Throughout the academic year, chapters engage with the Framework through required practices, developmental opportunities, reflection, and ongoing coaching with DFSL staff. Chapters earn points based on their completion and engagement, and their results determine a Recognition Status for the following academic year. Rather than serving as a checklist, the CEF is intended to help chapters identify strengths, set meaningful goals, build sustainable systems, and connect the work they are already doing with the practices that support healthy, thriving fraternity and sorority communities.
Intake & New Member Education
The Department of Fraternity & Sorority Life seeks to empower all of our recognized fraternities and sororities to uphold their guiding principles. Our belief is that every new member education and intake program should strengthen a new member’s academic excellence, civic engagement, individual respect & responsibility, and leadership development. Learn more about university expectations for new member intake and education below.
Council Specific Policies