OUR COMMUNITY
In 1902, under the guidance of Father Matthew Cochran, a small group of students from St. Mary’s Hall founded the first fraternity at Villanova with the purpose of studying the classics and promoting social interactions. More than a century later, fraternities and sororities thrive at Villanova, with missions that seek to evoke leadership qualities in members through engagement in academic, service, philanthropic and social initiatives.
LEARN MORE ABOUT...
FAST FACTS
- Our sorority and fraternity community is home to around 60 social sororities and fraternities, each one a member of one of five governing councils, or the Affiliate Leadership Circle.
- Councils are registered student organizations that provide student led governance for a collection of member sororities and/or fraternities, who are also registered student organizations at Villanova. Councils focus on community service, academics, leadership development, and supports positive collaboration within their community. Explore each council to learn what makes our sorority and fraternity community unique.
- The IFC is composed of male-identifying organizations dedicated to developing and maintaining fraternity life and interfraternal relations by promoting unity and growth of its member organizations
- IGC includes both men's and women's organizations oriented to students have special interest in a culture or cultural identity. CBFOs focus on community awareness and action through education, economic and service activities while providing social connections to their members
- Panhel is composed of woman-identifying organizations. Panhellenic women proudly strive for individual excellence in scholarship and leadership and promote community building through citizenship and fellowship.
The sorority and fraternity community at Villanova is a dynamic group of students. The information shared here offers a glimpse into this student population. Data is updated annually, and the currently reflects the 2024-2025 Academic Year (data specifically reflects spring 2025).
2,649
Fraternity and Sorority Members Across Three Councils
71%/29%
Female/male
3.49
community gpa
3353.5
hours of community service
$285,589
Given through Philanthropy
Learn more about our community resources!
Villanova University recognizes fraternities and sororities that meet University requirements and operate in partnership with the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life (OFSL), their respective governing council, and, where applicable, an inter/national organization.
From time to time, an organization may lose or have its University recognition withdrawn or suspended because it has not met applicable University expectations, policies, or recognition requirements. An organization may also lose or have its charter or recognition withdrawn by its inter/national organization.
Students should understand the important distinction between recognized and unrecognized organizations before choosing to participate in any fraternity or sorority-related activity.
WHY RECOGNITION MATTERS
University-recognized fraternities and sororities operate within an established structure of support, education, accountability, and oversight. Recognized organizations have access to OFSL advising and resources and are expected to comply with University policies and applicable council and inter/national organization requirements.
An unrecognized or underground organization does not have recognition from Villanova University and does not receive the advising, oversight, resources, or privileges provided to recognized fraternity and sorority organizations.
Students participating in an unrecognized group may therefore be engaging in activities occurring outside the established structures Villanova uses to support a safe, healthy, and meaningful fraternity and sorority experience.
RECRUITMENT AND NEW MEMBER ACTIVITY
An organization that is not recognized by Villanova University may not operate or represent itself as a recognized Villanova fraternity or sorority.
Underground activity intended to continue or create the perception of organizational operations, including recruitment, membership intake, new member activities, meetings, events, or other activities associated with the former organization, may be subject to the University Code of Student Conduct.
University policies, including Villanova's prohibition against hazing, apply to students regardless of whether an organization is recognized by the University.
CURRENTLY UNRECOGNIZED ORGANIZATIONS
The following organization(s) are not currently recognized by Villanova University and are not permitted to operate as recognized Villanova fraternity or sorority organizations:
- Sigma Chi
Participation in or contact from an organization not listed among Villanova's recognized fraternity and sorority organizations should be discussed with the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life before a student participates.
HAVE QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS?
Students and families are encouraged to verify an organization's recognition status before participating in recruitment, new member activities, or organizational events.
Questions about an organization's recognition status or concerns about possible underground activity can be directed to the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life.
Concerns involving hazing can also be reported through Villanova's hazing reporting resources.
OFFICE OF FRATERNITY AND SORORITY LIFE
108 Dougherty Hall