Hazing is prohibited by the Cornell Student Code of Conduct, New York State Law, and by the U.S. federal “Stop Campus Hazing" law). 

According to the Cornell Student Code of Conduct and Weill Cornell Medical College’s policy on hazing:  

Hazing is any act that, as an explicit or implicit condition of recruitment, admission, or initiation into, affiliation with, or new or continued membership status within a group, team, organization,
living group, or academic group or cohort, does one or more of the following:

1. Causes, encourages, or compels another person to engage in any activity that could reasonably be perceived as likely to create a risk of mental, physical, or emotional distress or harm; examples include but are not limited to:
   a. Undertake acts of servitude or menial tasks;
   b. Undergo undue financial expenditures;
   c. Engage in acts relevant to those of the group (for example practice or training activities), but in a manner that a reasonable person would consider excessive or dangerous;
   d. Abuse, humiliate, degrade, or taunt another person or persons.
    
2. Involves any of the following:
   a. Consumption of alcohol or drugs;
   b. Consumption of unpalatable substances, or palatable substances to excess;
   c. Damage to or theft of property, or any other illegal act;
   d. Violation of any University policy.
    
3. Subjects any other person (including an existing member or cohort of existing members of the group) to any of the above activities.

Hazing can occur on or off campus, in person or in virtual settings. The individual subjected
to hazing does not need to regard or identify the act as hazing. The fact that an individual does not
object to and/or appears willing to participate in the activity, does not signify the conduct is not
hazing.

To report an act of hazing, please submit an online report or make a phone call to:

• Cornell Police (607) 255-1111, or
• Sorority & Fraternity Life (607) 255-2310, or
• Office of Student Conduct & Community Standards (607) 255-4680, or
• Dean of Students (607) 254-8598

SFL Expansion Policy 

I. Purpose 

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that the expansion or reestablishment of a social sorority or fraternity at Cornell University is intentional, sustainable, and aligned with the values of the University and the Sorority and Fraternity Life (SFL) community. 

Cornell University recognizes social sororities and fraternities that demonstrate the ability to positively contribute to student development, campus life, and community wellbeing. Expansion will only be approved when there is sufficient evidence that a proposed organization has the structure, support, and resources necessary for long-term success. Additionally, Cornell SFL will actively support responsible growth in all governing councils that balance community needs with expansion goals.   

II. Scope 

This Policy applies to all inter/national sororities and fraternities seeking to establish or reestablish a recognized chapter at Cornell University. 

III. Definitions 

For the purposes of this Policy: 

• “SFL” refers to the Sorority and Fraternity Life department within the Division of Student and Campus Life. 
• “Governing Councils” refers to the Interfraternity Council (IFC), Multicultural Greek and Fraternal Council (MGFC), and Panhellenic Council (PHC). 
• “Expansion” refers to the establishment of a new or returning sorority or fraternity chapter at Cornell University. 
• “Inter/National Organization” refers to the organization overseeing a sorority or fraternity at a regional or national level. 

IV. Policy Statement 

A. University Recognition Requirement 

1. No social sorority or fraternity may officially operate at Cornell University without formal recognition by the University. 
2. All recognized organizations must maintain active affiliation with one of the Governing Councils. 

B. Authority and Oversight 

1. The University, through SFL and in consultation with the Governing Councils, retains sole discretion to: 

a. Assess community readiness for expansion. 

b. Determine whether expansion will occur in a given academic year; 

c. Limit the number of organizations approved for expansion; 

2. Meeting minimum requirements outlined in this Policy does not guarantee approval to return or establish a chapter on campus. 

C. Pre-Approval Requirement 

1. Organizations must obtain approval from SFL prior to engaging in any formal expansion process with a Governing Council. 
2. Governing Councils may impose additional requirements consistent with their governing documents. 

D. Returning Organizations 

1. Organizations previously withdrawn from University recognition must complete the full term of any imposed suspension; and 
2. Obtain formal approval from SFL prior to reestablishment. 
3. Organizations are eligible to request consideration for return no earlier than one (1) year prior to the conclusion of the suspension period, unless otherwise specified in a return agreement. 
4. All return approvals must be in alignment with prior conduct outcomes and any established return agreements. 

E. Compliance with University Policies 

All organizations must comply with applicable University policies, including but not limited to: 

• Student Code of Conduct 
• Universal Student Organization Recognition Policy  
• SFL Supplemental Recognition Policy 
• SFL Social Event Policy 
• SFL Deferred Recruitment Policy 

F. Recruitment and New Member Education Restriction 

1. Cornell University operates under a deferred recruitment model. All incoming students, including spring admit freshmen must wait at least one semester before beginning a recruitment or intake process. 
2. Chapters may not extend their new member education process longer than four (4) weeks unless granted prior approval. 
3. Procedures for Expansion 

A. Expansion Eligibility and Application 

1. Organizations must submit an initial expression of interest to SFL. 
2. SFL, in consultation with the relevant Governing Council, will determine whether expansion is open. 
3. The University may limit the number of concurrent expansion processes. 
4. Panhellenic Extension requires a vote of the PHC and shall follow the current National Panhellenic Conference Manual of Information.  

B. Inter/National Organization Support 

1. IFC and PHC organizations must provide full-time inter/national staff presence in Ithaca, New York, for a minimum of one (1) year during the establishment period. 
2. MGFC organizations must submit a four (4) semester regional support plan demonstrating sustained engagement and the ability to recruit at least two (2) membership classes within four (4) semesters. 
3. All organizations must provide written documentation confirming inter/national support, including designated personnel and resources. 

C. Facilities 

1. Chapters with access to housing facilities, whether University-owned or privately owned, must remain in good standing for one (1) full year prior to occupancy. 
2. Any use of chapter facilities prior to occupancy requires prior written approval from SFL. 

D. Application Requirements 

1. Complete the online Intent to Expand form. 
2. Complete an expansion packet to include, at minimum, the following: 

a. Organizational Information: 

i. Organization name and history 

ii. Evidence of alumni/ae support 

iii. Identification and contact information for chapter advisors 

iv. Description of inter/national presence and strength 

v. Description of regional support available 

vi. Summary of recent expansion efforts 

vii. Identification of neighboring chapters 

b. Governance and Values 

i. Constitution and bylaws aligned with University values 

ii. Inter/national anti-hazing policy 

iii. Nondiscrimination or inclusion policy 

iv. Statement of organizational mission, values, and programming 

c. Operational Planning 

i. Membership goals for founding class 

ii. Recruitment plan 

iii. New member education or intake program, not to exceed four (4) weeks, including: 

1. Purpose and goals 
2. Detailed schedule of activities 
3. Alignment with organizational and University values 
4. Defined roles and responsibilities 
5. Financial obligations 
6. Hazing prevention education 
7. Plan for transparency with prospective members 

d. Risk Management and Compliance 

i. Risk and social event management policies 

ii. Proof of insurance meeting University requirements 

f. Institutional Alignment 

i. Acknowledgment of deferred recruitment policy; 

ii. Plan for officer training and sustainable chapter operations. 

g. Inter/National Support Letter 

i. Formal letter from the inter/national organization outlining: 

1. Staffing commitments 
2. Resources allocated 
3. Identification of individuals responsible for expansion 

E. Additional Requirements for Returning Organizations 

Organizations seeking reestablishment following loss of recognition must additionally submit: 

a. Prior Cornell Presence  

i. History of prior recognition 

ii. Explanation of departure 

iii. Lessons learned and commitments for future success 

b. Chapter Success Plan addressing: 

i. Prior conduct issues 

ii. Return status management plan (if applicable) 

iii. Risk management improvements 

iv. Short- and long-term operational strategy 

c. Staffing and Support Plan demonstrating: 

i. Minimum one (1) year of full-time inter/national presence in Ithaca for IFC and PHC organizations, or four (4) semester regional support plan for MGFC organizations. 

d. Recruitment Plan and Timeline 

i. Plan and timeline should reflect semester returning to campus. Spring semester should include an end of fall semester plan for visibility.  

F. Review and Approval Process 

1. SFL will review all applications for completeness and alignment with University standards. 
2. Completed applications will be shared with the appropriate Governing Council. 
3. The Governing Council will evaluate and determine whether to recommend expansion. 
4. Final approval is contingent upon coordination between SFL and the Governing Council. 
5. Upon approval, SFL and the Governing Council will establish an official expansion timeline. 

IV. Terminology 

The Cornell Sorority and Fraternity community does not use the term “colonization.” All organizations must use language that reflects inclusive and respectful practices when referring to the establishment of new chapters. 

VII. Effective Date and Review 

This Policy shall be effective upon approval and is subject to periodic review by the Sorority and Fraternity Life in consultation with the governing councils. 

Sorority and Fraternity Life Insurance Policy 

Guiding Principles for Sorority and Fraternity Recognition at Cornell
Acknowledged by the Board of Trustees, May 2026

In recognition of the importance of sororities and fraternities, the University sets forth the following principles for its sorority and fraternity student organizations (SFSOs), which will provide guidance for ongoing compliance, accountability and structure, and expectations for students who are involved and lead sororities and fraternities.

Sorority and Fraternity Life (SFL) at Cornell is currently comprised of almost one third of the undergraduate student body and over 50 chapters. These organizations have been a vibrant part of the Cornell student and alumni experience for over 150 years, serving as partners in creating meaningful student experiences that may complement the university's educational mission. Cornell recognizes that SFSOs can be a valuable community for developing student leadership skills, a greater sense of belonging, personal growth, and civic engagement.

The framework for recognition builds upon the 1997 Trustee Recognition Policy, updated most recently in 2015. Cornell is committed to supporting the long-term viability of Sorority and Fraternity Life through adaptive policies and practices that evolve with changing student needs and societal expectations.

To preserve and elevate the sorority and fraternity experience on campus, Cornell is dedicated to supporting a diverse and inclusive sorority and fraternity community that welcomes students from all backgrounds while maintaining high standards of conduct.

Sororities and Fraternities are and will remain independent legal entities. They shall be entitled to selective membership within the limits of the University's non-discrimination policies and can remain single sex in their membership as permitted by law. Cornell respects the autonomous traditions and cultures of sorority and fraternity life while ensuring alignment with institutional values and legal requirements.

Sorority and Fraternity student organizations are viewed as extensions of Cornell's educational environment, with emphasis on academic success, personal development, and preparation for post-graduation life. The university prioritizes working with organizations that demonstrate commitment to these educational values and contribute to students' intellectual and personal growth.

Cornell values SFSOs that contribute positively to the broader Cornell and local communities through service, philanthropy, and responsible citizenship. While each chapter has its own values and programming requirements, all SFSOs will reinforce the core values for which the university stands.

The university will develop common rules and expectations across all SFSOs through a collaborative approach that allows for growth and improvement while maintaining clear expectations and consequences. Compliance with those rules and regulations annually will allow for ongoing recognition of sororities and fraternities. Recognition will be the process by which benefits and privileges are extended. Key elements of recognition include: 

• Sororities and fraternities will comply with annual registration, insurance, risk management, fire safety, and other safety requirements in order to maintain recognition.
• Organizations will provide information annually about their general operations, advisors, and active alumni in order to maintain recognition.
• The university expects chapters to demonstrate robust alumni engagement such as chapter advisors, mentors, and positive role models to undergraduate students.

In addition to the benefits that all recognized student organizations receive, including the use of Cornell’s name and use of university facilities and event spaces, recognized sororities and fraternities receive:

• Eligibility to house second year students as part of the university residency requirement 
• Ability to promote philanthropic, service, and recruitment events through university channels.
• Access to sorority and fraternity life staff advisement and participation in SFL programming and student governing councils.
• Promotion on the SFL website as recognized.
• Ability to engage in capital campaigns for Cornell donor recognition credit.
• Ability to request membership data from the university (i.e., Alumni contact information, Student GPA data, etc.)
• Lifetime membership and connection to the broader sorority and fraternity network.

These guiding principles strive to affirm, preserve, and elevate fraternity and sorority life, allowing Cornell to be nimble, efficient, and creative in support of the sorority and fraternity experience for the future.