Fraternity and sorority life at Widener offers a meaningful way to build lifelong friendships, form lasting connections, explore leadership, and be part of something bigger.
Fraternity and sorority life at Widener is made up of four distinct councils, each with its own history, purpose, and chapter communities. While all share a commitment to connection, leadership, and service, the experience and focus can vary by council.
Panhellenic sororities are nationally affiliated organizations with shared traditions across campuses, offering students a structured recruitment process and a Greek life experience centered on sisterhood, leadership, and philanthropy.
What NPC Life Looks Like:
Best for students who want: a close-knit sisterhood, meaningful involvement, and the support of a nationwide sorority network.
CIO chapters are independent organizations with their own traditions and membership approaches, offering a more individualized Greek experience while still emphasizing community, leadership, and involvement.
What CIO Life Looks Like:
Best for students who want: a more personalized Greek experience with unique traditions and a close-knit community.
IFC fraternities are nationally affiliated organizations with shared traditions across campuses, offering a structured recruitment process and a Greek life experience centered on brotherhood, leadership, service, and campus involvement.
What IFC Life Looks Like:
Best for students who want: strong brotherhood, active campus involvement, and the support of a nationwide fraternity network.
NPHC organizations, often called the “Divine Nine,” are historically Black fraternities and sororities grounded in cultural heritage, scholarship, and service, with membership built through relationships and a lifelong commitment to leadership and community impact.
What NPHC Life Looks Like:
Best for students who want: a tradition-rich, service-driven experience rooted in culture, leadership, and lifelong connection.
National Website: www.pbs1914.org
Instagram: widenersigmas
National Website: https://zphib1920.org/
Instagram: widenerzetas
Getting started is all about exploring, connecting, and finding the right fit. Fraternity and sorority membership is a mutual process where students and chapters learn about each other and see if their values and goals align.
Ways to get started:
No. Students join fraternity or sorority chapters at different points in their college journey. Some choose to join their first year, while others take time to explore campus, meet people, and learn about their options before deciding. There’s no single “right time” to join—move at a pace that feels right for you.
Costs vary by chapter and council. Most organizations charge dues that typically help cover events, programming, national organization fees, and chapter operations. Chapters can share details about costs and any available payment options during recruitment or intake.
Yes! Many students in Greek life also participate in clubs, athletics, campus jobs, research, and leadership roles. Greek life is meant to complement your interests—not limit them.
Time commitment varies by chapter and by your level of involvement. Most members balance chapter meetings, events, service activities, and academics, and students are encouraged to prioritize their coursework.
Don't see the answer to your question? Explore our Frequently Asked Questions page to learn more.
All fraternities and sororities must uphold a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment. Hazing of any kind is prohibited, and students are encouraged to report concerns and seek support.
University Center, Lower Level
University Center, Office of Student Engagement
