Expansion & Expansion Policies
Fraternity and Sorority Life (FSL) believes in the autonomy of national organizations to manage their own expansion process within our shared governance model on campus. We are committed to providing expansion-focused support and transparent information that provides valuable insight into our campus culture while maintaining expectations and balance in the spirit of partnership.
Council Expansion Status
Interfraternity Council - closed for expansion until 2028. Application for interest will open in January 2027.
Multicultural Greek Council - open for expansion
National Pan-Hellenic Council - open for expansion
Panhellenic Association - Follows the NPC Expansion Extension process and is currently closed for expansion extension.
Information about council-related processes and requirements for student organization registration are not outlined in this document and may have additional requirements.
Beginning the Expansion Process
Organizations seeking to start or return a chapter at Â鶹´«Ã½ should email the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life (
ofsl@northwestern.edu) with their national organization name, expansion contact, and intended timeline. FSL staff will follow up to discuss expansion plans, timelines, and council processes. If the council is closed for expansion, FSL will suggest reconnecting closer to the application period. In an effort to best support our current culture and climate on campus, our office will support a maximum of one expansion per council per year. The exception to this will be any organization who has received prior approval from a previous return agreement
. Reorganization vs. Expansion
Organizations currently at Â鶹´«Ã½ may reorganize or enter a period of retention (no undergraduate members) at any time, so long as it is permitted within council bylaws. Organizations experiencing a retention period will retain their recognition for 3 quarters without applying for an expansion process. During those 3 quarters, it is expected that the chapter expansion staff or volunteers make an active effort to regain undergraduate membership. In the event 3 quarters pass without regaining undergraduate members, chapters will cease being recognized and will need to reapply for a return via expansion process for their council, unless additional quarters are approved by council vote. This vote needs to be requested directly by the chapter to the council. Reorganizations will be supported by the FSL office however reorganizations do not receive the same support as an expansion. Reorganizations will be supported through room reservations and marketing support.
FSL Support for Expansions/Returns
After a group received an affirmative vote to return/expand from their member council, FSL will provide a document outlining support able to be offered by the Office of Fraternity Sorority Life and expectations to expansion volunteers/staff. Each expanding organization will be assigned a chapter coach who can help coordinate optional campus visits, and certain aspects of marketing, logistics and support.