Penn State called the newly formed State College Interfraternity Council (SCIFC) “deeply concerning” in a statement issued on Monday. The university used the same terminology on Friday in a statement to Onward State when it said it learned of the decision by Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Chi, and Tau Kappa Epsilon to operate a council outside university supervision.

The three fraternities said at a Friday press conference they wanted to establish self-governance with a student-run interfraternity council. Similar groups exist under Penn State’s guidance, but the SCIFC specifically exists to avoid Penn State oversight.

“Now, with the creation of an independent council, these same groups are purportedly going to provide their own oversight,” the university wrote. “In reality, this means the risks to their members and other students who engage with these organizations will continue, particularly around hazing and alcohol abuse.

“The university finds this move deeply concerning. We strongly discourage any student from affiliating with these unrecognized organizations and urge all students to avoid events hosted by these groups. With no university oversight, they have a greater potential to threaten the well-being of those who participate in their events.”

All three fraternities were already operating outside of university guidance. Two, Sigma Chi and Pi Kappa Alpha, were under suspension, and Tau Kappa Epsilon went independent in August 2024.

Those three fraternities called on others at Penn State to join them in going independent, citing Greek life’s independence from the university when it started 140 years prior.

Despite its issue with the setup of the SCIFC, Penn State still praised the work done by much of those participating in Greek life at the university.

“Together with students, alumni, legislators, and other partners, there is the potential to continue combatting the pervasive harmful behaviors that occur on college campuses across the country. Penn State is committed to working with fraternities and sororities that share our goals to foster a community that is safe, responsible, and enriching for future generations,” the university said. “The positive aspects of fraternity and sorority life are well worth protecting — the value of brotherhood and sisterhood and the great leadership and service associated with fraternity and sorority life — and we will continue to collaborate with responsible organizations while doing all we can to protect our students from the documented harms associated with unaffiliated chapters. “

Folks can read the full statement here.