Fraternities at Cornell University have several independent but overlapping circles of oversight and regulation.
Self-Governance
The most important layer of governance of members and chapters, and a core tenet of Greek life everywhere, is self-governance. Each fraternity member has a sworn duty to uphold the ideals of his organization. Each chapter's undergraduate members elect their own officers and determine their own program. Each chapter has an internal standards/judicial/review officer or body for disciplining its members for behavior that goes against the values of chapter.
Council
Each fraternity or sorority at Cornell belongs to one of three student-run umbrella organizations: the Cornell Interfraternity Council (IFC), the Cornell Panhellenic Council (PHC), and the Multicultural Greek and Fraternal Council (MGFC)—the Tri-Council in aggregate. The member chapters of each council set general rules for how they will operate, such as rush regulations and social event policy.
National
Each fraternity and sorority at Cornell is the local franchise of a larger organization, most with chapters all around the United States and Canada and in some cases overseas. The “National” fraternity establishes standards for the conduct of its chapters and its members, and it can discipline both or even suspend or withdraw its charter from the chapter if the local unit is not meeting its standards. Chapters at Cornell are expected to comply with both university and national fraternity regulations.
University
Since 2021, fraternities are sororities are governed under the Student Code of Conduct and the university's Recognition Policy for affiliated organizations. Violations are adjudicated by the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards (OSCCS) or by the Office of Civil Rights (COCR). The role of the Office of Sorority and Fraternity Life is advisory, rather than disciplinary, and SFL will help OSCCS and chapter leaders to resolve violations in a productive way.