For many Penn State sororities, this semester ushers in a new alcohol free policy, which affects their participation in social events.

As of Jan. 1, Panhellenic Council sororities are prohibited from sponsoring or co-sponsoring events by themselves or with fraternities that have alcohol, unless the function is held at a third party vendor.

A state licensed third party vendor can include restaurants and bars, as long as a room separate from the actual bar is available for anyone under 21.

Sororities can also host functions at unlicensed third party vendors such as a VFW or Knights of Columbus under certain conditions.

The policy mandates functions at an unlicensed third party vendor must have a hired state licensed bartender present, wristbands for those over 21, the event is BYOB, alternative beverages, and security guards present to check guest lists and age identification.

"Having a third party vendor host a party will add a whole new atmosphere to greek functions," said Interfraternity Council President Jon Brooks. "Instead of the same old parties now food will be catered, I.D.s will be checked and wristbands will be handed out. It will switch the scene, which isn't necessarily a bad thing."

There are fifty locations in the area at which sororities can hold alcoholic functions, although not all locations are willing to host the sororities yet.

"Many of these places are either used mainly for weddings or different kinds of parties, or they are waiting to see how the sororities act at other vendors," said Panhellenic Council President Bridget McCarthy. "Once they see we are responsible many will be willing to host us."

Cost for the parties depends on which vendor is used.

McCarthy said if the function was at a local bar such as Tony's Big Easy, McAllister Alley, the price would range from $3 to $5 per person. But she was unsure of the price for each person for a party not hosted by a third party vendor.

Also under the new policy, sororities may now co-sponsor alcoholic functions to alleviate costs. In the past sororities mainly co-sponsored non-alcoholic events only.

"Individual chapters determine dues for their members," said Panhellenic Council Vice President Nicole Lobaugh. "Some may see a small increase as a result of the policy, but the council is trying to figure out how to spread the costs out among the sororities so no one will see a significant cost increase."

Yet neither Brooks nor McCarthy believe the policy will affect fraternity or sorority membership.

"New members who rush fraternities will not have known what it was like before the policy went into effect," Brooks said. "Both old and new members will understand that we're all moving in a new direction. I don't think that will be a problem."

Lobaugh also does not foresee a membership decrease.

"Hopefully girls join sororities for the sisterhood, and not just for going out," she said.