New leaders of Penn State's greek community took the reigns of the Interfraternity Council, Panhellenic Council and National PanHellenic Council at the beginning of this semester, and they plan to encourage cooperation among the three branches.

"I think that unity is very important," NPHC President Chris Chambers said.

NPHC is the governing body of historically black fraternities and sororities.

Chambers, along with IFC President Max Pipman and PHC President Ali Lipsett, hope to expand cooperation amongst the three bodies. IFC and PHC are the governing bodies of fraternities and sororities, respectively.

"A goal of ours is to encourage good tri-council events," Pipman said. "We all three have a lot to provide each other."

Lipsett said she wanted to work on improving communication.

"Let us know if there's anything you need from us," she said. "We're here for you."

Pipman highlighted Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon and Spring Week as events the councils will co-sponsor this semester.

In the past, PHC has sponsored various events for student organizations, such as Pride Week, a tradition Lipsett would like to continue.

IFC and NPHC, likewise hope to continue sponsoring activities and providing service to the Penn State community.

NPHC provides programs on health, study skills and business etiquette, Chambers said. He said he would like to encourage more community involvement, encourage mentoring of new members and promote a more academically fit environment, he said.

This semester's IFC seeks to improve how the university community perceives fraternities, Pipman said.

IFC hopes to see a rise in fraternity membership as a result of programs such as mixers, which are events sponsored by IFC in which people can speak with fraternity representatives.

These leaders said greek life has a positive impact on its members and on the community was a whole.

"I think that greek life at Penn State is very crucial for the perpetuation of the values that Penn State puts forth," Chambers said. "I think that National Panhellenic Council, Panhellenic Council and Interfraternity Council all offer valuable methods for growth. They're the three best mechanisms for growth that the university has to offer."