Because Penn State sorority chapters have been largely ignoring regulations for their socials, the Panhellenic Council is developing new rules.

Panhellenic Council President Annie Larimer said the national organizations of Panhellenic sororities have bylaws dealing with socials, such as where they can be held and the substances that are allowed.

However, the Penn State chapters haven't abided by these rules in the past, Larimer said.

She said that in the past year and a half, the national organizations have stepped in and are taking action against those breaking the rules.

She said the council is encouraging chapters to follow the rules, because the national organizations have the right to shut down any chapter for violations.

Panhellenic Council Vice President of Communications Julie Hochman said the council is not aware of a specific set of rules for Penn State sororities, but it is working on creating regulations to enforce.

Hochman said all sororities' national social bylaws are similar, but they have different limitation numbers, such as the number of sorority members compared to fraternity members at a gathering in order for it to be called a social.

"They can't have underage drinking parties at frat houses like they used to back in the day," Larimer said.

In addition to violating the bylaws, Larimer said, these parties promote harmful habits, such as binge drinking.

She said Panhellenic wants to erase the image of intoxicated sorority members at fraternity parties and move towards a better image.

One suggestion Panhellenic is looking into is a third-party vendor system, in which the socials will take place at local restaurants, bars or any place that will accommodate large groups and have trained bartenders and security, Larimer said.

"This takes the risk off of fraternities and sororities," Larimer added.

Hochman said an all-greek event at Tony's Big Easy, 129 1/2 S. Pugh St., will be used to promote the new third-party vending idea.

She said this type of social is not something the members are used to, but she said it would be a fun way to get a feel of how it could be.

Delta Gamma President Danielle Shoup said many universities are using the third-party system, and it has worked out well.

"It's time for us to catch up," Shoup said.

Alpha Sigma Alpha President Amanda Wertheim said she understands the importance of the proposed regulations, but she thinks it will be difficult to readily enforce.

Wertheim said that until the rules are fully sorted out and implemented, she thinks there will be a "fair amount of opposition."

Hochman said even though the council can't control more than 1,500 Panhellenic sorority members, the council's judicial board will be checking fraternity houses and taking action if needed.

Larimer said the fraternity members have not been fully informed about the new regulations.

Alpha Chi Omega President Melissa Cavaleri said that in the past, Interfraternity Council (IFC) and Panhellenic Council were on different paths, and there was some confusion among the councils, but this year, both have been working together more closely.

IFC Vice President Shaun Clair said IFC would discuss all the issues with Panhellenic at a greek governing councils retreat this weekend.

He said IFC is excited to work toward a safer greek system.

"We are behind whatever decision they make," Clair said.