Pi Lambda Phi Chapter Expansion Roadmap
The longevity of Pi Lambda Phi as a national organization is dependent upon our ability to grow and pass on our values to new generations of students across the country who share a similar mindset. The HQ regularly seeks out expansion opportunities, and has focused on targeting schools with the greatest potential for long-term success.
Planting the flag of Pilam on college campuses is a subtle mix of opportunity, university support, undergrad interest, manpower, and most importantly alumni support. Alumni from many chapters have told us, “we want a place to go home to.” Pilam is doing everything we can to make that happen.
Targeted chapters for expansion
We’re pleased to share our latest roadmap of expansion and the re-establishment of inactive chapters.
- University of Florida – Fall ’25
- West Chester University – Spring ’26
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill – Fall ’26
- Baldwin Wallace University – Fall ’26
- Penn State University – Fall ’27
- University of Cincinnati – Fall ‘27
- University of California at Merced – Fall ‘27
- University of Illinois – Fall ’28
Which schools are selected?
The selection process is a calculated and measured process. We’re not just throwing darts at a board to select expansion opportunities.
Universities are strategically selected for expansion based on potential for success. The HQ uses a tool that weighs more than 25 data points to produce a score projecting potential success.
There are three categories that are factored in to create an overall score: School score, Greek system score, and support system score. Individual data points include: campus enrollment, an active Greek system, administrative support, housing opportunities, campus life, etc.
Recent success stories
Read stories about some of the most recent Pi Lambda Phi expansions: Florida International University, East Stroudsburg, Lehigh, University of Iowa, and West Virginia U.
When opportunity knocks
Pilam will sometimes receive an invitation to return to a university because we developed a good reputation based on our values and conduct. We are often invited back to universities (typically after four years) where our chapters may have closed for reasons like waning membership.
On some occasions, undergraduates are the groundbreakers. In 2022, a group of undergraduates at the University of Iowa reached out to Pilam after finding other Greek organizations on campus that didn’t measure up to what they were looking for in a fraternity.
Strong alumni support is an X-factor
Chapters with active alumni, organized alumni associations, and regular social events have a much greater potential for initial and ongoing success. Alumni have sway and can help to rally interest, influence university officials, recruit a new generation of brothers, and provide their experience to fledgling chapters.
Putting “boots on the ground”
Once a chapter is scheduled for expansion, the IHQ assigns a team of expansion coordinators and staff to begin recruitment and chapter building. They get to know the campus culture to promote the Pilam brand. They rely on face-to-face recruitment, social media, student directories, and partnering with the university and student organizations to make connections.
Recruitment is also enhanced by referrals. Surprisingly, one of the best sources of referrals comes from sororities. Director of Operations, Brian Moore said that what he hears most from sororities is that, “they want fraternities with gentlemen, not men who are full of themselves.”
Help Pi Lambda Phi continue to grow!
Are you interested in starting a Pilam chapter at a college you attended, or a chapter that closed? We have resources to set this in motion. Please contact us!