Statement on Unrecognized Groups

WARNING: Some organizations that were once recognized fraternities or sororities at UConn-Storrs may attempt to continue operations despite losing recognition from the University. Operations of any kind by these groups are unsanctioned by the Center for Fraternity and Sorority Development and is against university guidelines. Students should carefully consider the potential risks before associating with an unrecognized group.

These organizations have had their recognition revoked by the institution for various reasons, including hazing, alcohol and drug abuse, risk management violations, and failure to comply with University policies and expectations. In almost all cases, these organizations also had their charter suspended or revoked by their inter/national organization because they were not upholding fraternal values and were engaging in risky behaviors that endangered the members and other students. In other cases, some groups may still be chartered and can continue operating as city-wide chapters (See: Statement on City-Wide Chapters). The UConn Greek Org History is a listing of all fraternities and sororities that have had a presence on campus. The following groups have lost recognition in recent years:

Groups that lost recognition for conduct violations:

Groups that are not recognized for other reasons:

Membership in Recognized Organizations vs. Unrecognized Groups

A University “recognized” fraternity or sorority is one that is in good standing with the University. University recognized fraternities and sororities are monitored for performance related to University policies and standards, including the anti-hazing policy and the alcohol policy. CFSD staff coaches these chapters and help them continue to improve and excel. A list of all recognized organizations can be found on the Councils & Chapters page. All recognized fraternities and sororities have worked diligently with the Center for Fraternity and Sorority Development to maintain their chapter in good standing. These organizations have the privilege of using University facilities and equipment, holding meetings and programs on campus, inducting new members that will be recognized by the University, and participating in Fraternity and Sorority Development-sponsored leadership retreats and workshops, Community Days, and other events and programs.

Unrecognized groups are groups that use Greek letters and have no affiliation with or supervision by the University, do not follow the rules that are set for social fraternities and sororities (including the deferred recruitment (formerly rush) policy), and do not give the University the names of their members.  They are loosely organized social clubs that often use the Greek letters of legitimate organizations. Their use of these names is illegal because they are not formally affiliated with the national organizations. A student who joins an unrecognized group and pays dues to that group will not be a recognized member on any other campus nor have any of the alumni privileges that go with national membership. The dues that are paid are used solely for the social activities of the local group.

Hazing has also been a problem with unrecognized groups. Students who are recruited by or choose to be a part of an unrecognized group do so at their own risk of academic failure or difficulty and physical and emotional hazing.

Benefits of Joining a Recognized Organization

Students who choose to become members of unrecognized groups may not obtain all of the benefits available to those who join a recognized fraternity or sorority. Benefits of joining a recognized fraternity or sorority include:

  1. Interaction with the other members of the UConn fraternity and sorority community, consisting of over 2,200 students and 40 university recognized chapters.
  2. Use of UConn facilities for meetings and events.
  3. Programming and leadership development training and materials from the Center for Fraternity and Sorority Development
  4. Involvement in the Interfraternity Council (IFC), the Intercultural Greek Council (IGC); the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC); or the Panhellenic Council (CPH).
  5. Involvement in Greek community-wide events and programming.
  6. Eligibility to be considered for Arête Awards.
  7. Support from the Fraternity and Sorority Development staff.

Please contact the Center for Fraternity and Sorority Development (860-486-1220) if you have any questions about whether or not the group you want to join is recognized or if you would like more information. If you are currently associated with one of these unrecognized groups and have experienced a harmful incident involving UConn students, please complete an incident report.