University “Recognized” vs. “Unrecognized” Fraternities

It is important for students and families to understand the differences between University “Recognized” and “Unrecognized” fraternities:

• A “Recognized” fraternity is one that is in good standing with the University. University recognized fraternities and sororities receive advising for performance related to University policies and standards, including the Standards of Excellence program and Student Code of Conduct. These organizations have the privilege of using University facilities and equipment, holding meetings and programs on campus, recruiting new members that will be recognized by the University, participating in University-sponsored activities and events, and other benefits.
• An “Unrecognized” fraternity is no longer associated with the University. The organizations and their members do not receive any support or advisement from the University. Unrecognized fraternities may not participate in any university-sponsored activity and may not utilize any property owned, operated, leased or managed by the University of Oregon. The University no longer has a relationship with this classification of organizations. While these groups may label themselves as ‘Independent’, they were removed from campus via suspension through the University Conduct Process and chose to continue operating. In most instances this is due to the institution having significant and serious concerns about the health and safety of our students and the university community, and the University strongly discourages maintaining or seeking membership in these organizations. 

Some organizations that were once recognized Greek-lettered organizations at the University of Oregon, despite having lost recognition from the University and/or the Interfraternity Council (IFC), choose to continue to operate. They may also label themselves as ‘Independent’. 

The university strongly discourages maintaining or seeking membership in these organizations, and has significant and serious concerns about the health and safety of our students and the university community if these organizations continue to recruit and operate. 

The following fraternities are no longer recognized by the University or the Interfraternity Council (IFC):

Chapter Name	Incident	Violation(s)	Status
Alpha Sigma Phi – Theta Theta	Alpha Sigma Phi hosted a party at the chapter facility with hard alcohol. Photos of the event(s) show attendees without face-coverings or social distancing. The decision to suspend this fraternity was made following three similar incidents the previous year, including one in which an attendee was transported to the hospital due to alcohol overconsumption.	– Alcohol — Unauthorized Areas – Failure to Comply – Safety Hazard	Three-year suspension, beginning when operation ceases
Sigma Alpha Epsilon – Oregon Beta	The chapter hosted a party at a live-out facility at which there was alcohol. There are substantiated allegations that multiple attendees of the party consumed a controlled substance without their knowledge or consent, and attendees had to seek medical attention following the event.	— Failure to Comply – Safety Hazard – Alcohol – Underage Possession or Consumption	Three-year suspension, beginning when operation ceases
Kappa Sigma – Gamma Alpha	Kappa Sigma hazed their new members, including substantiated allegations of forced consumption of unpleasant substances, forced consumption of alcohol, and a scavenger hunt. As part of the hazing behavior, Kappa Sigma provided alcohol to underage students.	– Hazing – Failure to Comply – Alcohol – Underaged Possession or Consumption – Disruptive Behavior – Safety Hazard	Four-year suspension, beginning when operation ceases