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Recognized vs. Unrecognized Organizations

University Recognized Organizations

The Difference

It is important for potential new members and parents to understand the differences between University “recognized” Greek organizations and “unrecognized” organizations.

Recognized Fraternities and Sororities

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. Greek Life Staff advise these chapters in the areas of the Greek Life Pillars and help chapters continue to improve and excel.

All recognized fraternities and sororities have worked diligently with the University Greek Life Office 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 Greek Life-sponsored leadership retreats and workshops, the New Member Anti-Hazing Induction workshop, Greek Week, and other events and programs (pdf).

Unrecognized Fraternities and Sororities

The difference between recognized and unrecognized organizations is that unrecognized organizations are not associated with the University. The chapters and their members do not receive any support or advisement from the Greek Life Office. Their pledging and new member processes are not monitored by the University. Unrecognized groups do not have to follow university Greek Life policies and regulations.

Benefits of Being a Member of a University Recognized Fraternity and Sorority

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 Chico State Greek community, consisting of over 1200 students and 26 university recognized chapters
  2. Use of Chico State facilities for meetings and events
  3. Programming and leadership development training and materials from the Greek Life Office
  4. Involvement in the Interfraternity Council (IFC), the Panhellenic Council (PHC), the Multicultural Greek Council (MGC), and the Unified Greek Council (UGC)
  5. Involvement in Greek community-wide events, including Greek Week, leadership retreats, Alpha Week, and Omega Week
  6. Involvement in the Arete Awards program
  7. Support from the Greek Life Office staff

How to Know Who is a Recognized Fraternity or Sorority

Recognized Greek organizations do not recruit first-time freshmen during the fall semester. The Greek community understands the importance of freshmen becoming acclimated to the college experience and focusing on academics during their first semester. For this reason, recognized Greek organizations only recruit freshman students during the spring semester. Visit our How to Join page for more information on when recruitment occurs.

Recognized Greek organizations are a part of a University recognized Greek Council. These councils have bylaws and set policies. The governing boards of these councils hold members accountable to these standards and work towards promoting excellence in our Greek community.

And recognized Greek organizations are promoted within our Greek Life Office. Visit our Recognized Greek Organizations page to learn more about each chapter, their recognition status, and achievements.