Unrecognized Groups

An unrecognized group is an assembly of students who are not recognized by Rowan University as a club or organization (more specifically, a fraternity or sorority). These groups typically exist due to two separate instances:

The first is a former chapter that continues to function despite their loss of recognition by the University and/or their national organization. The second is a group of students who appear to be a Greek-letter organization, but are not recognized by the University. These groups often interpret themselves as seeking recognition, when they are not. A list of groups who are not recognized by the University, as well as those who are seeking recognition can be found below.

For students who are interested in joining an unrecognized group, it is extremely important to fully understand the consequences.

These unrecognized groups do not have any of the rights or advantages that recognized organizations have worked for. These include, but are not limited to; professional staff and alumni advising and support, proactive educational programming, ability to reserve space on campus, leadership development, oversight of risk management efforts, service opportunities, academic support, and participation in social, intramural, and other campus and Fraternity & Sorority Life activities. In addition, they may lack insurance and policies related to hazing and sexual violence.

Students are warned to stay away from unrecognized groups for safety reasons. These groups are not managed in any way by the University.

Students should also know that if they choose to become a part of an unrecognized group that is not following Rowan’s Greek Life Expansion guidelines, they will never be recognized as a fraternity/sorority member by the University.

Please note that the following fraternities and sororities are not recognized student organizations at this time and have no current affiliation with Rowan University after losing recognition. For your own well-being, we discourage you from collaborating with them, attending their events, and from affiliating with these organizations. Unrecognized groups of University students include:

Tau Delta Phi
Sigma Chi - This is not a recognized fraternity at Rowan, is not in the process of becoming recognized, and Sigma Chi Headquarters does not recognize a chapter at Rowan.
Delta Chi - violation of laws off campus, alcohol policy (February 2010); later a provisional chapter that did not receive recognition by Rowan University was closed by Delta Chi International Headquarters (December 2023)
Pi Kappa Alpha/PIKE - received a temporary loss of recognition from Rowan University due to harm to person and violation of hazing policy (April 2023); national office suspended the chapter and revoked the Mu Alpha Chapter charter (June 2023)
Tau Kappa Epsilon - received a temporary loss of recognition from Rowan University due to harm to person and violation of alcohol policy and causing a noise or disturbance (March 2023)
Phi Gamma Delta/FIJI - received a temporary loss of recognition from university due to violation of hazing policy; national office suspended charter due to financial delinquency, closing the chapter (Summer 2020)
Sigma Sigma Sigma - National Office voted to close the chapter (November 2011)
Phi Sigma Sigma - violation of alcohol policy (Spring 2008)
Delta Zeta - violation of hazing policy (November 2006)
Delta Kappa Epsilon - violation of 8 university policies, including alcohol policy, conduct considered harmful to Greek community, violation of risk management policies; were denied re-recognition for failure to comply with sanctions of suspension (Fall 2002)
Groove Phi Groove - Has not had any active members in 10+ years, has lost recognition from the University

These should not be confused with student groups working with Rowan University and seeking recognition. These below organizations are not currently recognized, but they are currently seeking recognition from Rowan University:

Though these organizations are in the process of seeking recognition, they will not be formally recognized as ‘active’ until the semester noted in parentheses. Violations of University policies or Fraternity and Sorority Life standards could jeopardize their recognition status.

Any questions regarding recognition status of a fraternity or sorority should be directed to greeklife@rowan.edu.