Unrecognized Groups

A fraternity or sorority does not exist at the University at Buffalo when it loses recognition from the University or its headquarters. The University at Buffalo makes the health and safety of our students a priority, and holds its student organizations to high standards to ensure their safety and success.

However, there are several student groups who are not recognized by the University who attempt to function. Often, these groups are not affiliated with the headquarters of the organization which they pretend to be a part of. The groups, by their own choice or due to the actions taken by the University, have decided to operate without approval or recognition from the University at Buffalo. These groups operate independently with no oversight from the University. This jeopardizes the health and safety of the individuals who choose to take part in these groups.

Unrecognized groups have no privileges on the University at Buffalo campus. They attempt to operate as if they have University recognition, falsely presenting themselves to potential members, especially through social media. See a list of UB’s recognized fraternities and sororities.

Unrecognized groups:

  • May not participate in any activities through Student Engagement and Fraternity and Sorority Life.
  • Are prohibited from participating in University functions as a group.
  • Have a severe lack of accountability, as they do not adhere to policies and regulations set forth by the University at Buffalo.
  • Do not have the support systems and resources provided by the University and Inter/National Headquarters.
  • May not be insured or regulated.
  • Lack the benefits of alumni networks of recognized organizations.
  • Affect a student’s reputation personally and professionally.
  • Do not provide leadership, academic, or philanthropic opportunities provided through recognized organizations.
  • Charge dues without providing the same benefits of recognized organizations.

Known Unrecognized Groups

Women's Groups

  • Alpha Epsilon Phi (A-E-Phi) – derecognized in 2009
  • Alpha Phi – derecognized in 2021
  • Delta Delta – began as a local sorority, derecognized in 2009
  • Sigma Delta Tau – derecognized by headquarters in 2026 for multiple counts of hazing. May not apply for a return to campus until Fall 2031.

Men's Groups

  • Pi Lambda Phi – derecognized in 2020
  • Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) – derecognized in 2020
  • Sigma Alpha Mu (Sammies) – derecognized in 1995 and again in 2001
  • Theta Chi – derecognized in 2020
  • Alpha Sigma Phi – derecognized in 2020
  • Alpha Phi Delta – never recognized
  • Pi Kappa Phi – derecognized in 2020
  • Tau Epsilon Phi – derecognized in 2020
  • Tau Kappa Epsilon – derecognized in 2020
  • Pi Alpha Phi (Pineapples) – National Headquarters closed all chapters in 2023
UB strongly warns against affiliation with these groups due to their histories of misconduct and inability to monitor membership within the organizations.

University policy mandates a permanent transcript notation for students who are found to be responsible for hazing incidents and violations of the student code of conduct.