document iconmyCSUSM
cougar courses logoCOUGAR COURSES
email iconEMAIL
email iconMS OFFICE APPS
password iconPASSWORD
MANAGEMENT
Your  Account:
document iconmyCSUSM
cougar courses logoCOUGAR COURSES
email iconEMAIL
office iconMS OFFICE APPS
password iconPASSWORD
MANAGEMENT
Student Leadership & Involvement Center

Unrecognized Groups

Uncrecognized Chapters and Organizations

Unrecognized fraternities and sororities are those that, by their own choice or by action taken by the University, have decided to operate without official approval or recognition from California State University San Marcos.  These groups operate independently, without any formal affiliation with the University.

Unrecognized organizations are not subject to the same oversight and regulations as officially recognized groups, which can pose significant threats to health and safety of their members, as well as jeopardize the broader fraternity and sorority community.

The Impact of Being an Unrecognized Chapter

An unrecognized chapter is one that is actively disaffiliated from California State University San Marcos.  The group forfeits or must revoke the privileges granted to recognized student gropus at the University and operates outside of oversight provided by an established fraternity and sorority community.

  • Unrecognized chapters lose the ability to participate in any activities through the Student Leadership & Involvement Center and Fraternity & Sorority Life and are prohibited from participating in any University function as a group.
  • These groups often persist in operating as if they have University recognition, falsely presenting themselves as officially sanctioned.  All recognized student organizations including recognized fraternities and sororities can be found by visiting the student organization directory.  If a group is not listed, they are not part of an established University community with oversight and safeguards in place.
  • California State University San Marcos' ability to respond to concerns with these groups is incredibly limited. While individual students can be held accountable under the Student Code of Conduct, the collective group is not held to the same standards, limiting the effectiveness and impact of potential sanctions or disciplinary actions. California State University San Marcos does not have the ability to impose sanctions or take action against an unrecognized group collectively.

The University recommends that students do not join or participate in any sponsored activity by any unrecognized group.

Known Unrecognized Chapters and Organizations

  • Theta Chi Fraternity