Unrecognized organizations are typically groups that have lost recognition from JMU due to disciplinary action (suspended or expelled from JMU as the result of OSARP’s Organizational Accountability Process). These organizations are not recognized or advised by the university, are unable to use campus resources, are prohibited from participating in Fraternity and Sorority Life events, are usually not recognized or affiliated with an Inter/National headquarters and are not held to the same standards and policies as our recognized fraternities/sororities. Sometimes, these organizations continue to operate despite JMU policy or support from JMU.

• Organizations that are suspended from JMU (through OSARP’s Organizational Accountability Process) have their recognition revoked by the university for a specified period of time and are unable to register for or receive recognition from the university during this specified period of time.
• Organizations that have been expelled from JMU (through OSARP’s Organizational Accountability Process) have their recognition permanently revoked by the university. Only in certain circumstances, as outlined in the JMU Student Handbook, may an expelled organization be allowed to return to JMU and seek recognition.
• Additionally, organizations that are suspended or expelled from JMU will be restricted from certain activities or privileges, including but not limited to:
  • Receiving funds from JMU
  • Using resources provided by JMU
  • Co-sponsoring or participating in any and all university-sponsored social, intramural, athletic, or other similar activities on university owned or operated property or off campus
  • Recruiting or initiating any new members through an official university process
  • Maintaining or living in organizational university housing

An organization that loses recognition from JMU will typically lose any affiliation with an Inter/National headquarters. In some cases, an organization may still operate with support from an Inter/National headquarters, even if that organization is not recognized or supported by JMU. The organization may even choose to “disaffiliate” from JMU while receiving continued support from an Inter/National headquarters. JMU encourages students to consider their options, including whether an organization is recognized by JMU or affiliated with an Inter/National headquarters, when choosing to join an organization.

Benefits of Joining a Recognized Fraternity/Sorority

• Advised by Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life (FSL)
• Ability to participate in JMU and FSL events
• Ability to recruit members through Interfraternity Council or Panhellenic Council recruitment processes
• Ability to hold events and advertise on university owned or operated property
• Ability to play in Fraternity and Sorority Intramural Leagues
• Organization can hold membership in Interfraternity Council or Panhellenic Council
• Members and organizations are eligible for awards through the Fraternity and Sorority Life Accreditation Process
• Members and organizations are eligible for awards and recognition at Student Leadership and Involvement’s SOAR Awards
• Access to the University Union’s Clubhouse
  • The Clubhouse is a resource center that supports the development and promotional needs of recognized student organizations.

List of Unrecognized Organizations

• Alpha Tau Omega ‑ Lost recognition in Fall 2015 due to multiple violations of probation
• Delta Chi (Also known as: Pi Beta Chi, PBX, Crosskeys Society) - Lost recognition in Fall 2013 due to hazing (forced calisthenics and underage drinking)
• Sigma Chi (Also known as: Iota Chi, Sigma Iota Chi) ‑ Lost recognition in Fall 2015 due to hazing, issues with drugs/alcohol, and multiple risk management concerns

These groups will often claim they are “working on getting recognized by the university.” This is most likely not true. JMU currently has no plans to recognize any of these organizations. If the Inter/National headquarters of one of these groups are invited to colonize on campus, they would most likely be starting a completely new organization separate from the unrecognized organization or the people that unrecognized organization would have been recruiting.