Department of Student Life

Fraternity & Sorority Life - Chapter Misconduct

The University of Vermont has several mechanisms for the recognition and derecognition of student organizations. Related specifically to fraternity and sorority organizations, behavioral or procedural issues can result in the suspension or removal of formal University recognition. More specifically organizations have had their recognition removed for various reasons, including hazing, alcohol and drug use, risk management violations, sexual misconduct and/or assault, and the failure to comply with University policies and expectations.

Organizations have in most cases also had their recognition removed by the national or international organization because of their failure to uphold their stated values and clear policies. It is important to know that, at times, these student organizations continue to operate as if they have University recognition and/or national organization recognition.

CURRENT CHAPTERS NOT IN GOOD STANDING

The following group(s) are currently not in good standing.

Pi Kappa Phi

Status: On probation through May 2023.
Allegations: Hazing and Alcohol Violations

CURRENT UNRECOGNIZED CHAPTERS

The following group(s) are currently not recognized. Students are strongly discouraged from participating in unrecognized fraternities and sororities.

Alpha Epsilon Pi

Status: De-Recognized since 2014; Future recognition will require new application
Violation: Hazing & Alcohol Violations; Violation of Sanctions
*AEPi is no longer recognized by the University, however they are recognized by their National Organization. Such chapters are not extended University privileges and may not program or recruit on campus or participate in FSL activities.

SHORE

Status: A group of students operating without University recognition.

TERMINOLOGY

Hazing: An abusive way of treating new members that can be in the form of physical or mental abuse, humiliation, or harassment. UVM and the state of Vermont takes a strong stance against hazing as it is illegal and against the core values of the university as well as Fraternity & Sorority Life. For more information on UVM’s commitment to Hazing Awareness & Prevention, visit the UVM Hazing Awareness & Prevention website.
Recognition:
- Recognition: Local chapters of fraternities and sororities are recognized by the Vice Provost for Student Affairs, or designee, in cooperation with the Interfraternity Council (IFC) and Panhellenic Council (Panhel) as outlined in the University of Vermont Fraternity and Sorority Recognition Standards and the Group and Organization Recognition policy. Recognized chapters receive guidance and support from the Department of Student Life and are eligible to exercise privileges associated with recognition. Each inter/national organization must be in good standing with an FSL umbrella group (e.g. National Panhellenic Conference, North American Interfraternity Conference). Exceptions may be granted for a multicultural or special interest fraternity/sorority not affiliated with an umbrella organization, provided the group is part of a national or international organization with appropriate insurance coverage and support.
- De-Registration/Recognition: Temporary separation of a Student Organization from the University. Organizations that are de-recognized are not eligible to apply for recognition for a period up to five years.
- Permanent De-Registration/Recognition: Permanent separation of a Student Organization from the University. Organizations that are permanently de-recognized are not eligible to apply for recognition.
Probation:
- Disciplinary Probation/ Probation: A formal written notice that the Organization is not in good standing with the University and its actions will be monitored for a period no less than one semester. During this period, any further violations of the Code will result in harsher sanctions. 
- Restrictive Probation: A formal written notice that the Organization is not in good standing with the University and has now lost certain privileges for a period no less than one semester. During this period, any further violations of the Code will result in Disciplinary Suspension. During this period members of the Organization may also be restricted from holding leadership roles within their respective governing organizations. i.e. social probation, where an organization is not permitted to host events with alcohol.
Suspension:
- Disciplinary Suspension: Separation of the Organization from the University for a period no less than one semester.  
- Interim Suspension: Where preliminary evidence of an alleged incident in violation of law, policy, or these standards demonstrates that a fraternity or sorority’s presence or activities has or could pose a threat to the health, safety or well-being of any individual or property, all Organization activities must cease.

Please contact Fraternity and Sorority Life at (802-656-2060) or uvmfsl@uvm.edu if you have any questions about the recognition status of any student organization.