Recognized, Suspended, Unrecognized Organizations Defined
A "recognized" fraternity or sorority is an organization that is in good standing with SUNY Oswego. All recognized fraternities and sororities have worked hard to earn and maintain their official status. Recognized organizations have the privilege of having their letters on display, using the SUNY Oswego name, tabling, posting fliers, holding meetings and/or programs on campus, inducting new members that will be recognized by the college, and participating in campus events such as the Involvement Fair and Ready to Rush.
A "suspended" fraternity or sorority has temporarily lost recognition from SUNY Oswego as the result of a disciplinary hearing. After a designated timeframe, the organization may apply for reinstatement.
An "unrecognized" fraternity or sorority is not recognized by SUNY Oswego. These organizations have no affiliation with or supervision by SUNY Oswego, do not follow the policies that are set for Fraternities and Sororities and do not provide SUNY Oswego with the names of their members. There are three main reasons that a group might be unrecognized: (1) a sanction has been issued that removed its recognition permanently, (2) the group, or its national, removed its own recognition status, or (3) the group developed underground without following required college policies. Unrecognized organizations are not permitted to participate, as an organization, in SUNY Oswego-sponsored activities such as campus events. They cannot utilize campus facilities, post fliers or market themselves in any way on campus, take new members, or have any of the benefits of recognized student organizations. Engaging in activities with these organizations may endanger student health, safety, and well-being. Students who are recruited by or choose to be a part of an unrecognized group do so at their own risk of detrimental academic performance and physical and emotional hazing. The student handbook policy on student organization affiliation can be found here: https://ww1.oswego.edu/student-conduct/code-conduct/hazing
*The above definitions are adapted from statements made by SUNY New Paltz, SUNY Buffalo State, and SUNY Potsdam.