Unrecognized Organizations

Our greatest concern regarding the unrecognized organizations at GW is our lack of information and knowledge about them, coupled with a history of violations of University policies, local laws and the policies of their own National organizations.  

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) lost University recognition in the 1994 after repeated violations of University policy which culminated in the chapter hosting a bonfire in front of their house on G Street. There had been repeated violations of University policy until that time. Both the National and local alumni did not feel that recognition should be rescinded. There are no plans to consider recognition at this time.

Sigma Alpha Mu (SAM or Sammy) initially lost University and National recognition in 1994 due to a risk management/alcohol violation, which also violated the terms of probation from a previous incident. They attempted to re-colonize, with the University’s support, in 1998. The National organization put them on “dormant” status in March of 2000 due to issues with the re-colonization. In the fall of 2001, SAM returned to campus to colonize with an interest group, without the support or approval of the IFC or GW.  After documented incidents related to their New Member Education process in the Fall of 2004, SAM is not able to apply for recognition until 2008. We are in discussion with the National Office of SAM to start the process of becoming recognized.

Zeta Psi is a National fraternity who has recently attempted to establish a chapter at GW without the approval or recognition of the University. This effort will not be supported by GW, the IFC, or the Greek Life office.

APEs (Alpha Pi Epsilon) is a local organization without any National affiliation that evolved out of other organizations that lost their National and University recognition.  Originally, members of this group were Alpha Epsilon Pi and lost their recognition due to violations during their New Member Education program.  Uninitiated members of that group contacted ZBT and became a chapter of Zeta Beta Tau in 2001. ZBT removed their recognition in November of 2001 when the local group refused to follow national ZBT policies related to new members and initiation. Members of the old AEPi chapter, and the newer members of ZBT then created APEs, and it has existed as a local organization since the end of ZBT.  This group has no oversight by either the University or a National organization which also means that they function without insurance, and have no established policies regarding hazing, new member education, or risk management. As of late 2007, it is believed that the APEs have ceased operations and disbanded.

The George Washington University is committed to supporting a vibrant and strong fraternity/sorority community through a collection of outstanding chapters who support and live their respective values. We feel that this can best be achieved through partnerships with National organizations, alumni advisors, individual chapters and the University. Greek Life can play a positive role in the development of a student throughout their college years through values-based fraternities and sororities, with the support and assistance of the University.