Fraternity & Sorority Life
Unaffiliated Organizations
Understanding the difference between university-recognized fraternities and organizations operating independently of USC.
Choosing a Fraternity Experience at USC
At USC, we are proud to support a fraternity and sorority community rooted in connection, leadership, and accountability. University recognition helps ensure that students are joining organizations committed to providing safe, enriching experiences while maintaining a formal partnership with the university.
Recognized fraternities and sororities provide opportunities for students to find belonging, enjoy meaningful social experiences, develop as leaders, serve their communities, and build lifelong relationships around shared values.
Why University Recognition Matters
Recognition creates a formal relationship between a fraternity or sorority and USC and provides important resources for students and organizations.
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University Partnership
Recognized organizations maintain a formal relationship with USC and Fraternity & Sorority Life.
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Leadership Development
Members have access to university and FSL leadership programs, advising, education, and community opportunities.
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Accountability
Recognized organizations participate in university processes designed to promote student safety, accountability, and organizational success.
Important Information
Organizations Operating Independently of USC
The organizations identified below are not currently affiliated with or recognized by USC. These groups have chosen to operate independently of the university and therefore do not receive the same recognition, oversight, advising, or organizational support provided to recognized student organizations.
Some unaffiliated organizations may engage in recruitment, membership, or social activities that are not sponsored or sanctioned by the university. Students and families are encouraged to understand an organization’s recognition status before participating in membership activities.
Statement on Disaffiliation
We recognize that some USC fraternities have chosen to disaffiliate from the university as part of a broader national trend. While we are disappointed in these decisions, we respect each organization’s autonomy and remain committed to supporting the individual USC students who are members of these groups.
Our goal is to ensure that fraternities and sororities can thrive within a structure that prioritizes student safety, well-being, leadership development, and success. University recognition provides access to staff guidance, educational programs, leadership opportunities, and resources designed to strengthen the fraternity and sorority experience.
Although unaffiliated organizations do not receive the benefits and privileges associated with university recognition, their individual members remain USC students and continue to have access to university support services.
USC Fraternity & Sorority Life remains open to future conversations with unaffiliated organizations interested in returning to the university-recognized community. Our priority remains the safety, growth, belonging, and success of every USC student.
Current Status
Unaffiliated Fraternities
The following organizations are not currently recognized by the University of Southern California.
Chi Phi
Kappa Alpha Order
Lambda Chi Alpha
Phi Delta Theta
Phi Kappa Tau
Alpha Tau Omega
Theta Xi
Phi Sigma Kappa
Pi Kappa Alpha
Pi Kappa Phi
Sigma Alpha Mu
Sigma Chi
Sigma Nu
Tau Kappa Epsilon
Delta Eta
Recognition status may change. Students are encouraged to consult USC Fraternity & Sorority Life for the most current information before participating in recruitment or membership activities.
Have Questions About an Organization?
Students and families are encouraged to contact Fraternity & Sorority Life before joining an organization if they have questions about recognition, membership eligibility, or the recruitment process.