The University of Nevada, Reno says 12 Greek life organizations did not sign a relationship agreement and are now unrecognized by the college.
As of Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2019 a total of 24 fraternities and sororities chose to sign the agreement.
Those that did not sign are no longer eligible for the same opportunities or resources that the campus provides to recognized organizations.
In order for fraternities and sororities to receive recognition from the University of Nevada, Reno, a relationship agreement must be signed. This agreement affirms each chapter’s commitment to promote a unified community of integrity, character and cultural diversity. Health and safety was the University’s number one reason for strengthening the 2018 and 2019 relationship agreements. It ensures student safety, security and accountability by providing students with the necessary education and resources available on campus.
UNR says in January 2018, the University amended its Relationship Agreement for Fraternities and Sororities on campus to enhance the health and safety of fraternity and sorority students. At the time, five fraternities did not sign the agreement leading to Alpha Tau Omega, Kappa Sigma, Kappa Alpha Order, Zeta Psi and Theta Chi not being recognized for the 2018 calendar year.
Most recently, all six of the University’s National Panhellenic Conference sororities (Alpha Omicron Pi, Delta Delta Delta, Delta Gamma, Kappa Alpha Theta, Pi Beta Phi, and Sigma Kappa) did not sign the 2019 University Relationship Agreement. Additionally, two new North-American Interfraternity Conference fraternities did not sign the agreement, including Alpha Epsilon Pi and Pi Kappa Phi. While these organizations signed the agreement, agreeing with the changes in 2018, their national headquarters and conference organizations have directed these organizations to not sign the agreement for 2019.
“These sororities and fraternities were told by their national headquarters not to sign the agreement,” Megan Pepper, University director of Fraternity and Sorority Life, said. “Additionally, the National Panhellenic Conference also told the sororities not to sign the agreement and the North-American Interfraternity Conference supported the fraternities’ decision not to sign. While this decision by these organizations is unfortunate, we have been actively trying to engage these groups since February of 2018 in ongoing dialogue to develop an agreement all parties were comfortable with.”
One of the fraternities, Kappa Sigma, that did not seek recognition in 2018 is seeking recognition for 2019.
(The University of Nevada, Reno contributed to this report.)
