FAQs

Nu Chapter of Sigma Nu is a registered chapter at the University of Kansas, and it operates under the university's rules for student organizations. Parents often ask about this because several fraternities near campus have chosen to leave the university's oversight. This page explains what registration means, how Nu Chapter is governed, and how you can verify its standing yourself. Is Nu Chapter recognized by the University of Kansas? Yes. Nu Chapter is a registered student organization and participates in KU Sorority and Fraternity Life (SFL) through the Interfraternity Council (IFC). It does not appear on the university's published list of unregistered fraternities. What does "registered" actually mean? Registration is a choice the chapter makes every year. By registering, a chapter agrees to follow university guidelines and policies, the KU Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities, and SFL risk management guidelines. In return, SFL staff advise and support the chapter directly. Is there recent evidence of that relationship? Yes. In spring 2026, Nu Chapter received Distinction honors at KU's annual Sorority and Fraternity Life Awards in Personal and Professional Development, Holistic Wellness, and Academic Achievement. Only registered chapters are eligible for these awards. Has Nu Chapter ever lost its standing? Yes, and we believe parents deserve a direct answer. In 2005, Sigma Nu's national board revoked the chapter's charter over its treatment of new members, and the university stopped recognizing the chapter as a result. Nu Chapter was re-chartered in 2008 and has remained in good standing with the university. What is the difference between a registered and an unregistered fraternity at KU? The difference is who can hold the chapter accountable. KU states plainly that it is limited in its ability to respond to and discipline unregistered chapters for conduct violations. Why do some fraternities choose not to register? KU notes that these chapters have elected not to accept university guidelines. Because of their location near campus, their houses, and their recruiting, they may appear to be affiliated with KU when they are not. The university publishes the current list on its Registered Chapter Benefits page. Does this matter for my son? We believe it does. A registered chapter answers to the university, to its national headquarters, and to its alumni. An unregistered chapter has removed the first of those three layers. Is the national fraternity's oversight real? Yes. Sigma Nu's national board is the body that revoked Nu Chapter's charter in 2005. A national organization that has used that authority on its own chapter takes its standards seriously. How are safety, hazing, and alcohol handled? Nu Chapter follows both KU's SFL risk management guidelines and Sigma Nu's national health and safety policies, which include anti-hazing and alcohol and other drugs standards. What happens if a concern is reported? A concern can be reviewed by the university, by Sigma Nu headquarters, or by both. Because Nu Chapter is registered, KU can open an organizational conduct case. For an unregistered chapter, KU directs concerns to the national organization instead. Can I see how the chapter performs academically? Yes, in part. Registered chapters receive semester academic data from KU when students sign FERPA releases, along with annual retention and graduation data for each chapter. The IFC community's average GPA for 2024-25 was 3.30. How can I verify Nu Chapter's status, and whom do I contact? kusfl@ku.edu, 785-864-0808, Burge Union Suite 1030

- How does the fraternity support academic success? Academics come first. KU’s Office of Sorority & Fraternity Life reports that fraternity members average a 3.454 GPA compared with 3.354 for the university overall, and first-year fraternity members return at a higher rate than non-affiliated freshmen (94.7% vs. 84.7%). In our chapter, members have access to study hours/tutoring/scholarship chair mentoring/upperclassmen in the same major, and a scholarship chairman who checks in with members who need support.

- How much time does membership take? Most members spend about 2 to 4 hours a week on required chapter activities, such as weekly chapter meetings, with extra time for those who take on leadership roles. Members balance this with classes, work, and other student organizations.

- How and when are bills paid? Bills are sent through the chapter’s secure online billing platform LegFi, never through personal payment apps like Venmo or Cash App. Payments are due monthly. If a payment plan or financial hardship is a concern, reach out to the treasurer early. We would rather work something out than have a member leave over cost.

- Where do members live, and do they have to live in the house? Our chapter house is on the KU campus, 1501 Sigma Nu Pl. New members live in the house during their first year, which helps them build friendships quickly and stay close to campus resources. After the first year, living in the house is recommended for the next 2 years. The house has 72 members and serves 3 meals 5 days a week, with accommodations such as study rooms, a weight room, and washers/dryers.

- What is the chapter’s policy on hazing? Hazing is strictly prohibited by the University of Kansas, all national fraternities, and Kansas state law, and Sigma Nu’s program for new members is built on the opposite: mentorship, service, and leadership. Anyone, including a parent, can report concerns to the chapter president or advisor, to the Office of Sorority & Fraternity Life at kusfl@ku.edu or 785-864-0808, or through the Hazing Report Form on KU’s Student Conduct website. Reports can be made confidentially.

- Can parents get involved beyond events? Yes. [Parent club/house corporation/alumni mentor program. Many of our alumni and parents help with career mentoring, house projects, and recruitment referrals. Reach out, and we will connect you.

- How can parents stay informed and involved? Follow us on Instagram at @kansassigmanu for chapter news, and check the Calendar page of this site for events. Parents are welcome at many events, and parents also receive a newsletter/parent club updates.