CSU Channel Islands Fraternity Expansion Process
Effective Date: December 4, 2025
Responsible Office: Division of Student Affairs – Student Organizations & Involvement (SOI) – Fraternity
& Sorority Life (FSL)
Applies To: Inter/national fraternities seeking to establish a new chapter at CSU Channel Islands
Purpose
The purpose of this process is to outline how new inter/national fraternities may request consideration to establish a chapter at California State University Channel Islands (CSUCI). This process ensures that fraternity expansion occurs intentionally, equitably, and in alignment with CSUCI’s mission, values, and commitment to student well-being and community development.
Note: CSU Channel Islands is not currently accepting expansion applications from sororities. This process applies only to fraternities at this time.
Scope
This process applies exclusively to inter/national fraternities. Local or unaffiliated fraternities will not be considered for expansion at CSU Channel Islands.
All recognized fraternities and sororities, including any new fraternity chapters approved through this process, must participate as members of the CSUCI Joint Greek Council, which represents all recognized social Greek-letter organizations on campus.
CSU Channel Islands does not provide, sponsor, or endorse fraternity or sorority housing. All recognized fraternities and sororities operate as non-residential chapters.
Eligibility to Apply
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Be an inter/national fraternity.
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Be in good standing with its inter/national headquarters.
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Have a documented expansion plan and a designated staff member or volunteer responsible for the colonization process.
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Submit all requests for expansion through the inter/national headquarters — not from individual students.
Expansion Process
1. Fraternity Expansion Interest Form
The inter/national headquarters must submit the CSUCI Fraternity Expansion Interest Form to the Fraternity & Sorority Life (FSL) Office.
2. Preliminary Review
FSL, in consultation with the Greek Council and SOI, will assess campus readiness,
community capacity, and potential impact. If approved to move forward, the organization
will be invited to submit a Formal Fraternity Expansion Application.
3. Formal Expansion Application
Invited fraternities must submit the Formal Expansion Application, which will cover
compliance with CSUCI’s Procedure on Fraternity & Sorority Life: Recognition, Fraternity & Sorority Life: Academic Requirements, and Recruitment, Intake and New Member Procedures for Recognized Fraternities and Sororities, as well as a detailed colonization plan, and letters of commitment from alumni advisors
or headquarters staff willing to support the chapter in its expansion efforts, and
anything else pertinent to the potential charter.
4. Campus Presentation
Qualified fraternities will be invited to present to a review panel consisting of
FSL staff, Greek Council representatives, and potentially Division of Student Affairs
administrators. Presentations should cover the organization’s history, values, risk
management practices, DEIA efforts, alumni support, and sustainability plan.
5. Decision and Notification
Following review, a final decision from FSL will be issued in writing to the inter/national
headquarters.
Provisional Recognition and Colonization
The approved fraternity will receive Provisional Recognition and may begin colonization. During this period, chapters must:
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Maintain at least five CSUCI student members (including a President, Vice President, and Treasurer).
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Participate fully in the Greek Council.
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Submit monthly updates to FSL.
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Adhere to all CSUCI procedures on academics, recruitment, and hazing prevention.
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Collaborate with advisors and FSL.
A progress review will occur after one academic year to determine eligibility for Full Recognition.
Revocation of Consideration
FSL reserves the right to deny or revoke consideration at any stage if documentation is incomplete or inaccurate, representatives engage in misconduct, or campus/community conditions no longer support expansion.
Contact
Resources
Student Organization Handbook 2025-2026
CSU Channel Islands – Fraternity Expansion Timeline
Expansion Cycle Opening: December 4, 2025
(For inter/national fraternities seeking to establish a chapter at CSUCI)
Phase 1 – Fraternity Expansion Interest Form Opens
📅 December 4, 2025
Fraternity & Sorority Life opens the expansion process and distributes application
details to inter/national fraternity headquarters.
Phase 2 – Interest Form Submission
📅 December 4, 2025 – February 15, 2026
Fraternities submit the CSUCI Fraternity Expansion Interest Form.
Phase 3 – Preliminary Review
📅 February 16 – March 1, 2026
FSL staff review submissions to assess campus readiness and determine which fraternities
advance to the application stage.
Phase 4 – Formal Expansion Application
📅 March 2 – March 31, 2026
Invited fraternities submit the full Formal Expansion Application, including detailed
plans, support letters, and compliance documentation.
Phase 5 – Application Review
📅 April 1 – April 17, 2026
Applications are evaluated by FSL and the Greek Council.
Phase 6 – Campus Presentations
📅 April 20 – May 1, 2026
Finalist fraternities present to FSL staff, the Greek Council, and Student Affairs
administrators.
Phase 7 – Recommendation & Decision
📅 May 4 – May 22, 2026
Greek Council submits recommendations to FSL. Final decisions issued by FSL by the
beginning of summer 2026.
Phase 8 – Colonization / Provisional Recognition
📅 Fall 2026 Semester
Approved fraternity begins colonization and Provisional Recognition under FSL supervision
and Greek Council membership.