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.
Expansion Capacity
At this time, CSU Channel Islands anticipates approving one additional fraternity through this expansion process. However, depending on the strength of interest, quality of proposals, and the outcomes of this review, the University may determine that there is capacity to plan for additional fraternity expansions at a future time.
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.
Campus Support and Recruitment Environment
CSU Channel Islands is committed to supporting the growth and success of fraternities during the expansion and colonization process through collaboration with the Fraternity & Sorority Life (FSL) Office.
During the colonization and provisional recognition period, FSL will assist the prospective chapter with the coordination and scheduling of campus rooms and spaces, as needed and in accordance with University policies and availability, to support recruitment, education, and organizational development activities.
Once a fraternity attains Full Recognition, the chapter will utilize the standard SOI space request and event approval processes applicable to all recognized student organizations.
Fraternity recruitment at CSUCI is coordinated primarily through a campus-wide Formal Recruitment (in structure more semi-formal) period held each fall semester, typically in October, with planning and implementation support from FSL. In addition to Formal Recruitment, chapters may conduct recruitment after the fall recruitment period and during other parts of the academic year, in alignment with CSUCI recruitment procedures.
Growth, Momentum, and Community Engagement
CSU Channel Islands is experiencing significant and exciting growth within its fraternity and sorority community. Fall 2025 Formal Recruitment was a major success, reflecting increased student interest and strong community engagement.
-
41 students participated in Fall 2025 Formal Recruitment
-
38 bid offers were extended
-
100% of bids were accepted
For comparison, Spring 2025 Formal Recruitment included:
-
23 participating students
-
14 new members
As a result of Fall 2025 recruitment, the CSUCI fraternity and sorority community is projected to grow from 47 members to 85 members, representing a substantial increase in student engagement and organizational sustainability.
This momentum reflects a campus and Greek community that is actively invested in building a values-based, collaborative, and student-centered fraternity and sorority experience. CSUCI is seeking a fraternity partner that is excited to contribute to — and grow alongside — this developing community.
Institutional Partnership and Chapter Sustainability
CSU Channel Islands is seeking an inter/national fraternity partner that views expansion as a long-term collaboration, not solely an initial chartering effort. While strong support during the colonization and chartering phase is essential, CSUCI places equal importance on ongoing partnership and engagement from inter/national headquarters throughout the life of the chapter.
This partnership includes, but is not limited to:
-
Continued staff and/or volunteer involvement beyond the initial expansion period
-
Leadership development and officer training support
-
Ongoing guidance related to risk management, accountability, and member development
-
Collaborative communication with the Fraternity & Sorority Life Office and alumni advisors
CSUCI values headquarters that are invested in the sustained success, health, and growth of their chapters and who view campus partners as collaborators in that work.
Chapter Size and Growth Expectations
As CSU Channel Islands continues to develop its fraternity and sorority community, the University prioritizes intentional and sustainable growth. At this time, an ideal chapter size for fraternities at CSUCI is approximately 20–30 active members.
This range supports:
-
Strong member engagement and accountability
-
Meaningful leadership development opportunities
-
Manageable organizational operations
-
A positive and connected chapter culture
Growth beyond this range may occur over time as the campus and fraternity community continues to evolve; however, CSUCI prioritizes quality of experience over rapid expansion and seeks partners who share this philosophy.
Eligibility to Apply
-
Be an inter/national fraternity.
-
Be in good standing with its inter/national headquarters.
-
Have a documented expansion plan and a designated staff member or volunteer responsible for the colonization process.
-
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 Packet.
3. Formal Expansion Packet
Invited fraternities must submit a Formal Expansion Packet, 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 noted commitment from alumni advisors
and/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. Presentations
can be done on Zoom or in-person.
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:
-
Maintain at least five CSUCI student members (including a President, Vice President, and Treasurer).
-
Participate fully in the Greek Council.
-
Submit monthly updates to FSL.
-
Adhere to all CSUCI procedures on academics, recruitment, and hazing prevention.
-
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 information 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 Packets
📅 March 2 – March 31, 2026
Invited fraternities submit Formal Expansion Packets, including detailed plans, support
plans, and compliance documentation.
Phase 5 – Application Review
📅 April 1 – April 17, 2026
Packets 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 (or another mutually agreed-upon semester)
Approved fraternity may begin colonization and Provisional Recognition under FSL supervision
and Greek Council membership. The timing of colonization may be adjusted to a different
academic semester based on mutual agreement between the fraternity and Fraternity
& Sorority Life.