Unfortunately, over the past few years, a few fraternities have lost their recognition by Villanova University as official student groups because they failed to comply with university or national guidelines.

Even more unfortunate, some of these groups continue to operate illegally and without university supervision, personal liability insurance, an affiliation with a national organization, and are devoid of their tax exempt status with the internal revenue service.

As you can tell, there should be great concern about the well being of those individuals who choose to join these unrecognized organizations. The most important fact to recognize is that these groups ARE NOT fraternities as they are devoid of any ritual or recognition by a national organization (refer to any of the three national fraternity websites, where you'll find no mention of Villanova University). Below is a list of the underground groups:

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ) "Pikes"
Sigma Phi Epsilon (ΣΦΕ) "Sig Ep"

* Updated Information on Sig Ep: Sigma Phi Epsilon is currently colonizing a recognized chapter. There is, however, the remains of an unrecognized Sig Ep group on campus. If there is any uncertainty about Sigma Phi Epsilon, you or your son should check with the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life.