Published: Oct. 6, 2023

Triangle Fraternity is coming to campus. The organization is a nationally recognized social fraternity that is open to engineers, architects and scientists, providing a unique STEM experience to students. 

The fraternity joined CU Interfraternity Council (CUIFC) in October, making it the university’s 11th affiliated organization. This means Triangle is officially recognized by CU and is looking to build its inaugural class in Boulder. 

Here are four things to know about Fraternity & Sorority Life’s newest affiliated fraternity. 

A social experience with a focus on academic success 

While Triangle is a social fraternity, the organization uniquely provides an academic experience as well. Triangle’s goal is to be a place where men of similar majors can socialize, support each other’s academic pursuits and better prepare themselves for successful careers. 

The fraternity was originally founded by engineers at the University of Illinois in 1907. Since that time, it has grown to include majors such as mathematics, physical sciences and architecture. Triangle says they were a STEM organization long before the term was coined in 2001. 

Triangle’s dedication to academics also uniquely positions its members to succeed professionally. Making connections with alumni helps bridge the gap between college and industry. Members understand the challenges of a technical degree path and can be both a steppingstone and support system. 

 Triangle has history in Colorado 

The chapter at CU Boulder will be the second Triangle chapter in Colorado. Triangle first came to the Centennial State in 1967 at Colorado State University. The fraternity was also active in Boulder in the late 1960’s to early 1970’s. 

NASA astronaut and CU Boulder graduate Ellison Onizuka, who was the first person of Japanese ancestry to reach space, was an alumnus of Triangle. He was an active member when the fraternity was in Boulder. After his death in the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster, Onizuka was also inducted into the Triangle Wall of Fame in 1995.  

Leadership through service opportunities 

While all of the fraternities in CUIFC emphasize leadership and service, Triangle focuses on causes that also contribute to their STEM skillset. Their partnership with FIRST, or “For Inspiration & Recognition of Science & Technology,” gives members the opportunity to inspire young people to learn about STEM. 

FIRST has four programs in all for kindergarten to 12th grade students, from a Lego league to a robotics competition. Triangle members can volunteer for any of these events by supporting a local team, participating as a coach or referee or helping as a Triangle FIRST Ambassador. 

Triangle also supports FIRST by raising money for a national scholarship. The Triangle Education Foundation offers four $2,500 scholarships for students who compete in the FIRST robotics competition as they seek higher education in STEM. 

Triangle members get benefits by joining a university-affiliated fraternity 

Fraternity & Sorority Life’s affiliation process helps ensure that students are joining university recognized organizations that offer safe fraternity experiences, provide well-established programs and resources, and are officially connected to the university. 

Now that Triangle is joining CU Boulder as an affiliated fraternity with CUIFC, the chapter and its members will have access to various benefits, including: 

University Affiliation

  • Use of university name within branding guidelines. 
  • Free access to campus resources like Title IX/Sexual Assault Prevention training, alcohol education, finance training, etc. 
  • Office space for council leaders through the University Memorial Center. 
  • Ongoing advising, education and resources for new member education, Greek values, fiscal management, recruitment, risk management, program planning and more through Fraternity & Sorority Life. 
  • Involvement on campus committees and working groups. 

Recruitment

  • Any recruitment activities, such as tabling and rush events, may be held on campus. 
  • Assistance in recruiting faculty/staff advisor(s), if requested. 
  • Campus-supported recruitment efforts, including interactions with potential members through new student welcome programs, fairs, open houses, etc. 
  • Inclusion on the CU Boulder website and access to CU Boulder social media avenues. 

Social

  • Chapters may hold as many social events as they want each semester. 
  • CU IFC chapters are required to register social events with FSL and BPD. 
  • If a noise complaint is called against a CU IFC party, BPD will give the chapter 20 minutes' notice before officers arrive. 
  • Sober event monitors are required at any event where alcohol is present. 

Campus Events

  • Chapter meetings may be held on campus. 
  • Fundraisers and philanthropy events on campus are free or discounted. 
  • Ability to prominently advertise on campus for recruitment and special events. 
  • Access to support for programs and events through the Center for Student Involvement. 

Greek Relations

  • Participate in Homecoming (fall) and Greek (spring) Weeks with 10 sororities in the CU Panhellenic Council. 
  • The ability to officially partner with sororities and other campus groups on events and programs. 

Dues

  • CU IFC dues are $25 per member per semester; IFC on the Hill is $50. 

To become a university-affiliated fraternity and receive the benefits listed above, fraternities must sign a Recognized Social Greek Organizations (RSGO) agreement that includes provisions to follow all university policy. The agreements also outline certain conditions aimed at increasing safety, accountability and student success. 

Fraternities in the Boulder area that have not signed a RSGO agreement are not currently affiliated with CU Boulder. Learn more about CUIFC University Affiliation on the FSL website.