 | This articlerelies excessively onreferences toprimary sources. Please improve this article by addingsecondary or tertiary sources. Find sources: "Nu Alpha Kappa" – news ·newspapers ·books ·scholar ·JSTOR(August 2023) (Learn how and when to remove this message) |
| Nu Alpha Kappa | |
|---|---|
| ΝΑΚ | |
 | |
| Founded | February 26, 1988; 37 years ago (1988-02-26) California Polytechnic State University |
| Type | Social |
| Affiliation | NIC |
| Former affiliation | NALFO |
| Status | Active |
| Emphasis | Latino |
| Scope | National |
| Motto | "Men of Mind, Men of Culture, Men of Pride" |
| Colors | Red, White, and Bronze |
| Mascot | XiNAKo |
| Chapters | 28 |
| Nickname | NAKs, Nakos, Xinakos |
| Headquarters | P.O. Box 1287 Roseville,California 95678 United States |
| Website | www |
Nu Alpha Kappa (ΝΑΚ) is an American collegiateLatino-basedfraternity.[1] Nu Alpha Kappa was founded on the campus ofCalifornia Polytechnic State University in 1988.[2] Nu Alpha Kappa was a charter member of theNational Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations (NALFO).[3] It is now a member of theNorth American Interfraternity Conference.[4]
The fraternity began with fifteen friends at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, California who wanted to create a club for Hispanic students at the predominantly Anglo campus.[5][2] Initially, the group called itself "Naco", after Spanish slang for a person who gets along well with everyone.[5]
This became Nu Alpha Kappa on February 26, 1988.[4] The fraternity was established based on a commitment to "Carnalismo" or brotherhood, the search for knowledge, and the retention and pride of culture.[2] Eleven of the original organizing friends became the fraternity's founders, including:[3]
A second chapter was established at San Jose State University in 1989, followed by a chapter atSan Diego State University in 1990.[1] Its first chapter outside of California was chartered atColorado State University in 1999.[1] However, the majority of its 28 chapters are in California.[1]
The fraternity's national headquarters is inRoseville, California.
The nameΝΑΚ was selected to represent the "nac" sound inXinaco.[3]Xinaco (CHI-Na-Kos), aNahuatl word used by theOlmecs, describes "an educated, amiable individual whose personality and charisma transcends and enlightens all cultures and social".[3]
The fraternity's colors are red, white, and bronze.[3][6] Its mascot is XiNAKo.[3] Its motto is "Men of Mind, Men of Culture, Men of Pride."[3][6]
Nu Alpha Kappa supports theNational Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) and its Hispanic/Latino Stem Cell and Marrow Initiative in California, Colorado, and Nevada.[5][6] Its other charity is the NAKLand Children's Carnival.[6]
Nu Alpha Kappa has established collegiate chapters in California, Nevada, and Colorado.[1][7] Active chapters are indicated inbold. Inactive chapters and institutions are initalics.
TheΝΑΚ National Alumni Association was officially established in 2014.[12] Following is a list of the Nu Alpha Kappa alumni chapters. Active chapters are indicated inbold. Inactive chapters are initalics.
| Chapter | Institution | Status | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fresno State Alumni Association | California State University, Fresno | Active | [13] |
| UCSDΝΑΚ Alumni Association | University of California, San Diego | Active | [13] |
| NAK Riverside Alumni Association | University of California, Riverside | Active | [13] |
| Iota Chapter | California State University, Sacramento | Active | [13] |
| Kappa Chapter | University of California, Davis | Active | [13] |
| Beta Chapter – ALAS | San Diego State University | Active | [13] |
| Tau Chapter Alumni Association | California State Polytechnic University, Pomona | Active | [13] |
| San Jose State Alpha Alumni Association | San Jose State University | Active | [13] |
| Delta Chapter Alumni Association | California State University, Stanislaus | Active | [13] |
| Gamma Chapter | Sonoma State University | Active | [13] |
Nu Alpha Kappa has faced multiple allegations of hazing, misconduct, and policy violations across several of its chapters. In 2015, theUniversity of California, Santa Barbara chapter was shut down following reports of hazing and sexual assault allegations against members of the fraternity. The chapter was among three Greek organizations at UCSB that lost university recognition due to violations of student conduct policies, including allegations of providing alcohol to minors and fostering an unsafe environment within fraternity-sponsored events.[14][15]
In 2020, theSan Diego State University chapter was placed on interim suspension as part of a broader crackdown on Greek organizations following allegations of alcohol-related violations and hazing. The university's investigation later found that members of Nu Alpha Kappa at SDSU were guilty of theft, leading to the chapter's suspension in early 2021.[16]
In 2023, theSan José State University chapter was issued a cease and desist order, temporarily halting its operations due to alleged violations of university policies. While details of the allegations were not publicly disclosed, the order was part of a broader review of fraternity and sorority conduct at the university.[17]
In 2025, theUniversity of California, Riverside chapter was placed on interim suspension due to hazing allegations.[18]