October 6, 2009
University places two fraternities on probation for violations
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Purdue officials on Tuesday (Oct. 6) announced that two campus fraternities have been placed on probation for violating university regulations and the Interfraternity Council Risk Management policy on alcohol consumption.Sigma Chi Fraternity is on probation through Dec. 31, while Sigma Nu Fraternity will be on probation for one year, through Sept. 30, 2010, said Pablo Malavenda, associate dean of students. If the fraternities satisfy the probationary conditions, they will be reinstated to full status.
University investigations concluded that alcohol was served to minors at Sigma Chi during an unregistered function on Sept. 4 and at Sigma Nu during a bid night on Sept. 9. University and Interfraternity Council members deemed that due to violations of dry recruitment policies by Sigma Nu, their offense merited a longer probation than that of Sigma Chi.
"Our hope is that with the sanctioning of these two organizations, other groups will get the message that if your chapter disregards Purdue University and Interfraternity Council policies, they will be held accountable," said Kyle A. Pendleton, assistant dean of students and director of fraternity and sorority life. "The safety of all members of the Purdue community has been, and will continue to be, a priority for the governance of the fraternity and sorority community."
In order for the fraternities to regain full recognition in good standing, the chapters must abide by the following terms:
* Members and alumni volunteers must work with their international headquarters to establish a plan for the continuous improvement of social practices. This should include the education of all members on the fraternities' initiatives and risk management practices.
* At least 50 percent of Sigma Chi's chapter and 80 percent of Sigma Nu's must attend the 2009 Indiana Greek Leadership Conference.
* Eighty percent of the two chapters' active members must attend a screening of the documentary "HAZE." At least one member of the advisory team must attend and should assist in the facilitation of a discussion with the chapter.
* No functions with alcohol will be permitted at the Sigma Chi chapter facility until Jan. 11. The same applies to Sigma Nu until Jan. 19. After that day, "list functions" with alcohol will be prohibited at the Sigma Nu chapter house, and only registered, co-sponsored functions with one additional sorority will be permitted until March 22, 2010.
* Any event at which alcohol is served at a third-party establishment must be approved in advance by the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life, the chapters' international office, and the Interfraternity Council.
* The fraternities must support the academic mission of the university in its behavior, programming and scholastic achievement.
* The chapters must follow all university regulations, state and federal laws, and their fraternity and International Council requirements for hosting social functions.
Writer: Jim Bush, 765-494-2077, jsbush@purdue.edu
Sources: Pablo Malavenda, 765-494-1232, pablo@purdue.edu
Kyle Pendleton, kap@purdue.edu
Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu
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