Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Staff Update



It is with very mixed emotions that I have to announce the departure of Becky Davison from Lehigh University. Becky will be leaving us to take the position of Assistant Director of Student Leadership (working primarily with Greek Life) at Seton Hall University. This is an exciting opportunity for Becky that will allow her the flexibility and convenience she needs both personally and professionally. Becky will be running her own fraternity and sorority community at Seton Hall, a responsibility that she is more then ready for. Becky will also be working with larger leadership initiatives at Seton Hall.

In her two years at Lehigh, Becky has made a considerable impact. Her work linking Lehigh to the National Hazing Consortium has placed Lehigh in a position to be a national leader in hazing prevention in coming years. Her ability to step in to the role of Panhellenic Advisor at a moments notice was integral was not only key to the success of Panhellenic Recruitment, but also to the direction that the council is headed in assisting with the continued growth of the Greek community. Her leadership in such initiatives as Lehigh After Dark, Peer Pod, and Spirit Committee helped ensure that her mark was left on all Dean of Students staff members. Becky's sense of humor, extreme team-based attitude and willingness to pitch in at a moments notice to get the work done has made her an exceptional staff member, colleague and friend.
 
Becky will be with us until Friday, May 16th, so there is plenty of time to see her off. The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs will be extending its current candidate search to account for two openings.  Please make sure you drop her a line expressing her congratulations!

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Update on Lambda Chi Alpha


This memo is to inform you that effective immediately all activities of the Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity at Lehigh University have been suspended. This includes all new member activities. This action is being taken because of alleged University policy violations by the chapter.  Allegations include (but are not limited to): respect for others, causing an emergency and providing alcohol to minors.

If this order is violated, the Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity and/or individual members will be immediately charged with further violations of the University Code of Conduct and disciplinary action will be taken.  

The Office of Student Conduct & Community Expectations will begin an investigation and this interim suspension will remain in effect until the formal resolution of these allegations is concluded.   Failure to comply with the terms of interim suspension will result in additional charges.


Additionally, the Lehigh University Code of Conduct requires that students and student organizations not only know and adhere to the Code of Conduct, but cooperate with the University when investigating violations.

 If you have further questions, please contact the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs at (610) 758-4157.

Monday, March 24, 2014

A Message from Lehigh's Panhellenic President



The Lehigh Council of Student Presidents, also known as CSP, has come together to create this video to respond to the blatant acts of racism that occurred on campus last semester.  Though time has passed and those events might just be a distant memory for some, we want to remind you that those acts of discrimination should not be forgotten, and are more relevant now than ever.  Marginalization is an issue that is ever present in our world, so we must never forget that our fight against it should be strong and ongoing.  

It is important for Lehigh University, as a whole, to remember that our community is comprised of individuals.  Because of this, every person on this campus has a personal responsibility to continue to make changes in their lives to increase campus inclusion as well as improve our campus climate.  

One of the ways you can start making an immediate difference on this campus is by addressing the issues we are currently facing with the new phone app Yik Yak.  Many people who have downloaded the app are very disheartened that members of our community could make such insensitive and hurtful comments.  As leaders on this campus and as members of the Greek Community, I hope you can see why apps such as Yik Yak work against the strong community we are working towards here at Lehigh.  I urge you to help address this issue of Yik Yak by deleting it and encouraging others to do the same.  

As you watch this video, please reflect on the thoughts of your campus presidents, as well as their pledges to change this campus into one we are proud of.  

I challenge you - what will you do to change this campus for the better? 


Thank you, 
Kaitlin Slattery 

President, Panhellenic Council 

Thursday, March 20, 2014

Conduct Updates



Pi Kappa Alpha

On March 15, 2014 a disciplinary conference was held before Christopher J. Mulvihill, to adjudicate the
charges below:

Respect for Self A1 (Unauthorized Consumption, Distribution, or Possession)
The unauthorized or illegal consumption, distribution, or possession of alcohol.

Respect for Others (General)
Lehigh University expects that all students will act in a civil manner that reflects maturity, social
responsibility, and respect towards others and the Lehigh Community.

Respect for Community I1 (Posted Rules and Regulations)
Violating any Lehigh University policies, rules, or regulations, including but not limited to, residential
living policies (General Provisions for Occupancy) and policies related to the use of the university
computer network.

The incident these charges were related to is described below:

On or about January 14, 2014 Pi Kappa Alpha hosted an off campus social event in which underage
students were provided alcohol. Pi Kappa Alpha bought bottles of champagne for the new members of
Zeta Tau Alpha (all of whom are under 21). One of the sorority's new members consumed large quantities
of alcohol, asked to be taken to the Pi Kappa Alpha house and was allegedly given marijuana to smoke.
She became highly agitated and was taken back to her residence hall. She was visibly intoxicated and
needed assistance in getting into her residence hall, but Pi Kappa Alpha members failed to get medical
assistance.

Pi Kappa Alpha pleaded responsible to charge 1 and not responsible to charges 2 and 3 to the charges.

After reviewing the information related to incident, the Hearing Officer made the following finding(s)
regarding the violation(s) for which Pi Kappa Alpha were charged:

1. Respect for Self A1 (Unauthorized Consumption, Distribution, or Possession) -- Responsible
2. Respect for Others (General) -- Responsible
3. Respect for Community I1 (Posted Rules and Regulations) -- Not Responsible

Pi Kappa Alpha  is placed on deferred dissolution from March 15, 2014 through May 31, 2014. The sanction of disciplinary dissolution may be placed in deferred status for a limited period of time. During this period of time, the organization is on notice that any further violations of the Code of Conduct will result in the dissolution that was originally defined becoming effective immediately without further review.

Disciplinary Deferred Dissolution may not be imposed for longer than two regular semesters. If this
sanction is imposed during a semester, it may be imposed for the remainder of that semester and two
additional semesters.

Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity is placed on disciplinary probation effective May 31, 2014 through
December 31, 2014. Disciplinary probation is the conditional continuation of a group or organization for
a specified period of time not to exceed four semesters. This status implies that any further violation of
this Code of Conduct may result in dissolution, termination, or other authorized sanctions. Other
sanctions may be imposed, including limitations on social activities, and additional requirements may be
imposed as conditions for reinstatement of recognition in good standing.

The organization will be alcohol free effective March 15, 2014 through May 31, 2014. The chapter cannot
host any events in the house with alcohol and individual members are not permitted to have alcohol in
their rooms. The chapter can host non-alcoholic events during the probationary period.

The chapter is required to work with Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority and OFSA on a comprehensive educational
program on the Lehigh University Medical Amnesty policy for the entire Greek Community. A portion of
this program must include education for spring 2015 Greek new members. It is to be completed by
October 15, 2014.

The chapter will develop an educational program on a topic to be determined in conjunction with OFSA.


Key Facts
1. Admission of purchasing alcohol
2. Admission that marijuana was likely smoked at the house
3. Admission by members that she was carried to her residence hall room.






Zeta Tau Alpha
On March 15, 2014 a disciplinary conference was held before Christopher J. Mulvihill, to adjudicate the
charges below:

Respect for Self A1 (Unauthorized Consumption, Distribution, or Possession)
The unauthorized or illegal consumption, distribution, or possession of alcohol.

Respect for Others (General)
Lehigh University expects that all students will act in a civil manner that reflects maturity, social
responsibility, and respect towards others and the Lehigh Community.

Respect for Community A1 (False Information)
Intentionally furnishing false information to a university official, hearing panel, or conduct officer.

Respect for Others D1 (Hazing)
Hazing as defined in the Lehigh University Code of Conduct.

After reviewing the information related to incident, the Hearing Officer made the following finding(s)
regarding the violation(s) for which Zeta Tau Alpha was charged:
1. Respect for Self A1 (Unauthorized Consumption, Distribution, or Possession) -- Responsible
2. Respect for Others (General) -- Responsible
3. Respect for Community A1 (False Information) -- Not Responsible
4. Respect for Others D1 (Hazing) -- Not Responsible


As a result of this behavior the following sanction(s) will be imposed:

The organization is placed on deferred dissolution effective March 15, 2014 through December 31,
2014. The sanction of disciplinary dissolution may be placed in deferred status for a limited period of time. During this period of time, the organization is on notice that any further violations of the Code of
Conduct will result in the dissolution that was originally defined becoming effective immediately without
further review. Disciplinary Deferred Dissolution may not be imposed for longer than two regular
semesters. If this sanction is imposed during a semester, it may be imposed for the remainder of that
semester and two additional semesters.

Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority is placed on disciplinary probation effective January 1, 2015 through May 31,
2015. Disciplinary probation is the conditional continuation of a group or organization for a specified
period of time not to exceed four semesters. This status implies that any further violation of this Code of
Conduct may result in dissolution, termination, or other authorized sanctions. Other sanctions may be
imposed, including limitations on social activities, and additional requirements may be imposed as
conditions for reinstatement of recognition in good standing.

The organization will be alcohol free effective March 15, 2014 through December 31, 2014. The chapter
cannot host any events in the house with alcohol and individual members are not permitted to have
alcohol in their rooms. The chapter can host non-alcoholic events during the probationary period.

The chapter is required to work with Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity and OFSA on a comprehensive
educational program on the Lehigh University Medical Amnesty policy for the entire Greek Community.
A portion of this program must include education for spring 2015 Greek new members. It is to be
completed by October 15, 2014.

The chapter is required to implement all of the sanctions imposed by Zeta Tau Alpha's International
Headquarters. It is to be completed by December 31, 2014.

The chapter is required to write a self-reflection on this incident, the outcomes, and the future of the
chapter. It is to be completed by December 31, 2014.

Key Facts:
1)The organization admitted to planning and organizing the event in which alcohol was distributed.
2) A sober monitor was called to Pi Kappa Alpha to transport the new member home.
3) Two executive board members were present and failed to seek medical assistance.

4) The new member needed to be carried to her residence hall room.

Friday, March 14, 2014

Phi Kappa Theta Helps Orphanage Over Spring Break







Orchid Foundation, Inc., a non-profit corporation, is dedicated to the continued service and maintenance of the Armando Rosenberg Home and School. The orphanage, located in Sabana Perdida, the largest barrio in Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic, currently houses one hundred and forty children from throughout the Dominican Republic. There are, in addition, seven hundred students who walk to school from surrounding areas for education. Two new High School buildings have recently been completed with a daily occupancy of 1200.

This year members of Phi Kappa Theta Fraternity spent their time painting buildings and doing general labor around the facilities. Two of the members speak English and Spanish and were able to spend time with the teachers to help teach them English so that they can pass this knowledge down to the students. Members also spent plenty of time interacting with the children, who often do not get the attention they deserve and need.



A reflection from Eric Glocke, '16:
Brothers Reborn

            Let me start by saying this was my second time visiting the Dominican Republic for community service with the brothers of Phi Kappa Theta.  Both times have been very different, from the work we did, to the overall experience.  During my first time there, I simply was a general participant of the trip, however, this second time around, I was lucky enough to lead my fellow brothers on the trip, which I hoped to share the same experience I had, my first go around.  I learned, however, it was best to let each individual see and discover for themselves.  I simply want to say, that during this trip I saw a different side of every brother and could not be more proud to consider them my brothers who will be there long after we graduate.  With each passing day, the way they carried themselves and became closer to those we worked with at the orphanage, and closer with each other, over their shared experiences, truly humbled me.  I saw egos break down, perspectives change and reflection upon their own lives and how they swore to push themselves, to never forget how truly blessed we are and to never forget the many children who impacted them so greatly.  My only regret is not being able to share this experience with every brother of Phi Kappa Theta, but at the same time it’s true that each individual will create their own if given the opportunity. 




Thanks to the generous donations of friends, family, and Phi Kappa Theta alumni, eleven members of Phi Kappa Theta Fraternity participated in this wonderful experience. Please consider donating to help future members participate in this opportunity:  http://ignite.lehigh.edu/pkt




Monday, March 10, 2014

Meeting Regarding the Fraternity Management Association



There will be a meeting for all undergraduate students today at 5 pm in Perella Auditorium - Rauch 184 to learn more about the financial situation regarding the Fraternity Management Association. We welcome all to attend to have an opportunity to learn more about this situation as well as ask questions. The Office of Residential Services and Fraternity and Sorority Affairs staff members will be in attendance to provide this information and answer your questions.


Should you have questions prior to this meeting, please email infrasor@lehigh.edu or call 610.758.3500 (Office of Residential Services) or 610.758.4157 (Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs).