Update: 2/19/2015 3:30PM
On or about January 27, 2015, the Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority chapter was involved in an incident in
which the organization's behavior violated the Lehigh University Code of Conduct. The chapter took responsibility for the following charges:
CHARGES:
Respect for Self A1 (Unauthorized Consumption, Distribution, or Possession)
The unauthorized or illegal consumption, distribution, or possession of alcohol.
As a result of this behavior the following sanction(s) are imposed:
Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority is placed on disciplinary probation effective February 19, 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 Chapter is required to work with OFSA to develop 5 self reflection questions related to this incident
and what was learned. The chapter will answer these questions as a group and the answers may be posted
on the OFSA Blog. It is to be completed by March 27, 2015.
The Chapter is required to work with OFSA and their national office on developing an action plan to
address weakness in chapter management as indicated by the National Office. It is to be completed by
March 27, 2015.
The Chapter is required to complete all educational sanctions put in place by the organization's National
Office and to report to OFSA about progress and completion.
The organization retains it's right to appeal this decision as outlined in the Lehigh University Code of Conduct. If the organization chooses to appeal, the appeal is due to the Office of Student Conduct &
Community Expectations no later than the close of business on February 24, 2015. Appeals can be filed
online at: http://lehigh.edu/go/discappeals.
Update: 2/19/2015 2:15PM
Kappa Alpha Theta was placed upon interim suspension on February 13, 2015, for a number of allegations including endangering the health and safety of other students, providing alcohol to minors, and failure to follow the chapter’s approved new member education plan. Although the investigation is still ongoing, the interim suspension has been lifted with the exception of social events.
On or about January 27, 2015, the Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority chapter was involved in an incident in
which the organization's behavior violated the Lehigh University Code of Conduct. The chapter took responsibility for the following charges:
CHARGES:
Respect for Self A1 (Unauthorized Consumption, Distribution, or Possession)
The unauthorized or illegal consumption, distribution, or possession of alcohol.
As a result of this behavior the following sanction(s) are imposed:
Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority is placed on disciplinary probation effective February 19, 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 Chapter is required to work with OFSA to develop 5 self reflection questions related to this incident
and what was learned. The chapter will answer these questions as a group and the answers may be posted
on the OFSA Blog. It is to be completed by March 27, 2015.
The Chapter is required to work with OFSA and their national office on developing an action plan to
address weakness in chapter management as indicated by the National Office. It is to be completed by
March 27, 2015.
The Chapter is required to complete all educational sanctions put in place by the organization's National
Office and to report to OFSA about progress and completion.
The organization retains it's right to appeal this decision as outlined in the Lehigh University Code of Conduct. If the organization chooses to appeal, the appeal is due to the Office of Student Conduct &
Community Expectations no later than the close of business on February 24, 2015. Appeals can be filed
online at: http://lehigh.edu/go/discappeals.
Update: 2/19/2015 2:15PM
Kappa Alpha Theta was placed upon interim suspension on February 13, 2015, for a number of allegations including endangering the health and safety of other students, providing alcohol to minors, and failure to follow the chapter’s approved new member education plan. Although the investigation is still ongoing, the interim suspension has been lifted with the exception of social events.
Original Post: 2/13/15 4:30PM
As of February 13, 2015 all activities of the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority at
Lehigh University have been temporarily suspended. This action is being
taken because of alleged University policy violations by the chapter and its
members during the new member education process. Allegations include: endangering the health
and safety of other students, providing alcohol to minors, and failure to
follow the chapter’s approved new member education plan.
This interim suspension mandates that no chapter activities of any kind may occur, either on Lehigh's campus or off-campus for Kappa Alpha Theta. This specifically includes but is not limited to, new member activities.
Active chapter members are also to
have no further contact with any new members of the Epsilon Rho Chapter in any way (personally, electronic, through third parties,
etc.) until further notice. This includes Epsilon Rho new members being
present at the chapter facility and/or any off-campus facilities where chapter
members live.
If this order is violated, individuals
and/or the chapter will be immediately charged with further violations of the
University Code of Conduct and disciplinary action will be taken. This
"no contact" order does not imply any judgment regarding the factual
nature of the incident.
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 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.
The Epsilon Rho alumnae leadership and Kappa Alpha Theta Headquarters have been contacted as well. If you have further questions, please contact the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs at (610) 758-4157.
The Epsilon Rho alumnae leadership and Kappa Alpha Theta Headquarters have been contacted as well. If you have further questions, please contact the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs at (610) 758-4157.