As discussed at council meetings over the past week, the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs has been working through various investigations with several chapters over the past few weeks. We are at a point that I can provide you all updates as to the status of these various situations. Due to the length of these e-mails, I will break them down over several e-mails.
Theta Xi:
On January 26, 2013, the Theta Xi Fraternity chapter was involved in an incident in which the
organization's behavior violated the Lehigh University Code of Conduct. In an administrative hearing, the chapter took
responsibility for the following charges:
CHARGES:
- Respect for Community B1 (Causing an Emergency) Intentionally or recklessly causing an emergency or dangerous environment.
- 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.
- Respect for Property A1A (Vandalism) Intentionally or recklessly interfering with the property of another, including taking without permission, destroying, defacing, or damaging the property of another.
-
Respect for Community I1B (Irresponsible Distribution of Alcohol)
Violating the Lehigh University Social Policy 1.D.11.a (11.
Irresponsible distribution of alcohol is prohibited. a. Any occasion
where the atmosphere or circumstances are such that the intended or
likely outcome is to either abuse alcohol or become intoxicated.
Examples of irresponsible distribution of alcohol include but are not
limited to kegs, funnels, shot parties, hotel parties, Beirut games,
pong ball, scorpion bowls, chugging contests or other organized drinking
games.)
- Respect for Property E1 (Gross Disregard)The theft, mutilation, destruction, defacing, and/or gross disregard of any Lehigh property.
- Respect for Self A1 (Unauthorized Consumption) The unauthorized or illegal consumption, distribution, or possession of alcohol.
- The chapter is placed on disciplinary deferred dissolution effective January 26, 2013 through December 31, 2013. 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.
- Theta Xi Fraternity is placed on disciplinary probation effective January 1, 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 January 26, 2013 through December 31, 2014.
The chapter cannot host any events in the house with alcohol and individual members, even
those over 21, are not permitted to have alcohol in their rooms. The chapter can host nonalcoholic
events during the probationary period. - The chapter is required to work with OFSA, their alumni and their national office on developing
a recruitment/new member education plan for the Spring 2013 semester. This plan must be
approved by OFSA before any recruitment or new member education can begin. - The chapter is required to follow any plan and/or instructions by the national office on the
reorganization of the chapter. - The chapter is required to pay all costs for cleaning, police and staff time, and other costs related
to this incident. OFSA will prepare a statement listing the costs. - The chapter is being assessed a fine in the amount of $500.00 for a Major Fire Code Violations..
It is the responsibility of the Chapter to make sure that payment is made in the form of a check
made payable to Lehigh University. The fine must be received at the Office of Residential
Service no later than March 8, 2013. - The chapter will work with their alumni and OFSA to reintroduce alcohol to the chapter house
during the Fall 2014 semester on a limited basis.this plan is to be completed and approved by
May 31, 2014.
Thank You,
Tim