Below you will find an update on the conduct status of Theta Chi, stemming from incidents that occurred in the spring 2013 semester. Due to the final outcomes of Theta Chi's conduct hearings occurring after the classed ended, OFSA made the decision to post this information in the beginning of the fall semester, when students were back in session. Per OFSA protocols, Theta Chi alumni and parents of active members have also been notified. If you have questions regarding this, please contact us at x84157,
Thank You,
Tim
On April 24, 2013 the Theta Chi Fraternity, Beta Sigma Chapter, was placed on Disciplinary Deferred Dissolution through December 31, 2013 as a result of two separate conduct cases and an Administrative Hearing.
The first disciplinary case resulted in the following charges:
· Respect for Community due to furnishing false information to a university official
· Respect for Community due to a failure to comply with the reasonable requests of university officials
· Respect for Self due to unauthorized or illegal consumption, distribution, or possession of alcohol
The incident these charges were related to is described below:
The chapter continued their new member education program past the deadline they submitted to the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs without permission (Respect for Community), and past the deadline outlined by the University for initiation (Respect for Community).During the investigation members and new members admitted that there was alcohol available to new members under 21 years of age at off campus events (Respect for Self).
The Hearing Officer found the Beta Sigma chapter responsible for all three violations.
The second disciplinary case resulted in the following charges:
· Respect for Others due to actions toward Lehigh community members
· Respect for Property due to vandalism and intentionally or recklessly interfering with the property of another
· Respect for Community due to failure to comply with the reasonable requests of university officials
The incident these charges are related to is described below:
LUPD was dispatched to Theta Chi for a report of males breaking bottles. When LUPD arrived there was no one on the north side of the house, but several brothers on the south side of the house smoking. The police saw about 5 cases of empty bottles on the grass area and many broken bottles near the concrete septic tank lid. The chapter was cited for disorderly behavior after officers reported that the members were uncooperative.
The Hearing Officer found the Beta Sigma chapter responsible for all three violations.
The alleged incidents and behaviors of members for both conduct cases were incongruent with the values, purpose and objectives of both Theta Chi and Lehigh University.
The following sanctions have been imposed:
· The chapter is placed on Disciplinary Deferred Dissolution effective April 24, 2013 through December 31, 2013. During this period of time, the organization is on notice that any further violations of the Code of Conduct will result in dissolution.
· Theta Chi Fraternity is placed on disciplinary probation effective January 1, 2014 through May 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 chapter is required to have alumni representation present at initiation ceremonies during the Spring 2014 semester and provide verification to OFSA that this occurred by signed affidavit. It is to be completed by March 21, 2014.
· The chapter must work with your alumni and national office to develop a written plan outlining the steps the chapter will take to comply with the sanctions and show how the chapter will manage the alcohol free environment. The plan must be signed by all members, the alumni advisor and a representative of the national organization. It is to be completed by September 5, 2013.
· The organization will be alcohol free effective April 24, 2013 through December 31, 2013. 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 this period.