The University Committee on Discipline met on March 10, 2016 to adjudicate Cases 2015202706.
2015204502, and 2015216201.
Kappa Sigma Fraternity was charged with the same charges in relation to three incidents that occurred on three separate dates--November 20, 2015, November 21, 2015, and December 2, 2015:
Respect for the Law 1
Lehigh University expects that its student members will act in accordance with all applicable federal,
state, or local laws.
Respect for Community (General)
As members of the Lehigh University Community, students are expected to serve as ethical
representatives. They are expected to know and follow the Code of Conduct, and show respect for the
faculty, staff, community members and administrative processes that are in place to maintain and support our community standards. Students are expected to hold themselves and others accountable and report violations of the Code of Conduct or other violations to the University.
Incident Summary: Multiple members of Kappa Sigma were cited for disorderly house off campus on the dates listed above.
The chapter pleaded responsible to the charges for incident 1 and 2 and not responsible for incident 3.
After reviewing the information related to incident, the Committee found Kappa Sigma responsible for both charges for all three incidents. As a result of this behavior the following sanctions were imposed:
Kappa Sigma Fraternity is placed on Disciplinary Probation effective May 31, 2017 through December 31, 2017. 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 following educational sanction is being imposed. The chapter is required to meet with a conduct officer to develop and institute a plan for how to navigate major events, including Lehigh-Lafayette. Also, to disseminate the plan to current members and to institute procedures for more impromptu
gatherings. It is to be completed by April 8, 2016.
The following educational sanction is being imposed. The chapter is required to meet with an alumnus to better communicate with alumni about expectations and responsibilities for their personal conduct when they visit Lehigh. It is to be completed by April 8, 2016.
Rationale for Findings: The representatives of Lehigh's Kappa Sigma chapter plead responsible for the both of the November incidents. After hearing the details of the gathering on December 2nd: having about twenty-five members in a house, playing music without sound check, and drinking on a weeknight, We conclude that Kappa Sigma is also responsible for this disturbance to the community.
Rationale for Sanctions:
The primary sanction of disciplinary probation is extended through December 2017, since the Kappa
Sigma members were not notified of the previous sanctioning before these events happened. Extending the probation through the Fall of 2017 ensures that the Kappa Sigma chapter will be on probation through the next two Lehigh-Lafayette games. We hope that Kappa Sigma takes the December 2nd event as a learning opportunity to be more aware of their impact on the community.