Conduct Update: Sigma Chi

Sigma Chi Fraternity was involved in an incident on April 20, 2016, in which the chapter's behavior violated the Lehigh University Code of Conduct.  

Charges: 
Respect for Community I1B (Social policy - 1.D.11.a - Irresponsible Distribution of Alcohol) 

Incident Summary: 
LUPD and BPD stopped at an off campus Sigma Chi party for a report of a noise violation. An underage member of Sigma Chi was highly intoxicated and transported to St. Luke's. 

The chapter took responsibility for the charge. As a result of this behavior the following sanction(s) will be imposed: 

Sigma Chi Fraternity is placed on disciplinary probation effective May 9, 2016 through December 31, 2016. 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. Work with Bystander Intervention Committee to set up a training for at least 75% of the chapter to include members from each class, including 5th year seniors. Contact Pete Costa to schedule this training at pjc212@lehigh.edu. It is to be completed by October 31, 2016. 

Send appropriate members to TIPS training as required by OFSA. It is to be completed by October 31, 2016. 

The chapter retains its right to appeal this decision as outlined in the Lehigh University Student Handbook.

Staff Announcement: Liz Shayler

We are excited to share that Elizabeth Shayler has been selected to serve as the new Associate Director of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs!  

Liz has worked as an Assistant Director since August 2014 and, in that time, she has established trusting relationships with students; demonstrated excellent communication and project management skills; and shown a strong understanding of all aspects of OFSA and its role within the Lehigh community.  Liz has a solid track record in creating successful and meaningful partnerships with others, and recent broader Student Affairs contributions include leading the campus-wide Hazing Prevention Coalition and serving as a member of the Lehigh After Dark Operations Team. Prior to her work at Lehigh, Elizabeth worked at Harvard College, Pace University, and Vanderbilt University. 

               

In this new role, Liz will manage many of the educational and bLUeprint initiatives within OFSA; be responsible for communication processes across the department; work closely with chapter and alumni advisors to provide resources and training opportunities; assist with conduct follow-up and crisis response; and oversee the annual Accreditation process.

Those that interviewed Liz provided overwhelmingly positive feedback when evaluating her candidacy.  They said the following:

She is the best choice for the job…I find her to be smart, engaging, aware, and able to collaborate in meaningful ways.

Overall, I think she hit it out of the park…She can hit the ground running and, having built up capital with students, organizations, and others would be a serious asset.

Elizabeth is in an excellent position to take on responsibilities as well as represent OFSA in a manner that would be expected of the Associate Director…Elizabeth's continuity is important.  In a nutshell, I think it would be a mistake not to hire Elizabeth.

Liz’s will transition into this role effective July 1st. Feel free to send Liz a congratulatory message at els414@lehigh.edu

While we understand that it seems that many changes are taking place, we are truly excited for the opportunity to move the OFSA in this direction while also providing additional staffing support and continuity within the office.  A search is underway to fill Liz’s current position, and we will be in contact with council, chapter, and alumni leadership shortly regarding Liz’s transition into her new role and its impact on her current assignments and responsibilities.

Fraternity and Sorority Leadership Awards

Thank you to everyone to attended the Fraternity and Sorority Leadership Awards!! It was a celebratory evening, and we greatly enjoyed taking a moment to recognize the accomplishments of our collective community and it’s members. We would like to give a GIANT SHOUT OUT to all of the organizations and individuals who we recognized. They include the following: 

Excellence in Community Development

Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Incorporated

Panhellenic Council

Excellence in Commitment to Service

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated

Excellence in Collaborative Efforts

Alpha Omicron Pi

Excellence in Community Relations

Alpha Epsilon Pi

Excellence in Creating Social Change

Greek Allies

Excellence in Campus Involvement

Joseph Mitri of Sigma Phi Epsilon

Rachel Sholder of Alpha Gamma Delta

Lyasha Bishop of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated

Excellence in Community Service and Philanthropy

Katie MacLachlan of Kappa Alpha Theta

Emily Seiple of Alpha Omicron Pi

Excellence in Inclusive Leadership

Bailey Shelton of Sigma Phi Epsilon

Grace Wong of Zeta Tau Alpha

Excellence in Peer Mentorship

Aaron Zacharia of Delta Chi

Priya Chokshi of Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Incorporated

Excellence in Inspiring Change

Shane Wolfe of Alpha Epsilon Pi

Tristan Seton of Delta Upsilon

Excellence in Community Leadership

Margaret Burnett of Kappa Delta

Ellen Weich of Alpha Gamma Delta

Program of Distinction

Mu Sigma Upsilon Sorority, Incorporated for Dining in the Dark

Alpha Phi for Red Dress Gala

Most Improved Organization

Alpha Tau Omega

Advisor of the Year

Matt Kitchie as Faculty Advisor for Sigma Phi Epsilon

Emerging Leader of the Year

Djenne Dickens of Mu Sigma Upsilon Sorority, Inc.

Suited for Leadership

Morgan Coonrad of Kappa Alpha Theta

Living the Ritual

Rebecca Holowienka of Pi Beta Phi

Jose Sierra of Pi Kappa Alpha

President of the Year

Jen Finley of Zeta Tau Alpha

Kyle Durics of Alpha Tau Omega

Greek Leader of the Year

Gladys Castellon of Mu Sigma Upsilon Sorority, Incorporated

Mark Dimaggio of Sigma Phi Epsilon

Ally Briegel of Alpha Omicron Pi

Matt Bay of Phi Sigma Kappa

Congratulations again to all of the winners!!