On October 25, 2016 the University
Committee on Discipline met to adjudicate the following charges against Chi Psi
Fraternity:
Respect for Self A1 (Unauthorized
Consumption, Distribution, or Possession)
The unauthorized or illegal
consumption, distribution, or possession of alcohol.
Respect for Community J1
(Encouraging Others)
Encouraging or facilitating others
in actions that violate the Code of Conduct.
After reviewing the information
related to incident, the Committee made the following finding(s) regarding the
violation(s) for which you were charged:
1.
Respect for Self A1 (Unauthorized Consumption, Distribution, or Possession) --
Responsible
2.
Respect for Community J1 (Encouraging Others) -- Responsible
As a result of this behavior the
following sanction(s) will be imposed:
The organization is placed on Disciplinary
Deferred Dissolution from October 26, 2016 through
December 31, 2017. During this
period of time, the organization is on notice that any further violations of
the Code of Conduct will result in the dissolution of the organization
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.
Chi Psi Fraternity is placed on disciplinary probation effective
January 1, 2018 through December 31, 2018. 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 has lost its right
to register and host social events with alcohol effective October 26,
2016 through May 31, 2017. Events
without Alcohol may be held as long as they are in compliance with University policy.
The Chapter is required to develop
a strong new member education plan that can be used for Recruitment in Jan/Feb
2017. This plan must be approved by OFSA. The plan must include measures that
Chi Psi will use to ensure that its members follow the plan and university
policy to help mitigate future violations of the code of conduct. The due date
will be determined by OFSA
All sophomores and Spring 2017 new
members must participate in ASTP training either by Ashley Baudouin or her
designee. Costs to execute this training will be the responsibility of Chi Psi
Fraternity. It is to be completed by March 1, 2017.
The Chapter is required to work
with OFSA to develop a comprehensive risk management plan no later than
February 15, 2017. This plan must be approved by OFSA and all members must be
trained on this plan and sign a statement clarifying that they understand their
responsibilities under this plan.
The executive board is required to
work with Julie Ammary and Ashley Baudouin to structure a team consulting
sessions to ensure continuity of leadership and the maintenance of standards.
It is to be completed by March 31, 2017.
The Committee gave the following
rationale for the decision and sanctions:
Rationale
for Finding:
The panel finds the student signed
statement of 9/27 and the demeanor described by Conduct Officer during the 9/27
meeting to be more credible than the testimony provided today. Based on this it
is more likely than not that a student drank at least one alcoholic beverage
while at the off campus party hosted by Chi Psi indicating the organization
illegally distributed alcohol which was consumed by a minor. The panel is
concerned that upon receiving notification that he would have to testify
against Chi Psi and his teammates and/or Chi Psi finding out about the charges
that the student’s story changed. The student acknowledged that others helped
him “piece” together his story.
Key
Facts:
1. The statement signed by a
student on 9/27
2. Conduct Officer’s testimony and
assessment of meeting with the student
3. Testimony of organization
4. The organization provided no
witness testimony or statements from Chi Psi members who attended the party.
Rationale
for Sanctions:
The panel considered dissolution
however, we do believe that one student has the potential to lead the
organization in the right direction and begin a culture shift that will help
Chi Psi to be a value adding organization to the community. We believe it is
important for all members of Chi Psi to hold each other accountable and to be
able to clearly articulate the meaning and responsibility that come with
membership in Chi Psi separate from their responsibilities as football players.
Chi Psi Fraternity retains the
right to appeal this decision, and the Office of Student Conduct &
Community expectations has informed the fraternity leadership of the deadlines
and process for appeals as outlined in the Lehigh University Code of Conduct
(lehigh.edu/go/codeofconduct). If an appeal is submitted, the
Disciplinary Appeals Committee will meet to make a determination. If
the appeal is denied, the conduct hearing outcome will be upheld. If the
appeal is granted, a new conduct hearing would occur.