Update: 11.16.2017
Sigma Chi Headquarters staff confirmed that the Fraternity has voted to suspend the Alpha Rho charter at Lehigh University.
Update: 11.16.2017
Sigma Chi chapter leadership notified the Office of Student Conduct and Community Expectations and shared that the chapter would not be appealing the decision to dissolve the chapter. As a result, the disciplinary process is complete.
Original Post: 11.15.2017
Sigma Chi Fraternity was placed on interim social suspension on November 1, 2017, following an incident on October 13, 2017, in which two students were hospitalized for alcohol-related medical emergencies and another student was cited for underage drinking. When one student required medical assistance while at a Sigma Chi off-campus residence, none of the members called for help. Additionally, Sigma Chi Fraternity General Headquarters suspended all chapter activities pending an investigation and review of the chapter.
Sigma Chi Headquarters staff confirmed that the Fraternity has voted to suspend the Alpha Rho charter at Lehigh University.
Update: 11.16.2017
Sigma Chi chapter leadership notified the Office of Student Conduct and Community Expectations and shared that the chapter would not be appealing the decision to dissolve the chapter. As a result, the disciplinary process is complete.
Original Post: 11.15.2017
Sigma Chi Fraternity was placed on interim social suspension on November 1, 2017, following an incident on October 13, 2017, in which two students were hospitalized for alcohol-related medical emergencies and another student was cited for underage drinking. When one student required medical assistance while at a Sigma Chi off-campus residence, none of the members called for help. Additionally, Sigma Chi Fraternity General Headquarters suspended all chapter activities pending an investigation and review of the chapter.
Separately, the fraternity was placed on Disciplinary Deferred Dissolution beginning on April 27, 2017, through December 18, 2017, following three significant alcohol violations in one calendar year. This disciplinary status placed the organization on notice, meaning any further violations of the Code of Conduct would result in the dissolution of the organization.
The Office of Student Conduct and Community Expectations conducted an investigation, and the chapter accepted responsibility for all charges brought against the chapter. As a result, the University Committee on Discipline (UCOD) convened on Tuesday, November 14, 2017, for a sanctions-only hearing to resolve the charges listed below:
Respect for Community O1 (Organizational failure to seek medical attention)
Violation of Part II.d. of the Medical Amnesty Policy which states that student organizations are required to seek medical attention for members or guests when any potential health risk is observed.
Respect for Community I1B (Social policy - 1.D.11.a - 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 Community J1 (Encouraging Others)
Encouraging or facilitating others in actions that violate the Code of Conduct.
Respect for Community A1 (False Information)
Intentionally furnishing false information to a university official, hearing panel, or conduct officer.
Respect for Self A1 (Unauthorized Consumption, Distribution, or Possession)
The unauthorized or illegal consumption, distribution, or possession of alcohol.
After careful deliberation, the Committee dissolved the fraternity effective November 14, 2017 through May 31, 2020. Dissolution is the loss of University recognition and the privilege to use the University’s name or represent it in any capacity. In addition, the chapter will lose all privileges to use University equipment or facilities, and this includes access to group housing.
The chapter will be eligible to return to Lehigh at the end of the dissolution period, provided the campus is open to expansion and is subject to recognition processes in place at that time. Should affiliated students fail to comply with sanctions and operate as an underground or unrecognized group without University recognition, oversight, and approval, this would jeopardize and further delay the chapter’s ability to return to campus.
The Committee gave the following rationale for its decision:
dangerously intoxicated and even hospitalized. Additionally, the chapter has a history of other alcohol
related incidents over the past two years. The panel believes that the chapters failure to be proactive in the
past has led to this latest incident. While the panel believes that a re-org could have worked at some point
over the past several semesters, we do not believe that this is a solution for what seems to be an extensive
problem.
The chapter retains the right to appeal the decision, and the Office of Student Conduct and Community has informed the fraternity leadership of the deadlines and process for appeals as outlined in the Lehigh University Code of Conduct. If an appeal is submitted by the Friday, November 17, 2017 deadline, the Disciplinary Appeals Committee will meet to make a determination shortly thereafter. If the appeal is denied, the conduct hearing outcome will be upheld. If the appeal is granted, a new conduct hearing would occur.
The fraternity will lose University recognition and access to group housing immediately upon conclusion of the University’s disciplinary process. Sigma Chi undergraduates living in the facility will not be relocated immediately so as to not disrupt students’ living arrangements mid-semester. In the interim, the space will be transitioned into a traditional residence facility.
Residential Services staff are prepared to assist students regarding alternative housing options for the spring semester and thereafter. Sophomore students are required to live on campus. Juniors and seniors requesting the opportunity to live on campus will be accommodated; however, these students also have the option of being released from housing contracts without penalty to secure off campus housing. Additional information regarding on campus housing opportunities and instructions will be shared with students by Residential Services. Housing-specific questions should be directed to Residential Services at inrsd@lehigh.edu or (610) 758-3500. Additionally, no decisions have been made regarding the facility and its future purpose for the upcoming year and thereafter.
We recognize that losing a chapter certainly has an impact across our fraternity and sorority community. Please know that Fraternity & Sorority Affairs is committed to supporting students as they navigate this transition so that they may enjoy a meaningful and worthwhile experience at Lehigh.
In closing, we are wholeheartedly committed to promoting a fraternal culture of excellence alongside health and safety. Fraternity and sorority life has a long-standing and proud history at Lehigh where members live by their respective founding principles that foster leadership, service, scholarship, integrity, and friendship. Together, we will carry on in our efforts to strengthen the fraternity and sorority experience through positive impact, strong leadership, and culture change. We believe in our community, and our potential is boundless.