Alpha Epsilon Pi Fraternity Moves In Fall 2018

Alpha Epsilon Pi Fraternity will be assigned housing to Building 102 (formerly Sigma Chi Fraternity) beginning in Fall 2018.  The fraternity currently operates as a non-residential chapter, and this will be the group’s first opportunity to occupy a University-owned residence on the Hill.  

The chapter was welcomed into the fraternity and sorority community in 2015, and has experienced unprecedented growth in educational leadership and Jewish programming, brotherhood bonds, alumni engagement, and interest in the fraternity in recent years. The fraternity believes that the next step to furthering its fraternal mission--growing as a values-based organization, advancing Jewish student life initiatives, and integrating with the community--is to transition into a residential fraternity. 

We're thrilled that the chapter now has this opportunity, and look forward to the fraternity's continued successes at Lehigh and within the local community.

Opportunity to Attend National Fraternal Leadership Conference

 

OFSA is eager to announce an opportunity for fraternity/sorority current or up-and-coming leaders to attend a national leadership conference this February in Indianapolis, IN!

What is it? The AFLV-Central conference takes place every year in the spring, bringing together nearly 3,000 participants to engage in learning and skill development related to fraternal leadership. This year Lehigh is excited to be joining that national group and will be taking a small delegation to attend the conference from February 8-11, 2018.

Who should attend? Current sophomores or juniors (or non-graduating seniors) who are seeking to enhance their leadership knowledge and skills, to become more effective leaders for the fraternity/sorority and campus community. Particular consideration will be given to those with intentions to serve the fraternity/sorority community from a community leadership role (governing councils, GEM, etc.).

 
How is it funded? Though this opportunity costs roughly $900 per person, most costs are generously covered by the governing councils and DOS offices. Because of the significant financial investment, we are asking each student to submit a $100 deposit* to confirm their spot, which will be refunded at the end of the trip.

*Cost should not deter interested folks - if you have concern about affording the deposit, please reach out and we can discuss alternative arrangements and sponsorship opportunities.
What should I do now? Email jcg216@lehigh.edu! Or spread the word by sharing this post - remember that it's especially impactful when you share with a peer that you think they are a great leader and would enjoy/benefit from this experience. Please email your interest as soon as possible; by 1/10 at the latest!

More information about the conference: AFLV Website

Questions? Contact Corey Gant, Assistant Director of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs, jcg216@lehigh.edu

Farewell Malcolm McDaniel

We knew this day would come, but hoped it wouldn’t be so soon.  Malcolm McDaniel will be leaving us in the next month for an incredible opportunity as the Assistant Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life with Stevens Institute of Technology’s Office of Student Life.  In this new position, Malcolm will support Stevens’ 18-chapter fraternity and sorority community alongside its four governing councils.  He will provide guidance and oversight to the fraternity community in key areas, and this includes leadership development, new member education, risk management, and accreditation.  Malcolm will also work in partnership with the Office of Residence Life to assist with the management of off-campus residential facilities.   

During Malcolm’s tenure at Lehigh, he has served as the advisor to the Cultural Greek Council alongside 10 fraternities and sororities.  Under his guidance, the Cultural Greek Council has grown to welcome and strengthen new organizations alongside new members (double digits!), and the Council has now moved beyond traditional programming to address injustice while advocating for inclusion, equity, and access.  He’s also built strong and trusting relationships with a number of students, and has challenged others to deliver on their commitment as fraternity men and sorority women while asking for “receipts.”  Malcolm’s involvement also extends far beyond the fraternity and sorority community, as he’s worked closely with others across campus via the Community Service Office and Lehigh After Dark among others.     

We don’t know what we’ll miss most about Malcolm.  Perhaps his infamous guest performances at yard shows, better yet the killer impromptu lip sync of Beyoncé’s “Formation” at Base Camp? Perhaps his uncanny ability to communicate via gif that so perfectly captures a situation less words? Perhaps his love for any microphone and an audience?  In short, we’re incredibly grateful to have called Malcolm a colleague and friend.  

Please join us in congratulating Malcolm on this well-deserved opportunity.  We’ll share more details soon regarding a farewell gathering in Malcolm’s honor on his last day, but for now save the date: January 22, 2018.    ​

Best,

Team OFSA

Alpha Epsilon Pi hosts Lehigh After Dark event

Alpha Epsilon Pi recently held a Lehigh After Dark event and offered to guest author the latest blog post. Check out the chapter's reflections below!!




Last Saturday night, Alpha Epsilon Pi co-sponsored a Lehigh After Dark Event where
people from all backgrounds and graduating classes came together to have fun in a relaxed
environment. This type of event has been becoming increasingly more popular for Greek
organizations to be a part of, and after participating in one myself, I definitely want to make an
effort to continue them into the future. We decided to do our event at Skyzone and it was a
tremendous success. We had over 30 students attend, stretching from First years to Seniors
with members of many Greek organizations in attendance as well. The Skyzone staff was
extremely grateful that we brought so many people and the event allowed Lehigh students to
connect with people they normally wouldn’t have the chance to interact with.

With the rise of student hospitalizations at Lehigh and the dangers of alcohol abuse
becoming more present, events like this serve as a good outlet for students to have fun in an
alcohol free environment, and also get a solid hour of exercise in. While it is not a goal of most
people to stop students from partying all together, taking one night a week off from partying
and focusing on an event like this where you meet new people and do something that
promotes health, while also having fun, could potentially result in a much safer and healthier
student environment. I would highly recommend other chapters to take initiative and co-
sponsor a Lehigh After Dark event; it is extremely easy to apply, organize, and fund. The staff
makes running these events incredibly easy and minimizes the heavy majority of the cost to
host. We need to repair the Greek image on campus and this could be a big step in the right
direction.

Greek Recruitment Pregame: Assessment Insight

The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs launched the Greek Recruitment Pregame this fall.  This program was required for all students interested in joining a fraternity or sorority and also dubbed as a 5x10 for Inclusive Leadership.  In total, 633 students participated in the program.  Learn more about the experience in the assessment insight included below. 

Delta Chi Sponsors Fundraiser with Bethlehem Area Education Foundation

 

 

Delta Chi's four cardinal values are promoting friendship, developing character, advancing justice, and assisting in the acquisition of a sound education. 

Through fundraising money for the Bethlehem Area Education Foundation, the brothers of Delta Chi are looking to spread our values by supporting and advancing the local schools. 

The purpose of the Bethlehem Area Education Foundation's event similarly aligns with the values of Delta Chi:

-Mobilize the community to promote and foster the Bethlehem Area School District.
-Support educator innovation to advance curriculum and dynamic learning environments.
-Support school district programs that emphasize Core Learning, Stretch Learning, Student Engagement andPersonal Skill Development.
-Foster community and family partnerships.
-Raise and leverage necessary resources to support the mission of the Foundation.
-Develop a collaborative spirit and supportive relationships between the Bethlehem Area Education Foundation, the Bethlehem Area School District and the Bethlehem Education Association.

Delta Chi is participating in the Bethlehem Area Education Foundation's annual fundraising gala at the Sand Casino, sponsoring a table to benefit the city's schools and enable its teachers to pursue special projects with its students. The event has a minimum fundraising mark of $500, however Lehigh Delta Chi has set the objective at $5000 because all proceeds are going to the district and the tremendous faculty who advance its goals. While $5000 is our goal it is certainly not our ceiling, and any extra proceeds will go directly to the foundation. Any donation, small or large, is greatly appreciated by both Delta Chi, the community, and the students of Bethlehem!

The Link to the GoFundMe Page is below: 

https://www.gofundme.com/dx-supports-bethlehem-schools

Please Contact Lehigh Delta Chi's Philanthropy Chair, Matt Gibson, mlg220@lehigh.edu, with any questions or comments on this campaign!

Le/Laf: Step Up LU

Le/Laf: #HawksFlyTogether

Sigma Chi Fraternity: Loss of University Recognition (Conduct Update)

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.   

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:

Social events hosted by Sigma Chi over the last 2 semesters has led to multiple students becoming
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.

Le/Laf: Hail, All Hail Lehigh!

Feature Friday: Sigma Psi Zeta Sorority, Inc.

This week's Feature Friday goes out to Sigma Psi Zeta, Sorority Inc.

Sigma Psi Zeta Sorority, Inc. is a progressive multicultural sorority with roots in Asian/Pacific Islander American women's issues advocacy. They were founded March 23, 1994, at SUNY Albany by 10 women. Sigma Psi Zeta's philanthropy has been to combat violence against women, and they have 33 chapters across the country. 

 

This organization recently received provisional recognition at Lehigh University, which means that Sigma Psi Zeta is eligible to host informational meetings, scholarship events, or community service projects on campus in order to determine if there is interest in growing the organization. The provisional recognition will remain in place for three consecutive semesters beginning in Spring 2018.  Should provisional recognition be successful, the organization will have the opportunity to organize a chapter at Lehigh and welcome women into the organization. 

 

If you are interested in learning more about Sigma Psi Zeta, please feel free to visit their website at https://www.sigmapsizeta.org/ or contact Liz Suizzo at syzvisciana@gmail.com.

 

Back Story: The Cultural Greek Council is exploring opportunities to A) provide more options to students that might be interested in joining the community and B) to raise awareness of the various organizations that fit under the Cultural Greek Council umbrella. Sigma Psi Zeta has performed at two of the Council's annual Yard Shows, and the organization was well received across members and attendees.

Thank you again to the members of the committee that helped evaluate this organization.  They include the following:

Djenne Dickens

Bryce Macomber

Sydney O'Tapi

Corey Gant

Dr. Dahlia Hylton

Aarsenio Perry

Derrick Smith.