The Lehigh University chapter of The Kappa Alpha Society (KA in VL) has received a second consecutive rating of Unaccredited by the 2017-18 Accreditation panel. The findings of the Accreditation panel, comprised of student, alumni and staff members were the result of thoughtful and extensive deliberation. These findings were subsequently reviewed and accepted by Vice-Provost for Student Affairs, Dr. Ric Hall. Per policies enacted by the Strengthening Greek Life Task Force in 2003-04, a second consecutive rating of Unaccredited results in a loss of chapter recognition and university group housing being immediately withdrawn. The following is excerpted from the 2017-18 Accreditation report, the full report can be found here.
Kappa Alpha worked to establish a foundation for the fraternity through the creation of a mission statement and bylaws and basic facilities management, among other things. However, much of their efforts were the result of required sanctions and the committee feels strongly that the chapter did not demonstrate enough growth to indicate that they deserve to continue as a recognized organization on this campus. Most notably, the chapter’s conduct record has continued to increase, despite efforts to develop a comprehensive risk management plan and establish cultural changes. The chapter has failed at holding members accountable and making difficult unpopular decisions about who should hold membership within the chapter. When Kappa Alpha was required to conduct a membership review, a true opportunity for some immediate culture change and renewed expectation setting, the chapter did not follow recommendations and failed to fairly and effectively evaluate every member of the organization. This is a blatant disregard of the severity of their situation and is just the most recent example of their inability to follow through on feedback and recommendations.
The following statement made by the 2016-2017 Accreditation committee continues to remain true, “Kappa Alpha has remained stagnant and has continued to ignore repeated recommendations made by the committee across all metrics.” The chapter has been consistently reminded by the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs, the Office of Student Conduct and Community Expectations, Accreditation committees, their alumni, and other stakeholders that they needed to show improvement around general member accountability, their impact as an organization on the community around them, garnering member buy-in, and academic performance. The lacking sense of urgency from the chapter leadership combined with the deep-seated general member apathy has prevented Kappa Alpha from creating sustained cultural change. Kappa Alpha has been rated Unaccredited for 2017-2018, a second consecutive year, thus immediately losing chapter recognition and rights to group housing.
The fraternity and sorority experience is at a critical crossroads--nationally and locally--as many call into question its relevancy and continued existence on the American college campus. Now more than ever, fraternal organizations need radical vision, leadership, and courage to realign the experience we all value so deeply. There exists boundless potential for fraternal organizations to promote a culture of excellence, advocate for social change, champion inclusion and equity, engage in controversy with civilly, and develop globally-minded and conscientious leaders.