Chi Psi fraternity has been suspended until fall term of 2007 after a peer judicial board found last week that the fraternity was responsible for “behavior which threatens or endangers oneself or the well-being or safety of others,” it was announced by Dean of Students Steve Leavitt.
The Interfraternity Council Judicial Board heard a case involving the hospitalization from excessive drinking of a Chi Psi pledge, ruling that though it did not involve hazing, the incident was endangering.
“I felt that the circumstances surrounding the incident were serious enough to require strong action by the College,” Leavitt said, adding that though informed by the IFC Judicial Board, the sanction was his determination.
The College is committed to preserving the tradition of the Greek societies, Leavitt said, noting that two staff members – Dean Tom McEvoy and Assistant Director Lisa Bovino – have been assigned to work directly with the organizations to improve their position at the College.
Leavitt and McEvoy established the IFC Judicial Board to allow Greek students to adjudicate cases involving Greek organizations, Leavitt said.
“To be a leader in defining Greek life for liberal arts colleges, Union must take a strong stand on situations that might endanger students' health and safety,” Leavitt said. “It is my sincere hope that the steps outlined above will work to preserve the Greek system at Union and that the sanctions imposed will discourage students from engaging in dangerous, drinking-related actions.”