Ohio University Suspends Fraternity Chapter

Contact: Dean of Students Terry Hogan, (740) 593-4022

ATHENS, Ohio (April 5, 2001) -- The Gamma Omicron Chapter of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity has been suspended from Ohio University's campus following an incident involving excessive alcohol consumption by pledge members on Feb. 28.

According to the referral by the Ohio University Police Department to University Judiciaries, a mandatory meeting of all pledges occurred on Feb. 28 where, it was alleged, the pledges met their "big brothers" and went to the basement where a large amount of alcohol was provided. "Big brothers" are active members of the chapter assigned to mentor new members.

As a result of the referral and subsequent adjudication by the University Judiciaries, the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity has been suspended from Ohio University for one calendar year, through winter quarter, 2002. If the chapter meets each of the terms of the suspension, it will be eligible to return to Ohio University under disciplinary probation to last an additional year, until spring 2003.

The conditions of Pi Kappa Alpha's suspension are:

1. 1) The entire membership of the chapter will attend a meeting with a panel of university officials to review the critical issues surrounding the February 28 incident;
2. 2) University recognition of Pi Kappa Alpha as a Greek letter organization is suspended, which carries with it number of restrictions:
   1. the chapter may not have sophomores living in their chapter house; exemption from the University's housing policy is withdrawn;
   2. the chapter may not engage in any new member recruitment activities of any kind;
   3. the chapter may not participate in Interfraternity Council (IFC) activities; and
   4. the chapter is prohibited from participating as a Greek letter organization in any way on the Ohio University campus, including in activities such as Greek Week, intramural sports, or social events.

In addition to the chapter's suspension, 15 individual students, including both active and pledge members have been referred to University Judiciaries for their individual behavior, and they all have been placed on one to three quarters of probation, depending on their individual circumstances and prior records. Mandatory alcohol education has been assigned where appropriate.

"This type of activity threatens the well-being of students involved and is inconsistent with the standards of the University community," Dean of Students Terry Hogan said. "I'm disappointed with the actions of those involved, and am hopeful that the chapter's leadership will spend the suspension period preparing to return to campus as responsible citizens."