A sorority and fraternity
have been found guilty of inappropriate behavior and vandalism,
following an investigation by University officials, and several others
are still under investigation.
Kappa Sigma fraternity and Chi Omega sorority have both been placed
on probation after damaging and disrupting a ski resort during a
pledge event in February.
The Office of Student Conduct also
released the results of two investigations regarding violations by Pi
Kappa Phi and Delta Kappa Epsilon during the semester. Neither
fraternity was punished, as individual members were found to be
responsible.
Three more fraternity chapters -- Phi Kappa Sigma, Alpha Chi Rho
and Alpha Tau Omega -- are currently under investigation.
The investigation of Kappa Sigma and Chi Omega's February
snowtubing incident found both chapters guilty of inappropriate
behavior and vandalism.
Examples cited include public drunkenness, disrupting a children's
birthday party and the destruction of a toilet at the Spring Mountain
ski resort, located about 35 miles from campus in Spring Mount, Pa.
While the organizations are on probation, members will have to
participate in various alcohol-education programs and perform
community service.
Neither Kappa Sigma President Joe Gay nor Chi Omega President Maria
De Muro returned phone calls for comment.
Because both chapters cooperated during the investigation and took
action "internally" regarding the pledge event, OFSA
Director Scott Reikofski said their punishment was less severe than it
could have been.
DKE was investigated this semester for
possible vandalism in the college houses. The OSC found that an
individual in the chapter was responsible for the incident, but the
chapter itself was not held responsible. The brother was disciplined
by the OSC, but his name was not released due to privacy rules.
Further details on the acts of
vandalism and the subsequent disciplinary actions were not released.
DKE President Robbie Biggs had no
comment.
Pi Kappa Phi was investigated for possible hazing violations during
a new-member-class prank. Similarly, the OSC found that a few new
members were responsible as opposed to the new-member class or the
whole chapter.
Pi Kappa Phi President Zach Coopersmith said that no action was
being taken against the new members within the fraternity.
"The OFC said they'd handle anything that's appropriate, given
the actions," he said. "Everything is cleared up, so we can
move on."
Alpha Tau Omega is currently under investigation for alleged
assaults related to chapter activity.
Alpha Tau Omega President Jared Noordyk could not be reached for
comment.
Both Phi Kappa Sigma and Alpha Chi Rho are under investigation for
extending the new member pledge process and possible hazing incidents.
All new members were supposed to be initiated by March 4, but the
two fraternities allegedly broke the deadline.
Wharton junior and Phi Kappa Sigma President Colin McDonald could
not be reached for comment, and College sophomore and Alpha Chi Rho
President Adam Meeks declined to comment on the situation.
Reikofski would not comment on any of the investigations.