It’s been an eventful year for UCLA fraternity Sigma Chi,
but the house’s long journey back to normalcy is just
beginning.
Due to the Derby Days incident last spring that led to probation
to the university’s withdrawal of the fraternity’s
official recognition this spring, the fraternity has gone through a
number of experiences it likely hopes will not be repeated any time
soon.
The issues began last spring with a “keg-off”
drinking contest among sorority members at the house’s annual
philanthropy event, Derby Days.
The fraternity was on probation for that incident during fall
quarter when allegations of hazing ““ including
“personal servitude,” line-up situations and a general
“under-siege mentality” ““ surfaced from pledges
and concerned parents.
After an investigation of the complaints, university officials
revoked UCLA’s official sponsorship of Sigma Chi on March 31
in response to the violations. The house appealed the decision, but
Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Janina Montero upheld the
ruling.
As a result, the fraternity ““ one of the largest Greek
houses on campus ““ was dissociated from the university and
cannot petition to be reinstated as a UCLA entity until at least
Sept. 1.
But even if the extensive terms for reinstatement are met, Sigma
Chi won’t be back to normal any time soon.
In fact, even if it adheres completely to every condition set by
the university, the earliest the fraternity could be entirely free
of university restrictions is winter quarter 2006.
Sigma Chi President Pat Bouteller declined to comment for this
article, citing instructions from his adviser.
Robert Naples, assistant vice chancellor of student and campus
life, said the sanctions imposed on Sigma Chi, though significant,
are designed to improve the fraternity in the long run.
“We really try to gear the conditions to the areas where
we think they need to be most attentive,” said Naples, the
administrator who wrote the sanctions included in the withdrawal of
recognition.
“I don’t think I can say these were harsher or not
as harsh (compared to similar situations). They’re unique to
the issues we were concerned about,” Naples said.
To be considered for reinstatement in the fall, Sigma Chi must,
among other things, be in full compliance with UCLA’s
official Greek recognition policy ““ holding it to the same
rules as recognized fraternities ““ and redevelop its
“new member education program” to ensure no hazing
occurs.
Having completed those requirements and establishing a graduate
residential adviser, the fraternity must submit a formal petition
for reinstatement in September to once again be officially
recognized.
But that is just a first step.
Assuming the petition for reinstatement is granted, the
fraternity would move to “suspension with conditions,”
which would restore university rights and privileges but offer
significant restrictions on the house’s operations through
the end of the 2004-2005 academic year.
Several notable conditions deal specifically with alcohol.
One of the conditions stipulates that Sigma Chi’s
“chapter facility will be maintained as substance free in all
common areas” and prohibits chapter activities involving
alcohol.
In addition, the fraternity can conduct a maximum of two social
events per quarter, only one of which can have alcohol.
Other conditions of suspension include conducting educational
presentations on hazing and “personal liability and
accountability” and bi-weekly meetings for house leaders with
Scott Carter, the fraternity’s adviser.
The sanctions also state if “significant progress has been
achieved and no policy violations exist” during the
suspension, the fraternity may appeal to have other privileges
reinstated.
Finally, if all conditions of the suspension are met, the house
would move to probation through the end of fall 2005, a designation
that would not entail any specific restrictions, Naples said.
Mike Hanna, president of the Interfraternity Council, the
governing body for 20 UCLA fraternities, said Sigma Chi has been
disaffiliated with the council and IFC has had no official
communication with the fraternity.
He also said he hopes the house will be able to rebound from its
severe punishment.
“I know a lot of Sigma Chi’s (members),” Hanna
said. “It is a shame that we did lose a fraternity, so
hopefully one day they will comply and get back on
track.”