Skip to main content

Sigma Chi chapter faces reduced sanctions

August 31, 2009 By John Lucas

UW-Madison’s Sigma Chi fraternity chapter faces reduced sanctions in the wake of violations of Greek policies on alcohol.

The case against the chapter dates to the spring semester of 2009, during which the chapter was charged with two violations. One incident involved the actions of a pledge at a chapter social held at a downtown Madison bar. The second involved unregulated alcohol at a party at the house during its “Derby Days” event.

In May, the university’s Committee on Student Organizations levied sanctions on the chapter, 221 Langdon St., that would have kept it alcohol free through most of the 2009-10 academic year, and called for a set of specific educational and philanthropic programs.

However, the chapter successfully appealed one of the charges, arguing that its due process rights were violated.

Upon review by the Offices of the Dean of Students (ODOS) this week, the appeal on the bar incident was granted. As a result, the length of time the chapter will be on probation was reduced to seven weeks, expiring on Oct. 16. During that period the organization may not have alcohol at any chapter events. In addition, it will work with the dean’s office to improve the chapter’s “Derby Days” event in 2010.

ODOS has no other pending investigations related to the chapter or its members.

Dean of Students Lori Berquam says she hopes that the chapter will continue its efforts toward positive change.

The Committee on Student Organizations, with advisement from ODOS, is reviewing its own policies to ensure that all organizations receive fair due process related to the investigation of complaints against registered student organizations.

Tags: student life