Although New Student Week has been over for almost two weeks, rumors continue to percolate about the investigations into several fraternities and sororities for alleged violations of university policy during the first week.
“I can’t comment right now; there are pending investigations at this time,” said Kyle Pendleton, director of fraternity and sorority life.
Interfraternity Council President Jay Ward declined to discuss which or how many organizations were under scrutiny and the reasons for the investigations.
The infractions could range from letting freshmen into houses during the first three weeks of school to having alcohol in chapter houses, Ward said. Both are prohibited by university and chapter policies.
Ward declined to comment on particular violations that sparked the current investigations.
Investigating a fraternity, sorority or its members for violations is complex and nuanced. The process sometimes begins with an individual citation issued by University Police or the Evanston Police Department.
A citation can be issued for a range of infractions, including noise violations, underage drinking or use of a fake identification card.
“If it’s a citation, the first stop is the city, who is going to hear the citation,” said Daniel McAleer, assistant chief of police for UP. “Additionally Student Affairs (is notified) so they can deal with it from a disciplinary standpoint.”
Once an issue reaches Student Affairs, two other offices within the department get involved: the Office of Judicial Affairs and the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life.
From here the issue can take several routes.
The first stop usually is Student Affairs, where the matter most often is mediated by Mary Desler, dean of student affairs. She gauges the situation and acts accordingly. A formal warning or a call for mandatory attendance at a values and ethics class may be issued.
The university resolution is separate from the sanction, such as a fine, vetted by Evanston.
“It’s two different systems, but the student will experience both,” Desler said.
If a student finds the university’s punishment too strong, he or she can appeal the decision through the University Hearing and Appeal System. The outcome here is unpredictable, Desler said.
If a violation involves an entire fraternity or sorority the issue might be diverted to the Interfraternity or Panhellenic councils. Both organizations have similar disciplinary processes. A committee of council members meets with the president of the chapter under investigation. Panhel or IFC then selects an appropriate punishment.
If the chapter deems the punishment too strong, they can have their case heard by the appropriate judicial board.
IFC and Panhel’s policies diverge in important ways. For example, the rules are more stringent for sorority women caught drinking while wearing their letters than for fraternity men. Such a violation could go through four levels: the city, Student Affairs, Panhel and possibly the student’s specific chapter.
Prosecuting violations committed at off-campus parties can be a tricky endeavor.
“The repercussion for off-campus events and violating the rules can vary,” Ward said.
The chapter is still culpable but not to the degree it would be if violations occurred on campus.
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