The University sent a press release to local news outlets today outlining the actions taken against fraternities found to have violated school policy:

For release: May 8, 2013

University disciplines fraternities for violating Student Code of Conduct

BINGHAMTON, NY – The results of disciplinary hearings held by Binghamton University’s Office of Student Conduct during the spring 2013 semester once again demonstrate the University’s commitment to keeping fraternity and sorority students safe and ensuring all Greek organizations are held to a high standard. The hearings involved five fraternities. Each fraternity was found responsible for violating the Student Code of Conduct and the Fraternity and Sorority Recognition and Governance Document. One additional fraternity has agreed to disciplinary action through administrative agreement. Sanctions were levied from the least serious (warning), through probation, final probation and up to suspension, based on the level of violation and current status of the organizations:

• In an Administrative Agreement dated March 5, Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity agreed to suspension from Binghamton University until March 5, 2018 for hazing, failing to comply with the directions of University officials acting in performance of their duties and violating published University regulations or policies. Suspended fraternities cannot hold meetings, recruit new members or participate in any fraternity activities.
• At a hearing on March 22, Alpha Chi Rho Fraternity was found responsible for distributing alcoholic beverages to a person less than 21 years of age, hazing and violating published University regulations or policies. Alpha Chi Rho was already on disciplinary probation and due to the severity of these latest charges was suspended from Binghamton University until May 31, 2018.
• At a hearing on April 26, Delta Chi Fraternity was found responsible for hazing new members. Delta Chi has been placed on disciplinary warning – the lowest possible action that serves as a warning to change behavior – until December 31, 2013. The fraternity will need to create, plan and advertise an educational program on hazing prevention to the fraternity and sorority community no later than September 30, 2013. This decision is eligible for appeal within 5 working business days of receiving notice of the suspension.

• At a hearing on April 26, Pi Lambda Phi Fraternity was found responsible for violating Rule 25 of the Student Code of Conduct as it relates to the Fraternity and Sorority Recognition and Governance Document by taking in new members who were not Binghamton University students. This violation occurred while Pi Lambda Phi was on disciplinary probation and therefore Pi Lambda Phi has been placed on final probation – meaning the fraternity is on final notice to correct its behavior – until May 31, 2014. In addition, the chapter must complete 50 hours of community service and must complete two educational sanctions that are to be determined by the Office of Greek Life and the Office of Student Conduct. Examples of possible educational sanctions would be requirements to develop a program to improve the physical well-being of fraternity members or to develop a risk management program consistent with national standards in cooperation with a fraternity’s national headquarters. This decision is eligible for appeal within 5 working business days of receiving notice of the suspension.
• At a hearing on April 26, Nu Alpha Phi Fraternity was found responsible for hazing of new members. Nu Alpha Phi has been placed on disciplinary probation until May 31, 2017. Its new member recruitment and intake privileges have been suspended until September 1, 2014, and the chapter must complete two educational sanctions. This decision is eligible for appeal within 5 working business days of receiving notice of the suspension.

• At a hearing on April 26, Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity was found responsible for hazing new members. This violation occurred while Alpha Sigma Phi was on final probation and therefore Alpha Sigma Phi has been suspended from Binghamton University until May 31, 2014. When the suspension period ends, the chapter will be on final probation until May 31, 2015, and will be required to complete 100 hours of community service and two additional educational sanctions as determined by the Office of Greek Life and the Office of Student Conduct. This decision is eligible for appeal within 10 working business days of receiving notice of the suspension.

With these sanctions, Binghamton University has adjudicated a total of 16 incidents involving 10 fraternities or sororities through its University conduct process and in cooperation with the organizations’ national headquarters since it halted all intake activities in spring 2012.

In addition, nine individuals, primarily organization officers, have been found responsible for violating University policies connected to the actions of their fraternity or sorority. Each received sanctions ranging from warnings to suspensions depending on their role in the organization and the specific behavior. Violations by organizations and individuals have included disorderly conduct, providing alcohol to underage students, violating New York state law and threatening harm to students and hazing.

Binghamton University is committed to fostering a safe, positive and productive fraternity and sorority community that helps develop the potential of its members to be the best versions of themselves through the principles of unity, respect, scholarship, service and leadership. The University has shown this commitment by hiring a director of Greek Life, seeking recommendations from outside consultants, and enhancing educational opportunities and programming available to chapters and members. The chapters know that they will be held accountable to Binghamton University policies and that failure to adhere to policies comes with consequences. As the University receives reports, it will continue to respond promptly to any allegations of hazing or other activity that compromises the safety of our students.