Binghamton University’s chapter of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity has been disbanded indefinitely this semester because of “a very poor adherence” to the standards of its national organization.

“We have 10 major operating expectations, including finances, membership, scholarship, risk management and reporting, and they were deficient in more than half,” said MacGregor Hill, director of operations and education for the Beta Theta Pi national organization.

BU’s 15-year-old chapter failed to keep balanced finances, maintain at least 20 members and earn a minimum chapter grade point average of 2.7, Hill said. The chapter’s apathy and the brother’s lack of communication with the national organization were also significant causes for the decision.

“There was a very poor adherence to standards,” Hill said.

Although Hill couldn’t say how long the chapter was failing, he said its struggle with the national organization was “long term.”

Both Hill and Jack Causseaux, assistant director of Campus Life at BU, emphasized that the disbandment was not due to any disciplinary action at the University, and there was no singular catalyst for the decision.

Undergraduate members of Beta Theta Pi have been placed on early alumni status. Causseaux was unaware if any new members pledged for the fraternity during the fall 2007 semester, but said that if there were new members it would be the responsibility of their national headquarters to decide if they would also receive alumni status.

Although it is possible for Beta Theta Pi to recolonize at the University, such an event is unlikely to happen for at least several years.

“We’ve recolonized many chapters before, but only if the university and alumni wanted it to happen,” Hill said.

Any immediate attempts at recolonization would also be in violation of greek life’s 2 1/2-year ban on the addition of any new fraternities or sororities.

“The greek community is still closed for expansion,” Causseaux said. “Beta Theta Pi would not be able to return until the vice president of Student Affairs lifts the moratorium.”

Scott Richman, the most recent president of Beta Theta Pi at BU, declined to comment about the disbandment.

Beta Theta Pi was founded in 1839 at Miami University in Ohio. It has more than 120,000 living members including about 5,800 collegians on over 100 campuses in the U.S. and Canada. Its mission is grounded in “building men of principle” through intellectual excellence, high standards of moral conduct and responsible citizenship.