UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Following separate organizational conduct processes overseen by the University, Penn State officials have immediately revoked recognition of Delta Upsilon fraternity until the end of the 2018 spring semester and revoked University recognition of the Pi Lambda Phi fraternity (Omega Gamma Chapter) until the end of spring semester 2019 as the result of several violations of University rules.
The suspensions of recognition announced today (Oct. 28) means that both former fraternities have lost all rights and privileges associated with being a recognized student organization at the University. Loss or suspension of recognition means that they cannot participate in any Greek-life activities and are prohibited from participating in any University function as a group, including Homecoming and THON. For all intents and purposes, a fraternity does not exist in the Penn State community when it loses recognition.
The Delta Upsilon chapter, has been disciplined for organizing socials involving alcohol and underage drinking, twice in a three-week period. The chapter also held an event called “Fifth and a Friend,” specifically designed to encourage alcohol consumption.
The Pi Lambda Phi chapter violated University expectations by making alcohol available to guests on three separate occasions during social events, and violated the capacity of the fraternity house and the expectations for dry social functions.
In addition, the national organization that oversees the former Pi Lambda Phi chapter at Penn State has simultaneously begun the process of chapter closure. The national organization suspended operations at the fraternity when it was first alerted to the allegations of misconduct. The national organization has worked with the University and the chapter’s alumni advisers throughout the process.
“Unfortunately, these men had the opportunity to do the right thing, when the University made abundantly clear what its expectations were and what the consequences for failing those expectations would be,” said Damon Sims, vice president for Student Affairs. “The point of everything we are doing in this domain is to establish a safe, viable, and successful Greek system that can be sustained for many years to come. The misbehavior of these chapters demonstrates very little regard for the trouble alcohol can bring. I am disappointed by this outcome, but effective accountability must be achieved.”
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On Aug. 21, Penn State not only officially took over responsibility for the organizational conduct process from the student-run councils (IFC and Panhellenic), but also instituted a number of aggressive new measures aimed at curbing dangerous drinking, hazing, sexual misconduct and other negative behaviors found within Greek life organizations across the nation. The combination of the more than a dozen new initiatives the University is implementing is unprecedented in its scope, and is intended to re-establish safety as the priority among organizations that have traditionally been self-governing.