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Sanctions Outlined for Theta Chi Fraternity

An administrative hearing team in the College found Theta Chi responsible for violating its probation after the fraternity hosted a party on Nov. 17, 2007. A severely intoxicated student needed medical assistance, many people were drinking alcohol inside and outside the fraternity, and University Security officers and Rochester City Police were called to deal with the situation.

The hearing team found the fraternity responsible for violations of several provisions in the campus judicial code. Acting Dean of Students Matthew Burns accepted the team's recommendations and ordered sanctions. Dean Feldman removed one of those sanctions, and on Dec. 26, Dean Feldman received the final version of the fraternity’s appeal.

On Jan. 7, 2008, Dean Feldman wrote to the fraternity and told members he “decided to modify significantly the contested sanction” of disaffiliating Theta Chi from the University for five years. He imposed these sanctions:

  • For Spring 2008 and all of academic year 2008-2009, Theta Chi will be inactive, on “censured status.” Members of the fraternity will not be permitted to live in the house or to reside together in the residence halls. Members cannot hold group activities. The sole function of the fraternity during this initial period will be to develop its plans for its future activities and governance.
  • The fraternity will not be permitted to recruit new members during the Spring 2008 semester. The Dean of Students, the Director of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs, and Dean Feldman will determine whether the fraternity is permitted to recruit new members during the Spring 2009 semester.
  • The members of Theta Chi may be permitted to maintain a floor (or other suitable portion) of a residential hall for the 2009-2010 academic year provided the fraternity receives a favorable evaluation from the Fraternity and Sorority Standards Sub-Committee during the Spring 2009 semester and the Dean of Students, the Director of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs, and Dean Feldman approve the arrangement. If those three College leaders grant approval during the Spring 2010 semester, the same living arrangement may be continued for the 2010-2011 academic year.
  • Those three College leaders also will determine whether the fraternity will be permitted to occupy the chapter house at the start of the Fall 2011 semester.
  • All activities of the fraternity will be monitored by an Alumni Advisory Board.
  • Needed repairs to the chapter house will be the responsibility of the fraternity after an assessment is completed.
  • All current members of Theta Chi are required to complete an alcohol awareness program during the Spring 2008 semester.
  • All current sophomore and junior members of Theta Chi will complete a membership review process.
  • If Theta Chi is found responsible for any additional violations of College policy at any time during the next five years, the fraternity will be subject to immediate disaffiliation.