The Committee on Student Organizations suspended UW-Madison’s chapter of Sigma Chi Fraternity until May 8 after numerous conduct violations, according to a university release.
A report last month alleged members of the fraternity served alcohol at an unmonitored event in January that resulted in an underage student being sent to detox, which goes against the Registered Student Organizations Code of Conduct. At that time, the fraternity was barred from hosting events in its house due to a suspension that ended last fall.
Fraternity members cannot attend or host any chapter activities, other than required weekly meetings, because of the new suspension.
Sigma Chi will now face probation with alcohol restrictions through Dec. 31, which means it cannot host or co-host events with alcohol. The fraternity can end the restrictions early if it submits an “extensive” risk management plan detailing how it will educate members to avoid future issues, according to the release.
Assistant Dean and Director of the Center for Leadership and Involvement Eric Knueve, who served on the committee, said underage drinking cases like this one are more common than hazing cases like the March 18 Chi Phi fraternity termination.
He added last week’s case was treated more seriously because of the imminent danger presented by the violations, but suspensions like Sigma Chi’s case are generally successful in refocusing student groups.
“The majority of groups that have been on suspension come back stronger and more committed to the values of who they are as an organization,” Knueve said.
Members of the Sigma Chi Fraternity declined to comment for this article.
