Fraternity suspended from Greek Council
The Greek Council of USU has suspended the Gamma Epsilon chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha for one year.
The decision comes on the heels of an underage drinking incident during a Homecoming party at the fraternity’s house. The night of the party, a 17-year-old girl was hospitalized after consuming possibly lethal amounts of alcohol.
“We were pleased with the decision of the Greek Council,” said Eric Olsen, associate vice president for student services. “It sends the right message that Greek Council expects the chapters to uphold the law, and that they are responsible for the guests that enter their houses.”
Police Chief Gary Jensen of Logan Police Department said Casey Halfa and Hayden Ahlbrandt were both charged with a class B misdemeanor of selling, offering or furnishing alcohol products to a minor.The 17-year-old girl was referred to juvenile court.
Pi Kappa Alpha, commonly referred to as Pike, was originally suspended immediately following the incident. Thus, the year-long suspension will expire Sep. 30.
The suspension is to include a one-year dry period, with no alcohol allowed on the fraternity’s premises. Terms of the suspension also include a $500 fine payable to the USU Greek Council, a chapter-wide required 2.8 cumulative GPA, and 30 hours of community service from each member.
The Greek Council’s sanctions are the third to be placed on the fraternity. USU administrators indefinitely suspended the fraternity from the Greek Council following the Homecoming party.
USU Administration supports the Greek Council’s decision.
“We recognize Greek Council as a student organization that has governing ability over the individual chapters,” Olsen said. “That is why Greek Council had the authority and responsibility to conduct a hearing and impose sanction on Pi Kappa Alpha.”
The national Pi Kappa Alpha organization also placed a suspension on the fraternity. The national suspension was lifted in November 2011 after an investigation ruled the USU chapter did not violate any national standards.
Following the lifting of the national suspension, fraternity president Dave Thomas said “Although we’ve been derailed, we’re going to get back on our feet.”
Thomas also said because the fraternity’s house is not on school property, it will still be able to hold events and recruitment activities at the house.
James Morales, vice president for student services, said after the year-long suspension, a review panel will determine the fraternity’s compliance and eligibility to regain it’s place on the Greek Council.
“If the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity complies with the conditions that Greek Council outlined in its suspension decision, Greek Council will consider the fraternity for reinstatement in the future,” Morales said. “The university may also lift its indefinite suspension at that time.”
Jake Giles, newly appointed men’s president of the Greek Council, is confident the fraternity members are adhering to the stipulations.
“They are doing everything they can to follow the sanctions, and we are excited to have them back,” he said.
Giles said one of his goals is to improve public perception of the “Greek community.”
“A lot of people don’t necessarily see the philanthropy,” Giles said. “All the houses give back to the community.”
He said any time a fraternity or sorority organization hosts a party, the money raised always supports a charitable organization.
“All the parties coming up … those donations will go to charity,” Giles said. “Whatever the entrance fees are, they mostly go to charity.”
Giles said fraternity life has helped him become the “man he has always wanted to be.” Since rushing Sigma Chi two years ago, Giles said, his fraternity has helped him gain skills and progress.
The Greek Council has several new executive officers this year, and is planning a retreat to develop goals and determine routes of progression for upcoming semesters.
Giles said he’s looking forward to upcoming activities, including the spring Rush Week.
“With all of the events coming up, I want people to be able to see the benefits of going Greek,” Giles said.
– ross.nelson@aggiemail.usu.edu