Elon University, in conjunction with the national office of Pi Kappa Phi, closed the Epsilon Alpha chapter of Pi Kappa Phi March 17 until January 2017, according to an email to The Pendulum from Smith Jackson, dean of students.
This comes more than a month after the fraternity was suspended indefinitely for allegations of hazing.
Jackson said a campus investigation and conduct hearing determined that new members of the fraternity were hazed during the spring pledge period and the chapter hosted an unapproved event off-campus with alcohol.
“The decision to remove Pi Kappa Phi follows a pattern over several years of discipline for violations of the Elon Honor Code,” Jackson said. “Student safety and well-being are the university's top concern.”
While there was no evidence of physical injury or forced alcohol consumption, the fraternity’s activities, which occurred during a time when the organization was on social probation for prior violations of the Elon University Honor Code, violated the university’s and national fraternity’s policies.
“Elon University is committed to hosting fraternities and sororities that uphold strong values and advance student success,” Jackson said. “While groups support different philanthropies and causes, and have different histories and traditions, all fraternities and sororities promote brotherhood or sisterhood, high scholastic achievement, service to the community, leadership on campus and beyond, and the betterment of individuals.”
All chapter operations, which include any formal or informal meetings under the Pi Kappa Phi name, brotherhood events, chapter meetings, philanthropy or social events, are ceased until January 2017.
According to Jackson, the fraternity may be permitted to start a new chapter in Spring 2017, pending a detailed plan from the national organization of recruitment and new member activities to be conducted by fraternity staff, a four-year member development plan and an alumni board structure and training program.
Even though the chapter is currently terminated, the 12 members living in the on-campus house can reside in the university-owned Loy Neighborhood building until the end of the semester.
Students with information about hazing activities in any organization can report it to the Office of Student Conduct – in person or anonymously through the hazing hotline at 336-278-4293 – or University Campus Safety & Police at 336-278-5555.