Lehigh’s chapter of Theta Xi fraternity has been placed on disciplinary deferred dissolution following a disciplinary conference to adjudicate charges of violations of the organization’s policy, according to the Lehigh Greeks blog.
The charges are related to an incident during which Theta Xi hosted their formal at Bear Creek Mountain Resort and Conference Center under the name “LU Men’s Choir,” and caused over $7000 worth of damage to the hotel. The chapter was also charged with unauthorized distribution of alcohol that could have been accessed by anyone attending the event, including underage students.
Upon reviewing the charges during the disciplinary conference, the hearing officer held the chapter responsible for violating the policies of Respect for Community (General), Respect for Self A1 (Unauthorized Consumption, Distribution, or Possession) and Respect for Property A1A (Vandalism).
Theta Xi is placed on disciplinary deferred dissolution from May 26, 2015 through May 31, 2016. During this time, any further violations of the Code of Conduct will result in the immediate dissolution of the organization. Effective May 31, 2016 through Dec. 31, 2016, the chapter will face disciplinary probation, which implies that “any further violation of (the) Code of Conduct may result in dissolution, termination, or other authorized sanctions.”
These charges follow a previous temporary suspension of the chapter in March for allegedly violating university policy during the new member education process, as well as an interim suspension pending present policy violations.
“Theta Xi misrepresented themselves (and in turn LU) in a way that did not reflect favorably upon the university and compromises reputation of the university with Bear Creek Resort,” the blog reads. “Students from Theta Xi did not ‘serve as positive representatives of Lehigh’ while they were at Bear Creek.”
The chapter will be required to work with the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs and the Office of Student Conduct & Community Expectations to establish a functioning standards board that holds members accountable for their actions in a timely manner. In addition, it will have to set up two workshops during the fall semester focusing on individual and group accountability and the impact of individual actions upon the entire organization.
The members of Theta Xi are also required to write a letter of apology to Bear Creek Mountain Resort and Conference Center “reflecting a keen understanding of the inappropriateness of the chapter’s actions and the impact it had on the recipient.”
“We are all disappointed in our actions the weekend of the formal as well as the outcome of our hearings,” wrote Theta Xi president Drew Nielsen, ’17, in an email to The Brown and White. “By going through this process, we now realize that what may seem like a little joke initially in misrepresenting ourselves is actually inappropriate and can cause a ton of trouble. However, we are eager to move forward and learn from our mistakes as brothers and improve our risk management policies for the future.”
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