RPI’s chapter of the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity was suspended in December for alcohol violations.
The incident, which involved two underage individuals—one RPI student and one prospective student on a recruiting visit—was reported to Residence Life and Public Safety and resulted in a three year suspension effective December 11, pending an appeal by the fraternity to the Greek Judicial Board.
Tau Kappa Epsilon is appealing the severity of the sanction. The Greek J-Board will hear the appeal on Friday. The sanction can then be upheld or adjusted by the board. Either party can appeal that decision to the Judicial Review Board.
The fraternity declined to comment while the appeal is in progress.
“In general, a sanction is based on the nature of the violation, the extent to which it affects an individual and the campus community, and the gravity of the violation,” said Dean of Students Mark Smith.
The fraternity had prior incidents on its record, though up until this most recent incident it has had no serious violations since Spring 2001.
Eddie Knowles, vice president for Student Life, said he believes that the sanction is appropriate “in light of the prior violations in this area, coupled with the seriousness of this instance.”
“When you put it all together, I think the dean of students made the appropriate decision,” Knowles said.
While suspended, a fraternity cannot display its letters, recruit new members, or have any other presence on campus.
“Basically, they cease to exist as a fraternity on the campus for that time,” said Dean of Students Mark Smith.
Both Smith and Knowles expressed their hopefulness that individuals and organizations will learn from this incident and not repeat the same mistakes.
Smith said he hopes to see that “organizations will be more focused on ensuring no underage students or guests are served alcohol.”
Knowles expressed similar sentiments. “I view our judicial system as one that is centered in education,” he said.
He also added that situations like this are an opportunity to review the way the school responds to judicial violations. “I think we have good policies in place, but situations like this are opportunities to improve,” he said.
