What happened at Mississippi Alpha (Ole Miss) - Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity

A letter from the Grand President explaining how the decision was made to close the Ole Miss. chapter.

Email - What happened at Mississippi Alpha (Ole Miss) - Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity:

As you may already know, SigEp’s National Board of Directors recently made the difficult decision to close our chapter at the University of Mississippi. This decision followed revelations that the chapter had committed serious acts of hazing, had perpetuated a culture of alcohol abuse, and was deliberately attempting to hide their behavior from our Fraternity’s staff and their local volunteers.

This painful moment in our history can be a learning opportunity for us and help us ensure that nothing like this occurs again.

What happened
Three years ago, a string of hazing incidents and extremely low academic performance led to a membership review at the University of Mississippi. This review revealed more instances of hazing, alcohol abuse and extremely poor member development practices that demanded serious attention.

We chose at that time not to shut the chapter down, but to make it a learning opportunity for the young men of Mississippi Alpha and an opportunity to develop plans for a different fraternity experience that achieves the goals of brotherhood and continuous development without the risky behaviors of the past. And, we committed to giving Mississippi Alpha whatever resources it needed.

Since then, members of our staff have made extra trips to Oxford to provide targeted training and program support. The chapter attended exclusive retreats in Birmingham, Ala. each January, where Past Grand President Steve Shanklin spent 24 hours with them reviewing goals and crafting a vision. And chapter members attended EDGE and Carlson Leadership Academies and received tailored check-in meetings with staff and volunteers.

Until recently, we believed those efforts were having a positive effect and that the chapter was improving.

In February, we reevaluated the state of the chapter’s operations and membership after learning that three freshmen members had been involved in the desecration of the James Meredith Statue on the Ole Miss campus. When we did, we learned that the chapter had continued to commit serious acts of hazing since the first membership review three years prior. Even more distressingly, the chapter had made a deliberate and concentrated effort to hide this behavior from their local volunteers, staff members and the university.

As SigEp’s National Board of Directors pored over the information uncovered, we were confronted by the fact that Mississippi Alpha members had demonstrated an uncompromising commitment to operate an experience that placed young men in dangerous and unhealthy situations. In light of these facts, we were forced to close the chapter.

Moving forward – how you can help
While it is always painful to see a chapter close, I am reminded today of the brothers and volunteers across the country who want a better fraternity experience than the one pursued by some members at Ole Miss.

As we recover from this blow to our national body, I’d ask you to take a moment to reflect on the status of your own chapter. What type of membership experience do you facilitate for your brothers? Where do you want to be five years down the road? What legacy will you leave for those who will follow you?

If your chapter has serious issues – including hazing – talk to your regional director and chapter volunteers now to get the help you need.

Closure occurs when a chapter has deliberately and consistently worked against their volunteers, staff and university to maintain a culture that is destructive and poisonous to our brothers. Being honest with volunteers and regional directors allows a chapter to grow and avoid the serious consequences of concealed behavior.

If you have additional questions about the situation at Ole Miss and the decision to close the chapter, please join us for an online broadcast on Thursday at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, where CEO Brian Warren will answer questions live. To view the broadcast, simply open SigEp’s official YouTube page.

To submit questions in advance, please email comments@sigep.net. You may also email questions during the broadcast, but bear in mind that time may be limited if other questions have already been submitted. If you would like your question to be anonymous, please indicate so in your email.

Fraternally,


Phillip A. Cox
Grand President

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Sigma Phi Epsilon closes chapter at University of Mississippi

Hot off the press from SigEp HQ. You never know what you will find when you start to look. Sometimes the reason you started looking is less trouble that what you find hiding under the surface.

Sigma Phi Epsilon closes chapter at University of Mississippi

After extensive deliberation and a thorough review of chapter activities, the decision has been made by the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity Board of Directors to close the chapter at the University of Mississippi.

"Sigma Phi Epsilon is committed to being a different kind of fraternity – one that recognizes the importance of the out-of-classroom experience and is committed to making that experience the safest and most empowering part of a college male’s life,” said SigEp CEO Brian Warren. “Though it’s always painful to close a chapter, these students’ actions clearly illustrate a determination to perpetuate an experience based on risky and unconstructive behavior. In these cases, we have no choice but to close the chapter and return to campus at a later date.”

The decision is not a result of any individual incident, but a response to newly discovered, ongoing behavior that includes incidents of hazing, underage drinking, alcohol abuse, and failure to comply with the university and fraternity’s codes of conduct.

Though the incident involving the James Meredith statue several months ago did not directly result in the chapter’s closure, it did mark the beginning of an intensified period of review.

“Over the past several years we've worked with our chapter at the University of Mississippi to enhance the quality of their program,” said Warren. “Following the James Meredith incident two months ago, we began a more formal and comprehensive review process that revealed this new and disappointing information.”

Sigma Phi Epsilon is currently working with the University of Mississippi to discuss a return date to campus.

View the press release.

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It’s OK not to drink (especially tonight)

Yes, it really is OK. I am also a non-drinker, but unlike the author of the article I came to the decision to quit through hard-won experience. Either way, or just to take a break, it is OK. If you choose to drink responsibly that is fine too. I'm just saying make your own choices.
(Little known fact - no one really cares what is in your glass. They are too busy with their own.)

Sigma Phi Epsilon | The Jamestown Comet.:

I have never hidden the fact that I am a non-drinker; really, nothing, ever. An alumnus of one of the oldest national college fraternities – Sigma Phi Epsilon – I’ve never had an alcoholic beverage of any kind. I didn’t steer clear of the bubbly because of a religious choice or some deep, philosophical reason. It just wasn’t part of my experience growing up and, fortunately, I never developed the interest. That said, drinking is a big part of adult social and business functions and thus, hard to avoid. But it’s OK NOT to drink. Really, it is.

Vanessa Freeman and Gery L. Deer 

talk “staying sober” on WDTN-

TV2′s LIVING DAYTON. 

Click to watch the full interview.

First, you have to be OK with yourself and your decision not to indulge. If you’re uncomfortable with yourself about not drinking then you’ll probably make others feel that way too. Ambivalence will probably result in your drinking anyway and it will be your own decision and not because of peer pressure. Remember that if anyone takes issue with you’re not drinking, or pressures you in some way, the problem is theirs not yours.Some people might think peer pressure is limited to the adolescent years, but even as an adult, I know how much pressure there is on people to drink alcohol at social and business events. Despite opinions to the contrary, it really is OK not to drink and here are some ideas for anyone trying to abstain but who still wants to feel included in the fun of the party.

If offered, politely decline, but don’t make excuses. After all, the offer was not made to offend you. It’s not a good idea to launch into some long-winded explanation, however, or rattle off a list of excuses about why you’re abstaining. Just say something like, “No thanks. I’d really like a cup of tea (coffee, soda, whatever), though, if you have it?” It’s polite and expresses your appreciation for the offer.

Carry a decoy, but don’t pretend it is alcohol, in other words, avoid the mock-tail. There is no need to call attention to the drink in your hand, but you might carry a drink around with you. Some people will advise you to accept an alcoholic drink and just hold it all night, but that’s not only pointless and dishonest. It could actually make you feel more self-conscious. People will expect you to sip from your drink now and again during long conversations, so just have something else in your glass.

Participating and socializing will also help to keep attention away from the lack of a drink in your hand. Keeping busy will keep your mind off the fact you’re not drinking with the other guests and help you be more involved in the event. If, however, there is still a particularly high level of pressure on you to drink or be left out or ridiculed, you should extricate yourself from the situation and rethink attending activities with the same group of people again.

Whatever you do don’t try to change the behavior of others. A social or business function is not the proper setting for a personal mission or intervention. You, alone, have made the conscious decision to attend an event where alcohol is being served and to be included you must live and let live. Needless to say, if you see someone about to drink and drive, act accordingly as your circumstances permit.

There’s no “down side” to abstaining from alcohol. When you don’t drink, you’re probably less likely to do things that have negative consequences. So, provided you don’t have some kind of a deviant propensity toward misbehavior anyway, you should make it through the event unscathed. Your social position may suffer, however, especially if you typically surround yourself with partiers. I say, it’s their loss.

Negative people have a negative effect on us. What kind of a “friend” abandons you because you don’t want to use alcohol? If you were always a non-drinker, it’s probably easier for others to accept because they know from the start. But going on the wagon, for whatever reason, can be challenging. Once again, just remember that it’s OK not to drink. Just be yourself. It’s you that should matter to your friends and colleagues, not what’s in your glass.

Gery L. Deer is an independent contributor to WDTN-TV2’s Living Dayton program. More at www.gerydeer.com

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UT Arlington SigEp Chapter Gets Reduced Suspension

UT Arlington fraternity now faces one year suspension | Arlington | News from Fort Worth...:

BY DIANE SMITH dianesmith@star-telegram.com

DIANE SMITH STAR-TELEGRAM

The Sigma Phi Epsilon house at UTA will be vacant from 

Dec. 31 through Aug. 31, 2014, according to its suspension.

Read more here: http://www.star-telegram.com/2013/11/27/5374564/ut-arlington-fraternity-now-faces.html#storylink=cpy

ARLINGTON — The suspension for the University of Texas at Arlington chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon has been reduced to one year in connection with providing alcohol to minors as young as 14.

The fraternity originally faced a three-year suspension, but that punishment was changed after an appeal.

A Nov. 19 final outcome letter to the fraternity states: “… the chapter is lucky more serious outcomes did not result from these events.”

The letter, signed by UTA assistant professor Paul Krawietz, adds, “I feel the supporting evidence does not warrant suspension for three years.”

Krawietz, the appointed hearing officer, could not be reached for comment Wednesday morning.

Christofer Slocum, president of the fraternity, could not be reached for comment.

Sigma Phi Epsilon is accused of selling mixed drinks to underage people at a “Glow Party” that was part of the fraternity’s Aug. 23-Sept. 7 Bid Day activities. Bid Day, when students are accepted into fraternities and sororities, was Sept. 7.

The fraternity is accused of allowing seven to 10 teens ages 14 to 18 into a party at the frat house, where they consumed alcohol with the fraternity’s members. Fraternity members are also accused of drinking alcohol in the morning in common areas before and after new member orientation.

Under the current disciplinary sanctions, Sigma Phi Epsilon will be on suspension through Aug. 31, 2014 and all members living at the fraternity house must be out before Dec. 31. No one will be allowed to live in the house, at 705 S. Davis Dr., until Sept. 1, 2014, according to the outcome letter.

Additional disciplinary actions include:

• No social activities from Sept. 1, 2014 through May 31, 2015.

• Members must attend training, which focuses on college life responsibilities with regard to alcohol, drugs and sexual violence.

• Members must attend City of Arlington minor in possession course by Jan. 31.

• The chapter must host two community alcohol awareness events.

• Ten hours of community service per member must be completed by Jan. 31.

After an investigation, UTA also put three other fraternities — Alpha Tau Omega, Sigma Chi and Pi Kappa Alpha — on probation until May 31 for underage drinking and unregistered parties surrounding Bid Day activities. A fifth fraternity, Pi Kappa Phi, was put on interim suspension because of allegations of hazing and early acceptance of a pledge.

Sigma Chi initially appealed its suspension but has since withdrawn its appeal, said Kristin Sullivan, spokeswoman for UTA.

UT Arlington police are still investigating two criminal cases involving allegations of sexual assault, on Aug. 23 and Sept. 7, at the Sigma Phi Epsilon house, but those investigations are separate from the student conduct investigations.

Police have stated in both cases that the suspect was known to the victim. No further information has been released.

Read more here: http://www.star-telegram.com/2013/11/27/5374564/ut-arlington-fraternity-now-faces.html#storylink=cpy

Indiana Alpha (Purdue) SigEps placed on probation

And yet another chapter has its wings clipped, so to speak. At least this time they can remain on campus while they work to get back in good graces with the university and HQ.
The list of offences is below, and ranges from underage alcohol to hazing to prescription drug abuse, and more. But the burning question from this article is "WTF kind of 'props' were they using to take lewd photos?" Inquiring minds want to know.

Purdue fraternity placed on probation | WLFI - West Lafayette, Indiana:

Purdue places a fraternity on probation for multiple violations.

Officials at Purdue University announced Wednesday that the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity has been placed on probation through May 15, 2017.

The probation stems from violations that include making alcohol available to minors, stealing sheet signs from other Purdue student organizations, hazing in the form of demeaning or intimidating behavior toward new members, and taking lewd photographs with props.

The Office of the Dean of Students under went an investigation and concluded that three members were using the chapter's text messaging system to make prescription drugs available. All of the incidents were reported during the fall 2013 semester.

"The length of this probation will give Sigma Phi Epsilon a chance to correct several organizational culture issues that need to be addressed in order for the group to remain part of the Purdue University community," Associate Dean of Students Jeffery Stefancic said.

"The assigned sanctions send a strong message that we have high expectations for Purdue's fraternity and sorority community and that certain behaviors will not be tolerated," Stefancic continued.

During the probationary period, Sigma Phi Epsilon cannot have alcohol at its chapter house or on any chapter property. It cannot sponsor or co-sponsor any function at which alcohol is served, and it cannot participate in any Purdue Grand Prix activities next spring or Homecoming activities next fall.

In addition, the chapter is required to have an alumni adviser present at all new member events through Aug. 15, 2015.

"Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity values its partnership with Purdue University and the collaborative effort to addresss concerns about the actions of certain members," said Kyle Sutton, director of the fraternity's Balanced Man program. "We look forward to supporting a fraternity experience for members committed to the highest standards of Purdue University and SigEp."

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SigEp Fraternity receives 3-year suspension as UTA ends investigations

SigEp at UT Arlington has received a 3-year suspension. Anything I add would be snarky so I'll just hope an appeal is successful.

Fraternity receives 3-year suspension as UTA ends investigations - The Shorthorn : Campus:

One fraternity is suspended from UTA for three years, three others are on probation until the end of May and another is no longer on interim suspension following investigations into reports of misconduct, according to a UTA spokeswoman.

The fraternities – Sigma Phi Epsilon, Pi Kappa Phi, Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Chi and Alpha Tau Omega – were placed on interim suspensions in September related to activities on fraternity Bid Day on Sept. 7, according to university officials.

The five fraternities were notified the investigations were concluded, university spokeswoman Kristin Sullivan said in an email Oct. 25.

Following the investigations, Sigma Phi Epsilon has been suspended from the university for three years and may not participate in chapter activities, Sullivan said in the email.

“The organization may petition in January 2017 to establish an active chapter at UT Arlington as of June 1, 2017,” the email stated.

Three other fraternities, Alpha Tau Omega, Pi Kappa Alpha and Sigma Chi, are on probation through May 31, 2014.

During probation, the fraternities are prohibited from hosting social events or participating in fraternity events where alcohol is present.

The fraternities can appeal and request a formal hearing, Sullivan said in the email.

Pi Kappa Phi is no longer on interim suspension, according to the email. However, the university found that the chapter offered early bids and referred it to the Interfraternity Council, according to the email.

The investigations began sometime after Bid Day in September, Sullivan previously said.
Sigma Phi Epsilon and Pi Kappa Phi were first issued interim suspensions “related to unregistered parties and possible use of alcohol by individuals under the age of 21,” according to the university.

Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Chi and Alpha Tau Omega were investigated in connection with underage alcohol use.

Additionally, Alpha Tau Omega was investigated in connection with “possible use of illegal drugs,” according to a previous university statement.

Sigma Phi Epsilon president Christofer Slocum did not immediately return calls from The Shorthorn. In a text message, he said the fraternity plans to challenge the sanctions "by proceeding to a trial."

In a previous article, Slocum denied the fraternity hosted an unregistered party Sept . 7. Instead, he said some fraternity members attended a party at the home of an alumnus who was celebrating a new job.

“I have no control over what a graduate of UTA does at his residence,” Slocum said at the time.

Sigma Chi president Aaron Hobbs said his fraternity thinks the sanctions are heavier than what it expected and will likely appeal.

The Shorthorn is attempting to reach Alpha Tau Omega, Pi Kappa Alpha and Pi Kappa Phi presidents for comment.

@KristaMTorralva
krista.torralva@mavs.uta.edu

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UT (Tennessee) report: Put directors in frat houses

After the notorious "butt-chugging" incident made the UT fraternity system fodder for the late-night comedians, the university put together a task force to find ways to improve. They released their report a few days ago.

One "solution" sounds like mandating "Housemothers/fathers" or RAs for the fraternity houses. I wonder how that would work? Having a "political officer" who reports to the administration leaves a bad taste in my mouth. However, the idea of posting academic performance and ranking online, plus philanthropy activity AND chapter violations may have some merit. A time honored management principle is "you get what you measure". Keeping track of those types of metrics, and perhaps using them as a basis for a prestigious award, could be a powerful incentive. We all know how well that works for intramural sports and Homecoming activities.
What do you think? Is this a workable plan? here is a link to the University of Tennessee press release - you can get to the full report from there.

UT report: Put directors in frat houses | timesfreepress.com:

KNOXVILLE — A committee at the University of Tennessee has proposed remedies for rowdiness that made the campus the subject of late-night TV comedy.

The Knoxville News Sentinel reported the committee’s recommendations include full-time directors living in fraternity houses, amnesty for drunken students and their friends when seeking medical help and the online posting of sanctions against fraternities and sororities.

“Alcohol, for this age group, is and will continue to be our biggest issue. It is the root of most of our crimes,” said UT Police Chief Troy Lane. “There obviously was an issue that made us all kind of decide enough is enough. But we’re really not dealing with anything that any other college isn't dealing with.”

The 11-page report released Thursday comes nearly six months after a Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity member was brought to UT Hospital dangerously drunk. Police reports blamed the incident on a wine enema, which garnered national attention. That chapter and, later, the Phi Gamma Delta chapter have shut down at UT.

The 25-member task force was formed to find solutions to poor behavior among fraternities. Members include the UT police chief, students, alumni, faculty and staff. The chairman is local attorney Thomas Hale. The group met about every other week to form its recommendations.

The group found that 14 fraternities were sanctioned 30 times in the last five years, tallying 68 violations that include alcohol abuse, physical abuse, hazing and nudity.

Some of the task force recommendations are immediately moving forward, including expanding the university’s Greek recognition system. In addition to online listing of fraternities’ and sororities’ cumulative grade point averages and philanthropy work, the information will now include chapter violations.

Jeff Cathey, associate dean of students, said the university expects at least some fraternities to move quickly to add live-in advisers.

Also among the task force recommendations is the adoption of new educational programs for fraternities and sororities on hazing, managing risk, substance abuse and the code of conduct. The group also wants to review how effective and consistent campus rule enforcement is.

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UA investigating after frat pledge suffers possible alcohol poisoning

Is this what Arkansas Alpha learned at CLA? Lets hope not.

Police question student with alcohol poisoning

FAYETTEVILLE,ARK. —Authorities at the University of Arkansas are investigating after a 19-year-old fraternity pledge was hospitalized with possible alcohol poisoning.

The male student was admitted Saturday to Washington Regional Medical Center with possible alcohol poisoning. The teen had received a bid that morning to become a pledge at UA's Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity.

Lt. Gary Crain, a spokesman with UA's police department, says authorities are investigating and will turn over findings to prosecutors.

Crain says a member of the fraternity drove the student to the hospital, which later informed UA police about the incident.

Brian C. Warren Jr., the national executive director of Sigma Phi Epsilon, says the chapter has suspended all operations pending the outcome of the investigation.

The hospitalized student was released from the hospital Monday.

Campus officials said the fraternity was being investigated as to whether it provided alcohol to the underage pledge.

Washington County Deputy Prosecutor Matt Durett said any evidence would need to show specifically who provided alcohol to the student. 

"Just because someone is at a party and some minor gets some alcohol, or just because you're drinking around someone who's underage, it isn't enough. The university can't bring criminal charges to the whole fraternity if only specific members wind up being charged with the crime," Durett said.

Read more: http://www.4029tv.com/news/arkansas/northwest/UA-investigating-after-frat-pledge-suffers-possible-alcohol-poisoning/-/8897460/19099412/-/c5is77z/-/index.html#ixzz2M8J57TDG

22 NIU frat members charged in freshman's hazing death

Quoting Michael Ellis from his Facebook post:

A young person's death is a tragedy in everyone's eyes. The vanquishing of the bright future of a young man, because of silly over-indulging in alcohol is saddening, dismaying, disheartening.

The letters on this young man's sweat shirt were not Sigma Phi Epsilon -- this time. But this tragedy happened to all fraternity members everywhere, regardless of campus, fraternity affiliation or year of graduation.

Please take the time to talk about this event, its root causes, and whatever we can do in our own chapters to ensure that our Brothers are informed and educated about the choices they make and that they press others to make. No one has to behave this way and by the time you're 18 - 22, you really need to know better and do better. *Let's all get better at making sure everyone understands that*.

22 NIU frat members charged in freshman's hazing death - chicagotribune.com

(Note: the video was removed becaus of an "autoplay" issue. It can still be found on the Chicago Tribune link abouve)

How NOT to do a SigEp video.

The overwhelming majority of online videos about SigEp send a positive message about the fraternity and its members. Even the ones that show brothers displaying um, character flaws, are not generally mean spirited even if they don't show us in the best light. 

However, occasionally a video shows up that is best used as a cautionary tail. Such is the one I have here today. 

While I would not call the video NSFW, exactly, you may feel otherwise. There are a few clips that get very close to the line. 

Questions to ask yourself before posting SigEp videos:

1. How does this affect the SigEp image? Positve? Negative?
2. If a potential member sees this video will he be more or less likely to consider SigEp?
3. If a parent see this video will he or she have a positive response?

Note I said nothing about production values. That is on purpose. Some of you may be aspiring to a career in video and this is a good place to practice and get better. Just be aware that "Content is King." I'm looking forward to your comments.

Chico State suspends Greek activities after death

A senseless and tragic death shuts down the entire greek system
Chico State suspends Greek activities after death - San Jose Mercury News:

CHICO, Calif.—Chico State University suspended all Greek activities Thursday after the death of a student who drank too much alcohol while celebrating his 21st birthday.

Campus President Paul Zingg said fraternities and sororities will be barred from recruiting students or having social events until the spring semester. They also will have to cover or remove Greek letters from their houses during the suspension, according to the Chico Enterprise-Record ( http://bit.ly/XKiWDf).

Mason Sumnicht, a communication design major, was found unresponsive at an apartment last week after a night of drinking at downtown Chico bars with friends. The San Diego native was taken by ambulance to Enloe Medical Center and placed on life support after being treated for extreme alcohol poisoning.

Sumnicht died Thursday from an alcohol overdose, according to the Butte County coroner's office.

CSU officials would not comment on any fraternity affiliation for Sumnicht, but the campus newspaper, The Orion, reported that he was pledging the Sigma Pi fraternity this semester.

In addition to the young man's death, school officials said there have been other recent problems involving fraternities and sororities, including allegations of hazing, sexual assaults and drinking with potential new members.

Students don't get a "free pass" for allowing a brother to drink 21 shots on his 21st birthday and "pass out in his vomit,"

Asaid Zingg, speaking to a gathering of the Greek community in the Bell Memorial Union Auditorium. Zingg said he had demanded changes from campus Greeks seven years ago when a student died during a fraternity hazing incident and there was a riot in downtown Chico. Things improved greatly, but the situation has deteriorated recently, he said.


"I don't think it's fair to generalize us all into the negative group," Courtney Wessel, a member of the sorority Sigma Omega Phi, told the Chico Enterprise-Record.
———
Information from: Chico Enterprise-Record, http://www.chicoer.com (More detail)

UT chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity suspended

Update: More coverage. Some of it is rather "descriptive"

• Buh-Bye, PKA. See You in 2015.
• UT closes Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity, site of reported alcohol enema incident

Note: This UT is the University of Tennessee

UT chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity suspended:

This is sick, and not in the good way. Much of the video and the reaction shots were shot at the SigEp house. They were not involved, but the house is close to the Pike's. (One Frat as good as another to the media, I suppose.)

Starting the Year Off... Wrong!!

Fortunately neither of these involves SigEp directly, though there is a connection with the first incident:

Just this past weekend, a Purdue freshman fell to his death in an alcohol related incident.

BY ALLIE GOODRICH | Assistant Features Editor
A Purdue freshman died early Monday morning in Indianapolis after falling off of a fifth-floor balcony.
18-year-old Xavier Somerville, a Lawrence Central High School graduate, was a freshman in the undergraduate studies program.
According to a case report from the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police, Somerville was at The Avenue Apartments near IUPUI's campus early Monday morning when police arrived, responding to a noise complaint. Witnesses said there had been drinking in the apartment, and Somerville got scared when police showed up. He was trying to swing from the fifth floor balcony to the fourth floor, when he lost his grip and fell. He was taken to Wishard Hospital, but died from his injuries.
The news came as a shock to one particular group of students on campus. It was just a couple weeks ago that Somerville accepted a bid from Sigma Chi fraternity. Chapter president Mark Back said while brothers are mourning this loss, their main focus is supporting Somerville's friends and family.
"He was a guy who stood out to me as someone who would have been a great Sigma Chi," Back said. "Our main thing is we want to be there for support. We can't imagine what his parents and his family's going through right now."

According to Mike Ellis, a SigEp AVC member at Purdue:

This boy was a scholarship winner last weekend from SigEp's BMS.  His accident didn't happen at his selected Sigma Chi fraternity, nor thankfully at SigEp.  But it goes to show how young men can (esp 18-22 yrs old) can make such poor choices at times, especially when they are influenced by alcohol.

This is just another reminder of how tragic such poor judgement can be.

...And in another story from last week, another alcohol related death, this time at Theta Chi at Fresno State:

Binge Drinking has an Up-Side?

 Binge-drinking students happier and more accepted than others: study

By Eric Pfeiffer, Yahoo! News | The Sideshow 

A study released on Aug. 20, 2012, suggests binge drinking has social benefits for college-age students.

Researchers completing a new study on alcohol consumption have discovered that college-age students who binge drink are happier than those who don't.

Those who engaged in binge drinking tend to belong to so-called high-status groups: wealthy, white, male and active in fraternity life. And those who did not belong to the high-status groups could achieve similar levels of social acceptance through the act of binge drinking. In fact, the study results suggest that students engaged in the heavy drinking practice to elevate their social status amongst peers rather than to alleviate depression or anxiety.

"The present study offers another insight into the nature of a seemingly intractable social problem," the study released on Monday reads. "It is our hope that by drawing attention to the important social motivations underlying binge drinking, institutional administrators and public health professionals will be able to design and implement programs for students that take into account the full range of reasons that students binge drink."

The Washington Post reports that the study's co-author and Colgate University associate professor Carolyn Hsu presented some of the findings during the American Sociological Association gathering in Denver last week.

Interestingly, the study results compiled from surveying 1,600 college students also continues to support past evidence suggesting that binge drinking leads to a number of problems affecting the mind and body, including alcoholism, violence, poor grades and risky sexual behavior.

"I would guess it has to do with feeling like you belong and whether or not you're doing what a 'real' college student does," Hsu told LiveScience. "It seems to be more about certain groups getting to define what that looks like."

Binge drinking was defined as consuming more than four drinks in one occasion for women and more than five drinks for men. Sixty-four percent of respondents said they had engaged in the practice, compared with 36 percent who said they had not.

Those statistics differ from similar evidence gathered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC's statistics measure binge drinking in the same quantity but limit the consumption period to two hours or fewer. Its results also found that the majority of binge drinkers (70 percent) were over the age of 26. The CDC has also found that 90 percent of alcohol consumed by people under the age of 21 is done in the form of binge drinking, compared with 75 percent among all U.S. adults.

Yahoo News! August 20, 2012
http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/sideshow/binge-drinking-students-happier-more-accepted-others-study-194406168.htm

Woman Says Frat Party Entices Predators

Yup, this time it is one of our own - Texas Alpha - on the wrong end of a lawsuit.

Woman Says Frat Party Entices Predators

By IULIA FILIP 

     (CN) - A college freshman claims in court that she was kidnapped and sexually assaulted after being served a "trash can punch" laced with Everclear alcohol at a frat house party at the University of Texas at Austin.

     M.J. sued the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity, its Texas Alpha Chapter and The University Of Texas Sig Ep Foundation, in Travis County Court. UTexas-Austin is not a party to the complaint.

     M.J. claims that the fraternity routinely gets young women drunk on "extremely alcoholic beverages" and fails to protect them from sexual predators.

     She says that in July 2010, while she was on campus for freshman orientation, she was invited to a "social event" at Sigma Phi Epsilon's fraternity house.

     She says she was served "extremely alcoholic beverages" at the party, and became "highly intoxicated."

     "At some point after midnight, (MJ) perceived her state of consciousness to be rapidly declining - she was going to sleep," the complaint states. "She started searching for her cell phone and purse with the intent of returning to her dormitory room, but never found her articles. During her search inside and on the grounds of the fraternity house, she at some point sat down and fell asleep - a deep sleep from which she could not easily be aroused. At no time prior to her sleep state did she consent to leaving the fraternity house and grounds with anyone, nor did she consent to sexual contact with anyone. During her sleep state she was not competent to grant any consent to anyone - factually or legally. She did not awaken from her sleep state until the next morning, when she found herself in the custody of a sexual predator in Williamson County. She had been sexually assaulted. She had been kidnapped."

George Desdunes

Cornell fraternity pledges acquitted in high-profile hazing case

ITHACA -- Sixteen months after George Desdunes died of alcohol poisoning at a Cornell University fraternity, the three men accused of hazing in his death have been acquitted of all charges. The verdict by Judge Judith Rossiter on Tuesday afternoon comes more than four weeks after the bench trial ended in Tompkins County Court in May.

Max Haskin, Ben Mann and Edward "EJ" Williams -- the three former Cornell freshmen and pledges to the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity -- were cleared of all criminal wrongdoing in a case that put a spotlight on binge drinking in college fraternity culture. Desdunes, 19, died the morning of Feb. 25, 2011, with a blood alcohol content of .35 percent, according to court documents.

The case centered on the mock-kidnapping of Desdunes and fellow fraternity member Greg Wiler as part of a tradition meant to foster a sense of brotherhood with the prospective fraternity members. The pair were taken to an off-campus townhouse and asked questions about fraternity lore, with wrong answers resulting in punishments ranging from exercise and singing show tunes to drinking cups of alcohol. Wiler testified that he was blindfolded and given candy and vodka but was never forced to do anything against his will during the approximately hour-long ritual.

To End Fraternity Hazing, End Boozing First

From the Chronicle of Higher Education. You may not agree with all of the article, but consider the frustration endured by those who have spent years trying to alter unacceptable behavior. The points are worth (ahem) sober consideration.

To End Fraternity Hazing, End Boozing First

Joyce Hesselberth for The Chronicle

Enlarge Image

By Douglas E. Fierberg

Universities have spent years trying to solve the problem of hazing—putting into effect numerous regulations, training seminars, and programs to create a Maginot line. Standing alone, those practices have no real chance of achieving meaningful success. Instead, campuses should be concentrating on changes that will actually prevent hazing and other activities that result in injury and death, particularly the vast majority of incidents in which alcohol is a factor.

Here are steps colleges should take to protect their students from harm and themselves from liability:

The Red Cup Speaks

Saw this on the CAMPUSPEAK Facebook page.

PKA at Utah Suspended for Alcohol Violations

USU announces suspension of fraternity due to 'alcohol violations'

By Kevin Opsahl

A fraternity chapter has been suspended by Utah State University for an
apparent recent alcohol policy violation, the university announced Friday.

According to Logan City Police Department officials, police responded to a
medical call on Sept. 26 from the Gamma Epsilon chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha,
located at 757 E. 700 North near USU in Logan. An "underage female"
was sent to Logan Regional Hospital with an "extremely elevated alcohol
level," according to Lt. Brad Franke.

Both USU and Logan police are investigating the case, Franke said. The
police department is conducting a separate criminal investigation involving
supplying minors with alcohol, he said. Assistant Police Chief Jeff Curtis
added that charges are pending.

When The Herald Journal reached the chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha for comment, a
resident said, "not interested," and hung up.

Police officials said USU made a records request on the case, which led USU
President Stan Albrecht to announce the suspension Friday.

"We feel we have the right to take any steps necessary to keep the
university and its members safe," said James Morales, vice president of
student services, when contacted Friday. "What we do know is sufficient
for us to take action, as the president has taken, and implement this
suspension immediately."

Morales said the chapter has not "disbanded," and students are
able to stay in the home because it is private. Since the Gamma Epsilon chapter
of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity is no longer officially "recognized" by
USU, it has "limited or no" access to USU services pending the
outcome of the investigation, he said.

A statement from Albrecht released Friday said, "The suspension will be
for an indefinite period of time pending the outcome of further
investigation."

Morales would not comment on the nature of the alleged violations or say if
more than one student was involved in the situation.

"We have a relationship with these Greek organizations, and we like
that we have that relationship because they're part of the local
community," Morales said. "But we don't have legal oversight of them
beyond the fact that we can recognize them as organizations."

http://news.hjnews.com/news/article_ac85d1c2-ebb1-11e0-8bf6-001cc4c03286.html

Tri-Delta at UCF Dies After Concuming Alcohol

Roommate says UCF student had been drinking before she died

By Denise-Marie Balona, Marni Jameson and Walter Pacheo, Orlando Sentinel

Ann Hefferin's roommate told emergency dispatchers that the 18-year-old UCF freshman had been drinking before she was found unresponsive in their on-campus apartment early Thursday.

Rescue crews later rushed Hefferin to Florida Hospital East, where she was pronounced dead.

"My friend was drinking and she woke me up and she's sick and now she's not responding," Hefferin's roommate told 911 dispatchers at about 4 a.m., her voice shaking.

 "I don't know what to do. She's purple ... she's gasping for air," the young woman said, later telling the dispatcher, "She told me her heart hurt."

The 911 operator quickly began coaching the young woman in CPR, and was told that Hefferin took a gasp of air, then was not responding. By the time emergency workers arrived, she seemed to be breathing sporadically.

Hefferin, a new member of the Delta Delta Delta sorority, attended a Sigma Chi fraternity house party Wednesday for about an hour, UCF officials said. Alcohol was served at the party - a violation of university policy.

UCF officials, however, said they did not know if drinking played a role in Hefferin's death. Police were still trying to piece together precisely what happened.

Tests performed by the Medical Examiner's Office were inconclusive, and additional test have been ordered.

Impact on Greek life

On Friday, UCF ordered Sigma Chi and Delta Delta Delta to cease all social activities while the case is being investigated.

"Although we do not know if it played a role in Ann's death, alcohol was at the Sigma Chi house …," UCF spokesman Grant Heston said in a statement.

University officials said Sigma Chi had not requested permission from the fraternity's national office or UCF to throw Wednesday's party.

"The fraternity is immediately subject to our disciplinary process and will be held accountable for its actions," Heston said. "We await news from the medical examiner that will help further guide our investigation and response."

UCF officials had stationed an agency vehicle outside the Sigma Chi house Thursday afternoon, while the Police Department and UCF investigated "activity" at the house.

Although Sigma Chi is in "good standing" with the university, the fraternity could face sanctions, including the revocation of its charter.

In total, there are 46 Greek organizations at UCF. They serve more than 3,000 students.

A national problem

Like many college campuses, UCF tries to prevent alcohol abuse through a variety of alcohol-education programs. Last year, the U.S. Department of Education recognized UCF's programs as a national model, university officials said.

All freshmen are required to complete a two-hour, online course that covers alcohol-related topics such as how to call for help if a friend appears drunk and how to refuse a drink. The college's Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention Programming office also gives regular presentations in classes, student organization meetings and residence halls.

The first week of school is the time of the riskiest drinking, said Scott T. Walters, professor of behavioral sciences at University of North Texas Health Science Center School of Public Health. Walters co-authored a recent study that found incoming college freshmen to be at the highest risk for excessive drinking.

The study, published this month in Addictive Behaviors, surveyed 76,882 students from more than 258 colleges, for the eight weeks prior to college starting and five weeks after.

The summer before college, kids' drinking increases some, and students tend not to be as careful about their drinking. But the turning point was the first week of school, which Walters called "gap week."

"The real kicker were the number of youths who answered yes to questions regarding intent to get drunk," said Walters, author of "Talking to College Students About Alcohol." "Many more answered yes to questions about whether they planned to drink shots, play drinking games, or intentionally
get drunk." Drinking tends to taper after the first few weeks.

He cites a new freedom and minimal supervision as factors in binge drinking, particularly in the early weeks. "Parents are gone; courses have no demands. Kids are at loose ends, and they fall through the cracks. They are trying to socialize and make friends and think alcohol will help," he said.

What would help, he says, is a better hand-off. "Parents should stay around. There should be more supervision, or maybe schools should make academic requirements happen up front, instead of having a blow-off week."

He also encourages parents to stay in touch with their students, especially at first.

"Get to know your student's friends, space and schedule."

Drinking during adolescence has been on the rise in the United States for years, said Mark Goldman, professor of psychology at University of South Florida.

"Fifty percent of young people have had their first drink before their 15th birthday. What happens in college happens against background of high level of drinking that's been going on anyway," Goldman said.

Facebook memorial

Friends and others who knew Hefferin have turned to the Internet to express their grief, share high-school photos and remember her optimism, kindness, and inner and outer beauty.

A Facebook page was created to share memories of the young woman who graduated from Orlando's Bishop Moore Catholic High School and started classes at UCF this week.

Hannah Harkins, who met Hefferin during a sorority event about two weeks ago, called Hefferin her "rush crush." The two women shared a love for movie nights.

Hefferin had joined the Delta Delta Delta sorority just a few days ago.

"We instantly formed a bond and connected on a familiar level," Harkins wrote on the Facebook page created in Hefferin's honor. "From what I learned, Ann seemed to be grounded and loving and just looking for people to relate to."

Michael Echevarria, who attended Bishop Moore with Hefferin, said he couldn't believe she's gone.

"It feels like just yesterday we were sitting in the same Spanish 2 class and then talking about colleges together and now she's gone," he wrote. "It wasn't her time to go, she was too young and beautiful and so genuine."

orlandosentinel.com/news/os-ann-hefferin-ucf-death-20110826,0,2429442.story