CRYSTAL LUONG
Editor in Chief
The Student Organizations Judicial Board has issued its last two verdicts in a series of decisions related to alcohol-policy violations within the Greek system.
On Oct. 5, Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity received probation without loss of privileges, which will last through January. Five days later, the board notified members of Sigma Chi fraternity of the same sanction, to last through April.
“My hope is that the judicial process was fair and educational for each of the student organizations involved,” Associate Dean of Students Tabatha Jones wrote via e-mail.
Neither Sig Ep nor Sigma Chi has decided to appeal the rulings, according to Jones, who also serves as SOJB chair.
Pepperdine’s disciplinary actions stem from implicating Internet photo albums brought to the administration’s attention in early summer, through links found on the Facebook, an Internet social network.
Three other Greek groups have been affected by the tide of online-based infractions.
Following judicial hearings in September, the university placed Delta Delta Delta sorority on probation without loss of privileges for the duration of this semester and Kappa Alpha Theta on social probation, which prohibits the sorority from hosting social events this fall.
Over the summer, after online-based violations, Beta Theta Pi fraternity was suspended, facing the more immediate and serious discipline following a line of policy violations dating back to April 2004.
As part of their disciplinary stipulations, Sig Ep and Sigma Chi have both been required to fulfill educational sanctions related to chapter education and risk management, Jones said.
Senior Wade Stout, Sig Ep president, said his group has already held its risk management meeting with members, and such meetings will be an ongoing part of an education plan for subsequent semesters.
“No one had any complaints or concerns,” Stout said.
Senior Armand Scurfield, president of Sigma Chi, would not comment on his fraternity’s hearings or the recent decision.
Sigma Chi is still in the process of scheduling its risk management meeting with university administrators, said Chris Van Velzer, Student Organizations coordinator.
No other Greek or non-Greek student groups are up for judicial review at this time, according to Jones.
11-01-2005