On Dec. 11, the Colorado Zeta chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) was suspended from DU Fraternity and Sorority Life until fall quarter of 2017 at the very soonest. To find out why this happened and what will happen moving forward, the Clarion spoke with Megan Pendley Pickett, director of student engagement, Carl Johnson, executive director of campus life and Lauren Utley, assistant director of student engagement. All three interviewees wrote the following answers together via email.

What led to SAE’s suspension?

The decision to suspend University recognition of the Colorado Zeta chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon was made after reviewing the chapter’s conduct record over the last five years, the conduct record of current individual members, and the “review of membership” conducted by the national organization and university this past quarter. Much deliberation with national and local Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) leadership went into making this difficult decision.

Are any individual students seeing punishment?

Student Conduct information  regarding individual students is protected under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), and thus we cannot share this information.

Where will the students previously living in the SAE building be relocating to?

Student Life worked closely with members living in the property to present them with their living options, which included either applying for a residence hall space or being released from on-campus housing requirement.  All men living in the chapter facility chose to live off campus.

What will happen to the SAE building?

The University is in the process of determining how the building will be utilized best. We can confirm that the building will remain intact. No decision has been made at this time for what the use will be.

What does the future look like for SAE?

This is not a permanent ban, and Sigma Alpha Epsilon will be allowed back at DU in the future. No sooner than Fall quarter 2017, Sigma Alpha Epsilon will be eligible to petition for re-colonization at the University of Denver, for a start date no sooner than Winter quarter 2018. Petitions will be granted based on the current climate of the University community, as well as the petition provided by Sigma Alpha Epsilon. Petition information will include but may not be limited to:

Submission of a fully completed colonization packet for approval.

Assurance that the chapter has a strong and supportive House Corporation Board and Alumni Advisory Board that is approved by the University.

Commitment that the chapter has a faculty/staff advisor who will work to support the undergraduate members of the Chapter.

Dedication by the national fraternity to provide an Educational Leadership Consultant for no less than 10 weeks on campus to assist with recruitment efforts and the subsequent new-member period.

When was the last time a fraternity was in this type of situation at DU?

The Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity was closed in fall 2012.

How will this affect the greek life system at DU?

It is always disappointing to see a chapter leave campus for any period of time, and a decision that is not made quickly or easily. Many current and prospective members of the fraternity and sorority community, as well as faculty and staff members at DU, are saddened by the loss of recognition for Sigma Alpha Epsilon. However, as fraternity and sorority members, we take oaths to uphold the values upon which our organizations are founded, and we need to hold one another accountable to our commitments.