Texas State issues sanctions against Sigma Nu fraternity

SAN MARCOS — Texas State University-San Marcos has issued sanctions against the Sigma Nu fraternity for violations of the university’s risk management policy that occurred at a chapter event on Sept. 13 in San Marcos.

A university Discipline Review Team concluded the fraternity chapter violated Texas State’s student organization alcohol policy by not having a guest list, by inadequately monitoring to prevent underage drinking, by not having licensed security present at the event and by not providing adequate alternate beverages and food.

The sanctions the chapter received include:

• Deferred suspension for two years (until Sept. 30, 2005). Deferred suspension is a sanction that provides specific directives that must be completed before the organization returns to good standing on campus. Any violation during this period will immediately result in the fraternity being suspended.
• Complete social suspension for one year (until Sept. 30, 2004). This includes no social activity by the chapter, no participation in Greek Week 2004, no mixers, date parties or other social functions.
• An alumni board of advisers will be selected and trained jointly with the university and national fraternity and will be required to attend all events of the chapter during its period of deferred suspension. This board will be in place by Nov. 1, 2003.

The sanctions were put in place after the university’s Discipline Review Team investigated events that occurred at a Sept. 13 party given by the Sigma Nu fraternity at a private residence off campus. Police were called to the party twice. Two individuals associated with the fraternity were arrested at the party, one for assault on a police officer and one for evading arrest. On Oct. 1, the president and vice president of Sigma Nu were arrested and charged with providing alcohol to minors at the party.

The individuals arrested still face university disciplinary review, said Texas State Dean of Students John Garrison.

“There are significant allegations and charges against individual students who have been identified by law enforcement officials on the scene the night of this incident. The book has not yet closed for those individuals who face university disciplinary review and outside agency action resulting from this incident,” said Garrison.

The Discipline Review Team that issued the sanctions against the fraternity considers alleged violations of university policy related to organizational activities. Individual students who are found in violation of university policies are addressed through the Student Justice process, and that process is still ongoing in regard to the individuals arrested as a result of the Sept. 13 incident.

Garrison said he hopes the sanctions raise awareness of the importance of university policies regarding risk management.

“The educational development of the members of student organizations is at the core of the co-curricular experience for all of our students at Texas State,” he said. “It is the intent of these sanctions and the anticipated programs that will be put in place by the national organization that the level of risk management awareness and practice will be heightened not only in the Sigma Nu fraternity but in other organizations on campus.”

For further information, please contact the Office of the Dean of Students at (512) 245-2124.