Spring 2009
Organization: Kappa Alpha Theta Panhellenic Council Chapter
Description: The OFSA received complaints that were part of Kappa Alpha Theta's Big-Little week in which inappropriate activities were planned for a few of the newest members of the chapter by their bigs.
1. Men were asked by bigs to perform inappropriately for their littles in group
settings.
2. At least one Big arranged a “tuck-in” and book reading for a little. This
consisted of approximately three men, known by the little, coming to her room
before bedtime and reading her a story.
3. As part of the Big-Little week at least one new member had her academic class
interrupted. Someone, on behalf of her big, interrupted her class to announce
that her big loved her. The new member was then reprimanded by her professor
after class for the incident.
4. At least one little had performed a “princess walk.” During her walk to
class a male friend threw glitter down in front of her. She wore a tiara and
had a sign held above her stating: “My Big Loves Me.”
Outcome:
- The chapter will participate in the University compliance program as a result of hazing activity. Must be completed no later than October 1, 2009.
- The chapter will review internal policies and procedures to determine ways in which these kinds of activities could be prevented in the future. This should be done during an Executive Board or Chapter Retreat which must involve either a representative from the OFSA or Kappa Alpha Theta National Fraternity. Must be completed by November 1, 2009.
- The chapter must present a detailed new member education plan, making use of the Kappa Alpha Theta National models available. The plan is to be implemented for the Spring 2010 semester, and must be approved by the National Executive Office and OFSA. Must be completed by December 1, 2009.
- The chapter must create and implement a Big Sister educational training. This training must be completed by all Bigs before the start of Formal Membership Recruitment. Little Sisters must also receive training on the issues of hazing within the first two weeks of the new member program.
- The chapter president must meet with the OFSA Panhellenic Advisor at least once each month to discuss progress through April 2010.
Organization: Sigma Nu Interfraternity Council Chapter
Description: Hazing allegations were reported to Cornell University and Sigma Nu Fraternity, Inc. on March 26, 2009. The allegations violate the University Anti-Hazing Policy, and the Fraternity and Sorority Expectations for Membership. Based on a thorough review of all information provided, we found the following to have occurred based on the preponderance of the evidence:
1. An event took place during which the new members performed calisthenics for approximately two hours in the fraternity house. The calisthenics were led by members of the chapter and included such things as sit ups, jumping jacks, and push ups.
2. The chapter held an event called "hell week." During the course of three nights, the new members dressed in suits they purchased from the Salvation Army. The new members individually recited a "poem" in front of the brothers and were sprayed with water from a hose while doing so.
3. The new members performed a pledge raid, which is an activity where they tried to "steal" the "pledge mom," from the chapter facility. When they were unsuccessful, they were taken to perform the abovementioned calisthenics.
4. The new members participated in an activity called "pledge enrichment." During this event the new members were in the basement of the house and were taped together with masking tape. There was one case of beer (30 cans per case) placed in the basement for each new member, thus there were approximately eleven cases of beer present that night. New members were encouraged to consume all the beer that was in the basement with them.
Outcome:
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The chapter must host an alcohol education program presented by a representative from Gannett Health Center or an OFSA staff member. 80% of the chapter (active and new members) must be in attendance. Must be completed by November 30, 2009.
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The chapter will sponsor or co-sponsor an anti-hazing workshop for the Greek community. Must be completed by February 15, 2010.
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Each member of the new member class in the fall 2009 and spring 2010 academic year will have an individual meeting with Kara Miller, Assistant Dean of Students. Must be completed by November 1, 2009 and March 1, 2010, respectively.
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The chapter will invite Travis Apgar, Associate Dean of Students, to their house to speak to them about their recent transgressions and how to move forward in a positive way. Must be completed by September 30, 2009.
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The chapter president will meet with Kara Miller, Assistant Dean of Students, once a month during the 2009-2010 academic year.
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The chapter is placed on Disciplinary Probation, effective immediately, and to conclude May 31, 2012.