The Zeta Omega chapter of Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity and the Eta chapter of Sigma Nu at Mercer University will not be allowed to invite potential new members to join this semester, according to an email Thursday from Inter-Fraternity Council (IFC) Advisor James Hulett.
“On behalf of the Office of Campus Life, I need to inform you all that (these) chapters will not be participating in Preference Night or Bid Day this year,” Hulett’s email said. “These chapters are not able to offer bids to students, formally or informally, this semester.”
In a separate email, Hulett said that “one of the chapters in question has recently been found responsible for violating both IFC recruitment guidelines and the student code of conduct.”
Lambda Chi Alpha has also been placed on social probation for the fall semester in addition to losing a pledge class this semester.
“They have the opportunity to take a class in the spring provided they comply with the sanctions set out by the Office of Student Conduct Resolution,” Hulett said.
For a student organization on social probation, “all or a portion of social functions must cease for a designated period of time,” according to the Mercer University Student Handbook.
If an organization violates the Code of Conduct further while on probation, they will face harsher sanctions, suspension or even expulsion.
Hulett said that Sigma Nu will also not be allowed to give bids and “is on interim suspension while an investigation occurs regarding a violation of the student code of conduct.”
Interim suspensions may be imposed “in certain circumstances involving a student or organization’s actions that may affect the safety, health, or general welfare of the student or the university community,” according to the Handbook.
Organizations on interim suspension may not participate in events on campus while the investigation is underway.
“Due to interim suspension, the chapter will not be able to further participate in formal IFC recruitment activities,” Hulett said.
Director of Student Life and Student Involvement Carrie Ingoldsby, who oversees Mercer’s Fraternity and Sorority Programs, declined to comment Wednesday.
Two Mercer fraternities prohibited from giving bids this semester
Greek Village houses the different sororities and fraternities at Mercer.
