Chapter

TENNESSEE ALPHA CHAPTER SUSPENDED AFTER 110 YEARS

- Q & A

WHAT HAPPENED WITH THE CHAPTER?

The SigEp active chapter has been suspended by the University of Tennessee for several repeated violations of the student code of conduct including hazing and alcohol. These issues stem back to 2014, when the chapter narrowly avoided being suspended. The chapter appealed the decision by UT Student Conduct office to close the chapter. They were granted another chance by the judicial board.

Following a membership review, the chapter was reduced to 20 members. Despite strong leadership and dedicated efforts from the alumni volunteers, the chapter again found itself in trouble for hazing in 2018. Headquarters and the local alumni volunteers worked closely with Student Conduct and the chapter was granted a third chance. Another membership review was conducted, and the chapter size once again dwindled to around 20 members. Again, strong leadership was in place and the alumni support was further increased with new volunteers added to the ranks. While the chapter made strides and was close to getting off probation, an element in the chapter simply would not change and the chapter continued to have issues with hazing and violations of the alcohol policy.

WHAT STEPS WERE TAKEN?

In 2022, the chapter received a ‘Cease and Desist’ notice from the University. At that time, the chapter was granted a fourth chance by Student Conduct. That prompted yet another membership review and the chapter house was limited to only those members living in the facility. Less than a semester later, approximately 75 current and former members showed up at the chapter house for a boxing match between a former and current member. In accordance with the Student Conduct resolution, the chapter should have been closed at that point for violation of the agreement.

However, Headquarters and the local alumni worked diligently with the University and the chapter was granted a fifth chance. They were placed on a deferred suspension and the chapter lost use of the chapter house for a period of two years. An educational program was developed and University officials, Headquarters staff, and Alunni Volunteers led those educational sessions with the members.

By all appearances, it seemed that the chapter was making good strides and were on their way to be reinstated the following semester. However, some individuals decided to throw a party. Alcohol cans and drug paraphernalia were found in the chapter house the next day. No one was willing to come forward and hold those individuals accountable. This left the University no choice but to close the chapter facility. At the end of the day, the chapter’s unwillingness to follow University policy and to hold members accountable was Tennessee Alpha’s undoing. A suspension of the SigEp chapter was the final outcome.

ARE CHAPTER CLOSURES COMMON AT UT?

Unfortunately, yes. Most fraternities on campus have been closed in recent history including Pike, Sigma Chi, Lambda Chi, FIJI, DTD, Phi Sigma Kappa, and KA. The Greek culture at the University of Tennessee and other college campuses across the nation is toxic and presents a major issue to the chapters trying to do the right thing.

WHEN CAN THE CHAPTER RETURN?

We can petition to return in 2026 and start recruiting members in spring semester of 2027. While this is terrible news, SigEp Headquarters has recent success returning to SEC Schools. We have successfully re-chartered at Florida, South Carolina, Alabama, Texas A&M, and Mississippi State. This experience will be a huge help as we begin to re-charter Tennessee Alpha.

WILL ALUMNI FUNCTIONS STOP?

Absolutely not. We will continue to have alumni events while the chapter is suspended. Follow the “Spiel” and social media for more details.

WHAT ABOUT THE CHAPTER HOUSE?

We have secured a lease with Phi Kappa Tau for the chapter house. The lease amount covers the mortgage plus a little extra for maintenance, etc. Phi Tau had previously leased the KA house. We received excellent reports from the KA alumni volunteers. We are currently on a year-to-year lease with them, so the house will be available when the chapter is able to return.

WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP?

We need volunteers to work with the chapter once we return to campus. If you are interested, please let someone on the AVC know. If you are on campus, please avoid the temptation to visit the chapter house and respect Phi Kappa Tau as they are a huge help to us at this time. Finally, we need housing funds and seed money for the chapter as they return to campus. Please consider helping when you are asked. ■