Sigma Phi Epsilon - University of Oklahoma

THE EPILOG A PUBLICATION FOR ALUMNI OF OKLAHOMA BETA t SIGMA PHI EPSILON WINTER 2017 Oklahoma Beta Sees Resilience in the Face of Adversity Alumni Leadership, University, and National Fraternity Address Sanctions, Implement Balanced Man Program I n 2016, you might have heard on social media or in conversations with pledge brothers about allegations and sanctions that have recently been placed on the Oklahoma Beta Chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon. I want alumni to be informed, to know that we are committed to transparently addressing any issues, and to rest assured that the ideals of the fraternity are still being upheld. As president of the Alumni Volunteer Corporation and an Oklahoma Beta brother, I apologize for the delay in getting this information out. Once the membership review process was complete, unfortunately work and life took over. Nevertheless, here we are. About five years ago, the Oklahoma Beta Chapter, following consistent recognition, nationally and locally, as arguably the largest and overall best fraternity in the country, embarked on a process to ensure we also had a comparable facility. After extensive discussion with alumni and active members on a design plan, a campaign was launched to fund the Red Door Renaissance Campaign to update and improve our chapter house, which began Phase 1 of construction in the summer of 2015. At this same time, the National Fraternity implemented a mandatory requirement that all chapters adhere to the National Fraternity's Balanced Man Program (BMP), which would require much structural change for our chapter. Unfortunately, the construction work ran three months into the school semester due to permitting delays by the city and discovery of issues that had to be addressed to properly and safely update the house. This was a major inconvenience and chapter leadership was unable to manage successfully through the process. These issues were exacerbated by an unknown subculture, which had taken root in the house. This subculture manifested itself during the previous summer recruitment of 2015, when the chapter received a strike from the university for alcohol use during a recruitment event. While the local chapter bylaws, National Fraternity bylaws, as well as the university, have strict disciplinary procedures for drug and alcohol abuse, the leadership within the chapter did not hold members accountable, and frankly hid issues from the alumni leadership. The chapter became under review for a second alcohol strike due to an unsanctioned event at the house in January 2016. The AVC spent countless hours working with officials in the Office of University Student Conduct toward creating a better system, which could be implemented across the university and make all students safer and more accountable. Unfortunately, prior to finalizing a remedy to the second strike, the active chapter held a social event, despite alumni advice not to have an event. The social event was so poorly managed by the chapter leadership and members that the venue management had to call police, resulting in an arrest and notice to the university. At this point, the university applied the second strike, and put the chapter under consideration for a third strike, which could result in closure of the chapter for one year. Alumni leadership, in direct and continuous coordination with the university and National Fraternity, stepped in and suspended the charter of the chapter and put the chapter in the control of an Alumni Advisory Council of three seasoned alumni of varying age and skillsets. A membership review was conducted to determine which members were willing to adapt to the significant redirection being taken and who would be capable of contributing to fostering and supporting BMP and overall SIGMA PHI EPSILON – OKLAHOMA BETA e Red Door Renaissance Campaign (Continued on page 2) The first floor of the chapter house has a modern feel after the first phase of the renovation. An elegant cabinet with glass doors prominently displays awards Oklahoma Beta has won over the years. A photo of the founding fathers reminds active members about the legacy they are carrying on.

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