SAM probed over alleged infraction

The fraternity is being investigated for a possible violation of dry rush policies. The Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity has been placed under "administrative warning" after last Wednesday's rush outing to a New Jersey bowling alley, according to Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs Director Scott Reikofski. Brothers and rushees allegedly brought five kegs of beer and stole hundreds of bowling balls, pins and shoes from the alley. The Office of Student Conduct, OFSA and SAM's national organization are currently investigating a possible violation of the dry rush policy. At this point, Reikofski said, the chapter "should not be having any parties at all, whether on- or off-campus," until the investigation is complete. But Reikofski said that while the fraternity is not allowed to hold any official parties for rushees, the brothers are still permitted "to communicate" with them. SAM Rush Chairperson Scott Moore, a College sophomore, confirmed that "during the investigation, we have not had a rush event." Approximately 10 freshmen who previously said they were rushing SAM were unreachable for comment last night. Previously, however, prospective SAM pledges said the bowling event would not affect their decisions in any way. The issue will go before the InterFraternity Council's Judicial Inquiry Board -- a peer judicial committee -- if the current investigation produces substantial evidence of a violation of the IFC's dry rush policy. "If there was alcohol present, they are in violation of the University, their national [organization] and the IFC," said Outgoing Vice President for Rush Jeff Snyder, a Wharton senior. Reikofski said he hopes the University and the SAM national organization will know more about the investigation by Friday, and that "it should be completed by bid day" -- January 26. Moore also said he believes the investigation will be concluded before bids are delivered. Bill Little, manager of Holly Bowl, said he called authorities to the scene when he witnessed over 100 brothers and prospective pledges charge the alley's bowling lanes. The New Jersey state police allegedly found the five kegs along with 50 to 60 bowling balls, 150 bowling pins and 30 to 40 pairs of rental shoes when they caught up with SAM buses leaving the bowling alley on State Highway 38. No arrests were made. Little is still in talks with University officials about the alleged damage to his bowling equipment.