Sigma Alpha Mu still on suspension

Close to one year after being forced to dissolve, the Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity remains suspended after failing to uphold an agreement with the University. SAM lost its charter and was suspended in February for violating dry rush procedures while on social probation. The fraternity was given until the end of December to meet guidelines established by the University in order for the suspension to be lifted. The guidelines included becoming permanently dry, completing a series of alcohol and risk-management classes and performing community service, according to Scott Reikofski, Director of the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs. After meeting the guidelines, the fraternity was to petition the Fraternity/Sorority Advisory Board for permission to recolonize. The fraternity chose not to go through with this petition process, according to Wharton junior and former SAM president Jared Hendricks. Hendricks declined to explain why the fraternity chose not to pursue the process. Reikofski said that because the fraternity did not meet the necessary guidelines, the University would not lift their suspension. "I think it's a loss for the school, but in the same sense people need to be held accountable for their actions," Hendricks said. The decision not to end the suspension was a mutual one made between OFSA, the fraternity and its national office, Hendricks said. According to Hendricks, the fraternity essentially no longer exists, as it is not allowed to hold rush events or otherwise act as a fraternity. "The chapter is prohibited from holding meetings or participating in, hosting or sponsoring campus functions, using the name of Sigma Alpha Mu, the Greek letters, nicknames or other insignia," read a statement released by OFSA last February, when SAM was suspended. Currently, sophomore men from last year's pledge class live at the former fraternity house, located at 3817 Walnut Street. They are allowed to remain there until the end of this semester, and Hendricks said he does not think the University has decided what will happen to the house after that time. The fraternity hopes to return in the future. "SAM will be back at Penn very shortly," said Hendricks, who noted that the fraternity has been active on Penn's campus for over 85 years. Reikofski agreed that the fraternity will come back to Penn. "They'll re-open in the future, just when is a big question," he said. According to Hendricks, as of now, the fraternity does not have any concrete deadlines or guidelines to meet in order to recolonize. "We haven't signed any formal agreement with the University," he said.

Please note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.