newsworthy fraternity updates Student Hazing Choices Lead to Closure at Auburn
Following a university investigation in which the 164-man chapter was found in violation of the campus anti-hazing policy, the Delta Zeta Chapter at Auburn University was closed November 25, 2019, for a minimum of four years. The activities that led to this result included alcohol, physical abuse and servitude, many or all of which spanned several years and defied multiple interventions from the university, chapter alumni and General Fraternity. The period of suspension was handed down by the Auburn IFC and, after a chapter appeal, reaffirmed by both the body’s Council of Presidents and the school’s senior vice president of student affairs. In coordination with Delta Zeta alumni leaders and consistent with the Fraternity’s position against hazing and unsafe social practices, the Fraternity moved to disband Delta Zeta to protect the health and safety of its members, as well as the long-term future of Beta Theta Pi at Auburn.
Eastern Washington Joins Cornerstone Housing Program; Beta Real Estate Grows to $200 Million
Now in its 10th year since inception, Beta’s Cornerstone Housing Program has added the Eastern Washington house corporation – its 58th member – to the Fraternity’s property insurance pool. Focused on protecting the students and staff who occupy $200 million worth of Beta real estate, Cornerstone continues to improve the safety, academic and brotherhood-centered purposes of Beta homes across North America.
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2020-21 Expansion Plan Set
The Fraternity’s growth plan for the coming year has been finalized, which includes Beta’s establishment on two new campuses and three recolonizations: • • • • •
Boise State Kennesaw State Illinois (Sigma Rho Chapter) Missouri-Kansas City (Epsilon Lambda Chapter) Vanderbilt (Beta Lambda Chapter)
Nova Southeastern Chapter Closed for Low Membership
Citing consistent struggles to maintain a healthy membership size, including multiple attempts at both the local and General Fraternity levels to reverse the trend of declining membership, General Secretary Wayne Kay, Virginia Tech ’73, announced closure of the Zeta Mu Chapter at Nova Southeastern University in Florida on December 20.
2/20/20 4:48 PM