July 27, 2018

University of Arizona Sanctions Kappa Sigma Fraternity for Conduct Violations

TUCSON, Ariz. — University of Arizona officials have withdrawn university recognition of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity chapter following a finding of multiple violations of the Arizona Board of Regents Student Code of Conduct.

Effective immediately, Kappa Sigma must cease all activity on the UA campus. The national office will be able to propose a plan in May 2023 to reinstate the fraternity as long as no current members are affiliated with the new chapter.

A withdrawal of recognition is initiated when an organization is deemed to present a substantial health and safety risk to the members of the university community.

The investigation, conducted by the UA Dean of Students Office, found that chapter members engaged in holding events with alcohol while under sanction, assaulted individuals hired to provide security and created a fund to hide activities from the university. The violations occurred while the chapter was under probation from both the university and national office and were prohibited from holding events with alcohol.

"This behavior is unfortunate, dangerous and not reflective of the university's values," said Kendal Washington White, UA dean of students. "Our 600 student organizations play a significant role in the retention and graduation of students via fellowship, leadership opportunities, philanthropy and scholarship, preparing students for the workforce, and continued service in the community."

The chapter was given the opportunity to respond to the findings and has until Aug. 14 to appeal the university decision.

The UA maintains an online listing of Greek organizations under judicial review to help students and families evaluate fraternities and sororities. It is updated each semester and can be found at http://greek.arizona.edu/judicial.

Established in 1885, the University of Arizona, the state's super land-grant university with two medical schools, produces graduates who are real-world ready through its 100% Engagement initiative. Recognized as a global leader and ranked 16th for the employability of its graduates, the UA is also a leader in research, bringing more than $622 million in research investment each year, and ranking 21st among all public universities. The UA is advancing the frontiers of interdisciplinary scholarship and entrepreneurial partnerships, and is a member of the Association of American Universities, the 62 leading public and private research universities. It benefits the state with an estimated economic impact of $8.3 billion annually.