Three social fraternities are currently on probation at Southeast

Three Southeast Missouri State University Greek fraternities are on social probation. According to the Office of Student Conduct and Interfraternity Council President Ryan Manning, the organizations are Sigma Chi, Pi Kappa Alpha and Sigma Tau Gamma.

Manning said he did not know why these organizations had been put on probation.

Social probation is a punishment for fraternities and sororities that do not adhere to the bylaws of their organization or the university's code of conduct for students.

"A number of things can get an organization on social probation," Manning said. "It can be underage drinking, hazing, dirty rushing, being disrespectful at philanthropy events, etc."

Decisions of social probation are made by Southeast officials through Judicial Affairs.

Once an organization is put on social probation, representatives from national chapters of the organizations will come to Southeast for a membership review to evaluate individual members.

They then collaborate with the university on improvements the organizations need to make.

"When Greeks are put on social probation they are not allowed to do any social or philanthropic activities," said Kelly Lu Holder, a member of Alpha Chi Omega and delegate on the Panhellenic Council. "This can include Greek Week, formals, homecoming, etc."

Manning said that a social event consists of an event with five or more chapter members being present.

Manning also stressed that many times it is a few members' actions that will hurt the whole chapter. He said that when situations like this occur it deepens negative preconceived notions held by non-Greeks.

"These are good organizations, they've been nationally awarded, and I think highly of them," Manning said. "It's a shame to think that one person or a group can cause problems for the whole group. These are organizations with truly meaningful values."

According to Holder, Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity has been on social probation for almost a full calendar year. Once their probation ends Dec. 31, the organization will be able to attend functions and philanthropic events at the beginning of next semester.

"Pike lost a lot of their members when they were put on social probation," Holder said. "But since then they have improved a lot. I'm very proud of them for how much they've improved and how much more positive they've become."

Sigma Tau has started its social probation and has had its membership review. Sigma Chi is still in the judicial process. Messages sent to the organizations were not returned.

Holder is worried about the image that is portrayed when organizations are put on social probation.

"It's sad that the all of the good is ignored and the bad always makes front-page news," Holder said. "The stereotypes have been around forever, but Greeks aren't just about partying. It's a big disappointment."

Manning said the general assumptions about organizations from non-Greeks are because they don't see the Greek organizations internally.

"Everybody makes mistakes," Manning said. "In a situation like this, it's really easy to put a target on the Greeks' back. But being Greek is all about being a better person."