Topics

More

Sigma Alpha Mu National Chapter Revokes Former Penn State Charter

The national chapter of Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity, known as Sammy, will close its Penn State chapter following an investigation into health and safety concerns, according to a release.

Penn State suspended the Mu Lambda chapter in April 2017, following multiple violations of university restrictions on alcohol use during Parents Weekend. The suspension prevented the organization from attending, organizing, or participating in university-sanctioned events.

However, because the national organization didn’t take action at the time, the former chapter remained chartered and operate in State College. As a result, the chapter has continued to operate normally, and members have occupied its house in violation of a State College borough ordinance that requires University recognition of a fraternity for a chapter to operate a house in the borough. That ordinance has been challenged in court.

Penn State recently alerted the national organization again when it learned of “continuing behavioral issues at the chapter house that jeopardized the welfare of the community.” The national organization then decided to take action.

Even with losses of recognition, members can still continue to reside in the fraternity’s house, because it is privately owned and their leases remain in effect.

“Our foremost priority in these circumstances is the safety and well-being of our students,” said Damon Sims, vice president for Student Affairs at Penn State. “We continue to encourage and foster the positive aspects of the fraternity and sorority experience, while working to minimize the risks that membership or participation in these groups sometimes poses. But in cases such as this one, when a suspended chapter continues to operate without University recognition, it is nearly impossible for the University to have sufficient influence to discourage the risks present.”

Your ad blocker is on.

Please choose an option below.

Sign up for our e-mail newsletter:
OR
Support quality journalism:
Purchase a Subscription!

About the Author

Mackenzie Cullen

Sadly, Mackenzie graduated from Penn State in 2022. She majored in English and served as one of Onward State's associate editors. You can keep up with her life and send compliments to @MackenzieC__ on Twitter.

Penn State Football’s Rocco Becht Nearing Return To Throwing As He Enters Spring Window With ‘Unfinished Business’

Penn State’s starting quarterback is slated to begin throwing on Saturday after recovering from injuries to both shoulders while with Iowa State.

No. 3 Penn State Women’s Hockey Dismantles Syracuse 7-0 In Game One Of AHA Semifinals

Newly minted Gold Medalist Tessa Janecke scored a hat trick in the dominant effort by the Nittany Lions.

Penn State Moves To Transfer Full Ownership Of State College Regional Airport To Local Authority

The move comes as Penn State evaluates areas for financial and operational efficiency.

113kFollowers
68.5kFollowers
4,570Subscribers
Sign up for our Newsletter
Other posts by Mackenzie

Right Where You Should Be: Mackenzie Cullen’s Senior Column

“In the moments where you’re not feeling good enough or that you’re doing enough, remember that you’re right where you should be.”

Casey Sclar Named Next Arboretum Director

Your Guide To Movin’ On 2022