Say goodbye to ASP @ Plattsburgh

[hoosier]

5/29/02

PSU frat shut down

PLATTSBURGH — Because of violations of Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity’s risk-management policy, the Delta Xi Chapter of Alpha Sigma Phi at Plattsburgh State has been closed.

This action was initiated May 16 by the national organization and supported by Plattsburgh State.

Alpha Sigma Phi had been a member of the Greek community at the college since 1988 and has more than 200 initiated members from the Delta Xi chapter.

While the chapter had contributed over the years to the university and surrounding community, according to a news release from the fraternity headquarters, in recent years it had been under periodic suspension resulting from violations.

In May 2000, Alpha Sigma Phi had its recognition suspended as a result of extensive damage done to its fraternity house at 84 Broad St., near the intersection of Broad and Rugar streets.

The City of Plattsburgh building inspector declared the house uninhabitable and condemned it after fraternity members ransacked it inside and out.

Then, on Nov. 17 and 18, 2001, the fraternity hosted an open alcohol party, for which it collected money. Underage students were served alcohol, and one student was allegedly verbally and physically abused.

The fraternity pleaded "not responsible," according to Plattsburgh State spokesman Keith Tyo, but was found to have committed the violations.

Allison Swick-Duttine, Plattsburgh State’s coordinator of Greek affairs and leadership development, said in the news release: "The university and the national organization have worked together at length to assist these men in understanding set policies. Sometimes, even the best efforts are not successful.

"It’s unfortunate to lose a chapter from campus, but it’s in the best interest of the future of our fraternity/sorority community."

Alpha Sigma Phi Inc. Vice President Drew Thawley said the action taken by fraternity headquarters "reflects the organization’s prevailing commitment to be resolved in holding its chapters accountable to all policies — both its own and those of its host institutions."

Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity was founded at Yale in 1845. With a purpose rooted in the education, leadership development and improvement of young men, the fraternity strives to be an active proponent of alcohol education and risk management, the organization says.

More than 60 Alpha Sigma Phi groups exist on campuses throughout America.