(Edmonton) The University of Alberta's Office of the Dean of Students has officially sanctioned the U of A's chapter of the Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity for hazing conduct.
The Dekes, says Frank Robinson, the university's dean of students, were subject to a thorough university investigation, which led to formal charges concerning violations of individual safety and dignity under the university's Code of Student Behaviour.
The outcome of the investigation is that today the Office of the Dean of Students has "suspended the DKE fraternity as a Student Group for a period of five years. During the period of suspension they will be ineligible to register as a Student Group at the university." Charges under the code were not levied against individual students because the intent of the process is to ultimately protect students and the university community.
"The university has taken this serious action as a result of its concern over the safety and well-being of students and the university community, and this is achieved by suspending the group," he said.
During the course of the investigation, the Deke fraternity acknowledged that hazing has taken place over different years and that this behaviour was participated in by both student and alumni members of its U of A chapter.
The suspension means that the Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity is no longer allowed to officially identify themselves as associated with the university in any way. The group has lost the privilege of using the university's name and insignia; it will be unable to access, rent or book university space and equipment or use the university's institutional liquor and gaming licenses, and are no longer be able to participate in university governance or activities.
"It is important to recognize that University of Alberta student groups are an integral part of the university community," says Robinson. "They add vibrancy to the student experience, and bring many benefits to the wider university and the broader community generally. Fraternities and sororities-and there 17 on the U of A campus-are included in that list of 450 engaging and beneficial student clubs.
"The actions taken in this case concerning the Dekes have been motivated by the need to ensure that student groups are and remain a positive force in student life."
Robinson said the Office of the Dean of Students will continue to work on defining the relationship between fraternities and sororities and the university community to ensure that positive benefits exist for all.
"During the period of suspension the DKE's have agreed to meet with and report to the university and have indicated their compliance with the suspension," said Robinson. "After a period of three years the fraternity will have the opportunity to apply to have the suspension lifted at the dean of student's discretion, provided they can demonstrate good behaviour during the period of suspension and that they have developed a comprehensive plan for future activities."