A USM sorority is facing de-recognition, having been sanctioned for violating several sections of the Student Conduct Code. The sorority is appealing the decision.
Sigma Iota Sigma was sanctioned by the Office of Community Standards for “harassment, threatening intimidation, alcohol violation, hazing and unsafe conduct,” according to Rodney Mondor, assistant director for Student Involvement and Greek Life.
Mondor said the sanctions are subject to change as the case has been appealed. In the appeals process, the Student Conduct Committee and University officials could dismiss some or all of the charges and reduce the initial sanctions.
In a later interview Mondor would not expand on the charges.
Other than saying the matter is in the appeals process, other University officials would not comment on the situation.
Sigma Iota Sigma also chose not to comment, but issued a written statement.
“Sigma Iota Sigma cannot comment on the issue in question because it is moving through the appeals process,” the statement read.
The hazing charge itself carries a minimum penalty of de-recognition, according to policy established by the UMS Board of Trustees.
The Board of Trustees defines hazing as “any action taken or situation created recklessly or intentionally by an organization . to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, ridicule to any member or prospective member, or violation of law.”
The initial sanctions have shaken the Greek community.
Sigma Iota Sigma is one of four sororities at USM and the only one with its own house.
“We lost part of our whole organization and need to build it back up,” said Jen Hennessy, president of the Women’s Greek Council.
Other Greek officials refused to comment.
Though University officials have not said the charges follow a specific student complaint, the Office for Community Standards only pursues cases in which someone comes forward, according to Stephen Nelson, assistant to the vice president for Community Standards.
It is not clear if the charges stem from a single incident or multiple incidents.
Nelson said although hazing likely happens at USM, it most often goes unreported because people don’t come forward.
“Has hazing occurred [at USM]? It probably has . has it been reported? Probably not.”
If the organization wants to be recognized after the length of de-recognition has passed, it must participate in assigned community work, which is not the same as volunteer work.
During the period when an organization is de-recognized, that group loses all benefits of space and the ability to advertise on campus, and participation in USM organizations, according to Mondor, who works closely with USM’s Greeks.
Though he wouldn’t comment of the specifics of the Sigma Iota Sigma case, Nelson outlined the disciplinary process.
Following an initial report of a violation, Nelson reviews the incident and decides whether to take action.
If he thinks there may be violations, he sends a letter to the person or group detailing the facts of the case, the alleged violations and a hearing date.
After an initial decision has been made by Nelson, an organization is allowed to appeal once in front the Student Conduct Committee, which is made up of approximately 20 students. In a case where an organization is de-recognized, the organization may appeal a second time in order to reduce the length of de-recognition.
Nelson said the process is important.
“What’s more important to me than the outcome is that we protected their rights during the process and treated them fairly,” said Nelson, referring to the Sigma Iota Sigma case. “It’s important to do it right, not fast, and fairly, not quickly.”
Sigma Iota Sigma would like the University to know it has always been active in community service.
“Some of our highlights are blood drives with the American Red Cross, annual Halloween Pumpkin Patch for the community children, donations and items are collected for the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital at Maine Medical Center, and we volunteer with the USM’s New Student Orientation leaders, and with the New Student Move In days,” according to a written statement.
While an appeal is in progress, the organization remains in full standing. This means they still retain their usual privileges and benefits.
University officials would not comment on when a final decision would be reached.
Staff Writers Aimee Risteen and Erin Zwirn can be contacted at: [email protected]