The Eta Pi chapter of the Sigma Chi Fraternity and the UCF higher administration have been working in conjunction to address certain issues that have come about throughout the past year. The University has openly commended Sigma Chi for its ability to self govern and the way the organization has handled said issues, and we have been treated very fairly by Student Conduct as a result.
The actions that were the focus of our hearing on October 7th were not in any way affiliated with, nor condoned by Sigma Chi as an organization. In recent years, we have made beyond reasonable efforts to prevent misconduct, and thus the actions of the few rouge individuals this past Spring came as a shock to the vast majority of the chapter. Our distaste for what occurred yielded swift and effective action against those involved, which is an evidence to the positive culture within the fraternity.
The application of group responsiblity here seemed uncalled for; However, what should be noted about the Student Conduct process is that the director is unable to change the finding that is stated in the recommendation, however he can change the sanctions, unless he chooses to send it back to a rehearing. This would be unrealistic and unlikely for all sides involved at this time.
That being said, even if the sanctions take a restorative approach in their application to Sigma Chi, we plan to appeal whatever decision is made based on the principle that we cannot agree that Sigma Chi was responsible for, or in violation of, the charges of hazing and the application of the principles of group responsibility as stated in the golden rule.
Nonetheless Both parties have worked together throughout this process, and though neither side has achieved a level of perfect procedure, what can be said is that a relationship of mutual transparency and cooperation has had the optimal outcome.
Though this may not be apparent for some in the short term, both sides will experience the growing pains of relationships being formed, and in the long term, this approach will yield a much healthier and more successful result.
As my own fraternity’s leader, I personally urge the leaders of other student organizations to realize that collaboration, as opposed to an adversarial relationship, will yield the best overall outcome when dealing with opportunities for strengthening the operations of an organization. Though these thoughts may seem naively optimistic, they are motivated by an understanding that our behavior as a student body, though we may be different in organizations, are directly correlated. Our progress in achieving the common goals that students have can only be maximized by sharing a common ideal. An aggressive approach will only yield an aggressive response, and we must remember that we ultimately operate at the discretion of the University. We must have the maturity to recognize the hypocrisy behind condemning the administration for imperfections of the way we are treated, while we ourselves ask that they have amnesty toward our own imperfections. If we continue to act as such, it will be difficult to have confidence in the longevity of our organizations. What I anticipate, and what I hope is made clear to the community, is that the final outcome of Sigma Chi’s recent Student Conduct hearing will be a testament to the benefits of coexistence and positivity.
