Sigma Kappa is at a standstill with student recruitment and police investigations after the sorority was involved in an incident in early 2009, causing a student to be rushed to Enloe Medical Center for alcohol poisoning.
The multiple investigations led to the group’s suspension by Chico State President Paul Zingg.
The Chico Police Department conducted its own investigation resulting in no arrests. The case is closed pending additional information, meaning the case is not active, but will become active if more information comes forth, said Sgt. Rob Merrifield.
A report was sent to Chico State, but Merrifield said he wasn’t sure if the university has done anything with the report.
The California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control also conducted an investigation to find out who provided or purchased the alcohol, Merrifield said. Its investigation also resulted in no arrests.
The national Sigma Kappa organization refused to disclose any information regarding its investigation, saying they are not able to share information regarding individual members or discuss whether any members were dismissed from the sorority, said Julia Kozicki, legal counsel for Sigma Kappa.
However, she praised the people and organizations involved in the investigation.
“We commend the university and chapter members for working as a team to address the situation,” said Kozicki in an e-mail interview.
Members of the Delta Iota chapter are trying to regain recognition through community service with Chico State’s Campus Alcohol and Drug Education Center.
“They are doing outreach programs helping promote the ‘Don’t Stall, Make the Call’ program,” said Connie Huyck, program coordinator for Greek life.
To gain recognition, the sorority must complete a series of tasks mandated by the national Sigma Kappa organization and Chico State, which is currently keeping the sorority from recruiting new members.
When the requirements are completed, Sigma Kappa can apply to, once again, be a recognized organization by the university and recruit new members at the beginning of the spring semester.
There is no telling how high or low the recruitment numbers will be for Sigma Kappa once they gain university recognition, said Rick Rees, associate director of Student Activities.
“They have been a healthy organization and they are very popular,” Rees said. “I don’t know if they will experience any drop in membership; it is likely there would be some impact but I would say they would rebound.”
Kozicki had a word of advice to the students and Greeks at Chico State.
“Hopefully each incident brings teachable moments for the entire campus community and serves as a catalyst for important conversations that need to continue to bring about change,” she said.
Francesca Nesfield can be reached at
fnesfield@theorion.com
1 comments
Telling kids not to drink is like just say no to drugs, it does not work. The literature and research demonstrates that it does not work. College kids will experiment. Working with the sororities and fraternities on how to drink responsibly is the answer. Sigma Kappa should be brought back onto the campus and praised for calling for help for their member.