Vice chancellor for student affairs Juan N. Franco has announced sanctions imposed on UNL’s Delta Eta chapter of Sigma Nu fraternity after an investigation found fire code and alcohol violations at the house.
Franco said the sanctions include a suspension of the chapter at least through the end of the spring 2014 semester. In addition, freshman members of Sigma Nu will not be allowed to reside in the fraternity house at 625 N. 16th St. Those members will reside in university residence halls this semester.
The action by the UNL administration means that the chapter will not have a formal affiliation with the university and the house will not be a university-approved housing unit.
“We are disappointed in having to impose sanctions on this house. But it is the proper action,” Franco said.
The university is continuing its investigation and additional sanctions could be imposed.
Franco said UNL administrators also are working with the chapter’s alumni and advisory board and Sigma Nu’s national office to discuss the steps the chapter must take to be reinstated.
“We will work with all available UNL resources, our national fraternity, our alumni and the student members to ensure our chapter is contributing positively to the university and to our collegiate student members,” said Ryan Anderson, alumni advisor to Sigma Nu.
Authorities responded to a fire alarm to the Sigma Nu house the afternoon of Jan. 19 and found the building in extreme disarray. Following an initial investigation, fire officials determined the house was not safe for habitation. Alcohol also was found in the house.
The university’s top priority is the safety and welfare of its students, Franco said.
“We will continue to strive to ensure that our students have a safe environment in which to live, study and thrive,” he said.
