Judicial deans drop KA charges, make agreement

The University will not punish Kappa Alpha Order fraternity as long as it meets an agreement drafted by its national office, judicial deans told the group at a meeting Monday night.

The meeting caps a series of talks with selective houses about hazing violations.

"Our approach with Kappa Alpha was to work closely with their national office and together with them, we reached a decision to devise a plan to which the chapter has agreed," said Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs Sue Wasiolek, interim dean of student development. "As a result of that, we were not forced to really make a final determination of guilt or innocence."

As part of the agreement, KA has agreed to a social suspension, canceling events like their annual spring formal, Old South. Junior Graham McWhorter, KA president, declined to comment on other parts of the agreement. He said he hopes national officials will help the chapter clarify its identity and mission.

"We did identify and volunteered to participate in a period of social suspension which does include [Old South]," he said. "In working with [the Office of Student Development], we identified some issues on which the chapter needs to work."

McWhorter said some of those issues include member participation, a sense of ownership in the organization and overall activity of members. Wasiolek said the group will also work to improve its pledge education process.

Todd Adams, assistant dean of student development and newly appointed dean of greek life, said the process was productive.

"Judicial Affairs worked very closely with national headquarters to determine some appropriate levels--I wouldn't call them sanctions--but recommendations to the chapter, working with [both deans and members] over the next month or so," he said.