Two fraternities fail accreditation process

Two Lehigh fraternities have failed accreditation, resulting in a loss of recognition and on-campus group housing privileges. Alpha Chi Rho was rated “unacceptable” and Delta Sigma Phi received a “poor” rating for a second year in a row.
Lehigh’s accreditation measures a Greek’s chapter’s year-long efforts and results in five essential domains of Greek life: scholarship, leadership, citizenship, partnership and stewardship. Presentations were made to members of the Accreditation Committee comprised of Greek actives, alumni and Lehigh administration.
The Accreditation Committee submitted its results to John Smeaton, Vice Provost for Student Affairs, at the end of April, including a detailed description of chapter activities, recommendations for improvement, and chapter rating for Lehigh’s Delta Sigma Phi and Alpha Chi Rho fraternities. In accordance with the accreditation process, Smeaton reviewed and accepted the committee’s recommendation.
“As always, chapter members are first and foremost Lehigh students and we are committed to assisting them during this difficult time,” Smeaton says. “A crucial aspect of the accreditation process is full disclosure, thus we felt it was vital that we share the results of this process as soon as possible and prior to the release of the remainder of the accreditation results so that the students affected could make necessary arrangements for next year.”
As outlined in the Strengthening Greek Life Task Force Report, both chapters will lose recognition and their on-campus group housing privileges. Staff members from Student Affairs and Residential Services will work with the members of Delta Sigma Phi to secure alternative housing.
In accordance with university policy that requires all first- and second-year students to reside on-campus, the five sophomore Delta Sigma Phi brothers will be placed in on-campus housing. The 13 juniors/seniors, while not required to live on-campus, who wish to consider on-campus housing as an option will be invited to contact the Office of Residential Services at (610) 758-3500.
Alpha Chi Rho, which assumed non-residential chapter status during the spring semester, does not have on-campus housing.
Lehigh will work with Alpha Chi Rho and Delta Sigma Phi actives and alumni during this difficult time. In keeping with the spirit of openness that has been crucial to the success of the Strengthening Greek Life efforts, the university is working in cooperation with both chapters’ national organizations to keep all involved groups fully apprised of the situation.
--Sarah Cooke