Brothers,

 As you may or may not be aware, Virginia Tech has placed the Eta Lambda Chapter on “Deferred Suspension”.  This ruling of “Deferred Suspension” is serious enough that just about any type of new infraction by any member of the Brotherhood, could result in “Suspension from the University”

Please refer to this link for Virginia Tech’s Code of Conduct, http://www.hokiehandbook.vt.edu/conductsystem/

It is essential that you be aware of the seriousness of this situation.  These infractions are all alcohol related conduct issues.  The incidents have been frequent and created by more than a few Brothers.  In spite of the Chapter’s Deferred Suspension status with Virginia Tech, several Brothers have continued to get in to trouble with Virginia Tech at the Oak Lane Chapter House.   For many alumni, alcohol abuse and misconduct were never considered as serious infractions in your undergraduate experience.  In the 21^st century, however, alcohol abuse has become a significant problem in the collegiate world and unfortunately in our own Chapter.

This “Deferred Suspension” status has resulted in a decision by our active Chapter’s leaders, to ask for support of The Sigma Chi Fraternity (hereinafter referred to as The General Fraternity).    

The active Chapter’s leaders recognize that “Suspension” of our Chapter, by Virginia Tech, would force The General Fraternity to remove our Charter.  Be advised that The General Fraternity also has a zero tolerance policy for alcohol abuse and misconduct.    

 Our active Chapter leadership and involved alumni asked The General Fraternity to conduct a “Membership Review” of each member of the current undergraduate Brotherhood. 

·         The “Membership Review” process is used to determine whether or not, each Brother is living up to the Standards and Ideals of The Sigma Chi Fraternity. 

·         The “Membership Review” committee has been tasked with interviewing and assessing each Brother’s commitment to the Standards and Ideals of the Sigma Chi Fraternity.

·         The “Membership Review” committee has the authority to dismiss any Brother from the active Chapter based on their assessment.

·         The “Membership Review” committee is made up of past and current leaders of The Sigma Chi Fraternity from all over the US.  None of the committee members are initiates of the Eta Lambda Chapter, providing an unbiased assessment of the worthiness of each Brother.

·         The “Membership Review” is scheduled to take place at Virginia Tech from Thursday September 22^nd – Sunday, September 25^th

·         An appeal process does exist for any active brother

The following is the House Corporation’s position on the actions taken to date by the undergraduate leadership to secure our Chapter’s future in the 21^st Century

• The current active Chapter leadership is held in high regard, and we are extremely proud of these Brothers.
• The current active Chapter leadership is facing significant challenges and risks created by a minority of Brothers. 
• The current active Chapter leadership decision to proceed with a “Membership Review” was made to secure a continuous legacy for yours and future generations.  We recognize that a decision to dismiss any Brother is not to be taken lightly and is being done “for the good of the order.”
• The current active Chapter leadership and a significant portion of the active Brothers do consistently live up to the Standards & Ideals of The Sigma Chi Fraternity.  Some recent achievements that we think demonstrate the ideals of the Jordan Standard include:o   Being recognized again as a Petersen Significant Chapter Award winner for the past two years.o   Brothers receiving scholarship awards from the Sigma Chi Foundation

  o   A high percentage of Brothers achieving Deans List grade point averages

  o   An average Chapter grade point average above 3.0 for the Spring 2010 semester, a first time ever achievement!

  o   Greater numbers of Brothers taking leadership positions throughout the university community

  o   Greater numbers of Brothers participating in philanthropic events

  o   Ever greater participation in and excelling at Intramural sports & club activities

We also support and are honored to have the leadership and guidance afforded to the chapter by Jeff Mitchell, the Chapter Advisor.  His assistance and guidance to our active brothers is tireless.   He constantly challenges our brothers to excel, which many do.   It should be noted that it is extremely rare among all Sigma Chi Chapters to have the continuity, longevity, and quality that the Eta Lambda chapter has had with its Chapter Advisors.  It certainly speaks to the beliefs and dedication that Jeff, Doc, and Coach have had for our brotherhood. 

In conclusion, the stated purpose of this letter is to inform you of the serious state that we find our Chapter in due to the actions of a small minority of the active Chapter’s Brothers.   We do ask that you consider offering your support to the active Chapter’s leadership and the Chapter advisor.   You may contact the Consul, Mark Dottore at mldottore@gmail.com or Jeff Mitchell at Jeffery.Mitchell@leclairryan.com.   I can be reached at Jeffrey.francis@sap.com or the House Corporation President; Brown Pearson can be reached at cbpearson3@erg-homes.com.

In Hoc,

Jeff Francis Secretary – House Corporation