Thanks for taking the time to place such a thoughtful, intentional, and excellent proposal for Sigma Chi before us. Truth be told, the strength of this well-formulated reformation plan for Sigma Chi warranted much consideration and discussion. As a result, it has taken us longer to respond than desired but it was because we wanted to give it a thorough review. Ed and Jeff, we also appreciated the time we shared last month to discuss matters face-to-face; it was an important meeting for us.

While the proposal is one of the best we have ever reviewed, we simply cannot honor it. As you know, we have enacted our documented and articulated processes including the original hearing and an appeal process. If we change the decision, outside of our formal conduct process, we have the potential to eradicate the integrity of the process. In the entire time I have been at Virginia Tech, I cannot offer you one example of when university administration stepped in to change the findings after the fact. As such, I cannot justify beginning now. While I do not know if this would have changed the ultimate outcome, I do believe this cogent plan for reformation, which inspires confidence for change, may have been received well during the decision process.

We also had to consider equity in decision-making across all fraternities and student organizations suspended. As we examined others who have been suspended, we could not justify honoring this proposal for Sigma Chi and not doing the same for others.

As I shared with you, Provost Clarke is appointing a Commission to Study the Fraternity & Sorority Life Culture at Virginia Tech to assess program strengths, areas for improvement, and necessary steps to promote student success. This Commission will make strategic planning recommendations to both Provost Clarke and me. I plan to ask the Commission to review your proposal and consider how we should/should not formalize it moving forward for all suspended fraternities and sororities. I trust their work will be done at the end of the spring semester 2019.

While this response may be disappointing to you, and I am truly sorry for such, I trust that as important partners and colleagues you will respect the university’s decision and support it as such.

As always, if you have other questions or concerns know that I remain available to talk with you. I trust my colleagues copied here would offer the same.

With respect – Patty