The Student News Site of Gannon University since 1947

THE GANNON KNIGHT

The Student News Site of Gannon University since 1947

THE GANNON KNIGHT

The Student News Site of Gannon University since 1947

THE GANNON KNIGHT

TKE treks the road to recovery

Gannon University experienced several highlights last semester — the inauguration of its ninth president, the opening of a new residence hall and the unveiling of a student-run campus café, to name a few.

The past semester also brought a dark moment for Gannon with incidents involving the university’s local Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE) chapter.

A guilty plea was officially entered by TKE President Josh Angelotti on Nov. 24 on behalf of the chapter regarding four charges related to hazing.

The official document signed by Adam Kearns, standards director for TKE, notes that the charges are clear and serious in nature and a plan specifically designed to produce change for the future of the fraternal organization is also enclosed within the sanction notice.

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According to the official document from the Tau Kappa Epsilon Grand Council, the following standards were violated:

(a)        Failure of a chapter to conform to the constitution, bylaws, laws, traditions, usages, obligations and ritualistic ceremonies of the fraternity;

(b)        Failure of a chapter to obey the rules or orders of the administration of the college or university at which such chapter is located;

(d)       Failure of a chapter to pay dues, fees, penalties or other lawful financial obligations to the fraternity; and

(e)        Failure of a chapter to enforce the constitution, bylaws, laws, traditions, usages, obligations and ritualistic ceremonies governing its members. Specifically, the chapter held events during new member education that are considered hazing according to the definition provided by Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity

Essentially, because the chapter violated the previous rules set by the national council, it will now have to undergo the following penalty:

The chapter status will be moved to charter probation, effective immediately. Charter probation is defined as: “…the status of a chapter which has been found guilty after trial of a triable offense described in the Black Book.”

While under this status, should any sanction not be completed or any other risk management concerns arise, the chapter is subject to a cease of all operations.

Also during this probation period, the chapter must hold all business of the fraternity in an on-campus facility or community location that has been approved by the Offices of the Grand Chapter (OGC).

At no time during the 2012 calendar year, unless otherwise approved by a representative of the OGC, should the chapter hold any business in the chapter house or any other collegiate or alumni member’s property.

This includes, but is not limited to, chapter meetings, new member education meetings, committee meetings and ritual meetings.

The chapter will remain on charter probation through the fall 2012 semester, at which point its status will then be reevaluated.

The chapter will be placed on social probation effective immediately.

Specifically, the chapter is not permitted to host events and/or functions involving alcohol until the social probation status is lifted.

A chapter event applies to any function that may be associated with the local chapter of TKE by a third party. This includes events at Gannon or any other establishment, house or apartment. The chapter may host alcohol-free events during this time.

The social probation will be lifted once the following is completed:

1. The chapter must develop a list of standards/qualities of which it is actively searching for in potential new members during recruitment.

2. The chapter will outline and specifically detail its Candidate Education Program, a six-week period, and submit it to both the OGC and Gannon.

3. The chapter will revisit its constitution and bylaws to ensure all TKE values, standards and operational processes are up to date. Moreover, the chapter will redefine its membership standards and expectations.

Eric Pope, associate director of Student Organizations and Leadership Development (SOLD), remained hopeful while discussing the chapter.

Pope outlined the requirements that the chapter must fulfill by specific dates and indicated that he personally meets with Angelotti on a weekly basis to review the plan of action to assist in a positive and healthy future for a once dynamic organization.

“My hope is that they accomplish the requirements of the sanctions in a timely manner,” Pope said. “My goal is to have the students be successful and be a valuable part of this campus.”

TKE is currently ranked sixth among six fraternities academically, holding onto a 2.6 GPA.

The TKE recent new member class’s cumulative GPA is currently 3.1, and that places it at number three compared to other campus chapters.

In a recent interview, Angelotti spoke about his desire to ensure a better future for the brothers who currently remain active and is hopeful that, with the help of the entire chapter, the road to recovery will be marked with noticeable changes.

“We are all ready to work on our image and change how people view Tau Kappa Epsilon and what we, as brothers, stand for,” said Angelotti.

Sam DeCapua, TKE Vice President, stated that the recent events offered “an exceptional learning experience on how to get back up from a hit.”

Angelotti said, “Part of TKE’s internal plan to recovery is the implementation of increased study hours for members to center and ground them on the importance of a healthy and balanced life.”

“The primary focus on academics and increased community service is to bring a deeper sense of commitment to the brotherhood,” he said.

A “Membership Quality Committee” is in formation to improve the pledge class and centers around making the men positive members of the world.

Mike Banda, junior biology major, commented that the fraternity is in the process of finalizing plans for philanthropy events benefitting the St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and the Ronald Reagan Alzheimer Foundation.

TKE is committed to increasing its service with local organizations such as the Erie Children’s Museum, Special Olympics, Women’s Club and the continued work throughout the Gannon campus. Improving alumni relations is also on the list of goals that TKE wishes to accomplish.

Banda reported that TKE recorded over 280 hours of community service in the fall 2011 semester and reaffirmed Angelotti’s sentiments.

“TKE regrets the poor choices we have made in the past,” he said. “We are ready to hit the ground running this semester and make it the best one yet.”

Pope saw the challenge for TKE and is openly available to the men to assist them in overcoming the personal and organizational obstacles that may be ahead.

Pope said that he is committed to the success of TKE on campus and encourages both the members and executive board to stand firm in good moral and ethical behaviors.

“This is going to be a lot of work for us. We made our mistakes in the past and now it is our job to fix those mistakes,” said Angelotti.

“With the help of my fellow brothers, I know that we can make TKE into something great again and to be known for more than just our parties,” he said. “We are looking toward the future and all the opportunities that lie before us.”

The TKE recent new member class’s cumulative GPA is currently 3.1, and that places it at No. 3 compared to other campus chapters.

Angelotti spoke about his desire to ensure a better future for the brothers who currently remain active and is hopeful that, with the help of the entire chapter, the road to recovery will be marked with noticeable changes.

“We are all ready to work on our image and change how people view Tau Kappa Epsilon and what we, as brothers, stand for,” said Angelotti.

Sam DeCapua, TKE vice president, stated that the recent events offered “an exceptional learning experience on how to get back up from a hit.”

Angelotti said part of TKE’s internal plan for recovery is the implementation of increased study hours for members so as to center and ground them on the importance of a healthy and balanced life.

“The primary focus on academics and increased community service is to bring a deeper sense of commitment to the brotherhood,” he said.

A “Membership Quality Committee” is in formation to improve the pledge class and focuses on making the men positive members of the world.

Mike Banda, a junior biology major, commented that the fraternity is in the process of finalizing plans for philanthropy events benefiting the St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and the Ronald Reagan Alzheimer Foundation.

TKE is committed to increasing its service with local organizations such as the Erie Children’s Museum, Special Olympics, Women’s Club and the continued work throughout the Gannon campus. Improving alumni relations is also on the list of goals that TKE wishes to accomplish.

Banda reported that TKE recorded more than 280 hours of community service in the fall 2011 semester and reaffirmed Angelotti’s sentiments.

“TKE regrets the poor choices we have made in the past,” Banda said. “We are ready to hit the ground running this semester and make it the best one yet.”

Pope saw the challenge for TKE and is openly available to the men to assist them in overcoming the personal and organizational obstacles that may be ahead.

Pope said that he is committed to the success of TKE on campus and encourages both the members and executive board to stand firm in good moral and ethical behaviors.

“This is going to be a lot of work for us. We made our mistakes in the past and now it is our job to fix those mistakes,” Angelotti said.

“With the help of my fellow brothers, I know that we can make TKE into something great again and to be known for more than just our parties,” he said. “We are looking toward the future and all the opportunities that lie before us.”

ROB LOPEZ

[email protected]

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