Greek houses under probation

After the sudden death of 18-year-old Ann Hefferin on Aug. 25, many were wondering what was next, or who, if anyone, was accountable?

It has been confirmed by university officials that there was an unauthorized party at the Sigma Chi fraternity house on campus, and alcohol was deemed to be present.

Grant Heston, assistant vice president of UCF News and Information, confirmed that Sigma Chi did not fill out and submit the required Safety Action for Event form.

Additionally, the UCF Police Department also receives the SAFE Form submission and will determine if there is a need for police presence if the minimum number of people exceeds 200. UCF PD Community Relations Supervisor Sgt. Troy Williamson said that they "have not received a request for police presence in a while," but when they do, two officers are typically requested and paid for, and they stay until 2 a.m.

Williamson also said that the number of officers depends on a number of factors in addition to the number of people attending, including the theme of event, live music or a DJ, and if there have been historical problems in the past with this type of event.

"We don't know if too many people were there the night when Hefferin died, but UCF PD was not notified of the event," Williamson said.

According to Section 8 of the UCF Golden Rule Handbook, "serving, possession or consumption of alcohol by individuals of legal age may be permitted in private residential rooms in the residence halls and other on-campus housing."

Heston said this means that alcohol is allowed in fraternity houses, but only in the private rooms and not in public areas. With permission, which Heston said is a rarity, alcohol is allowed in the public areas.

In addition to Section 8, any student, organization or employee must secure approval in advance before hosting a potentially hazardous event.

The UCF Regulations, Chapter 4.0292, define a potentially hazardous event as "any activity that could reasonably be expected to create a risk of harm to persons or of defacement or damage to public or private property."

Examples of potentially hazardous events include, but are not limited to:

• Bonfires

• Lighting of fireworks

• Events involving helicopters or other aircraft

• Motor vehicle races

• Gatherings in excess of 200 persons, including unregistered campus athletic events

• Marches (including any organized walks or runs)

• Parades

• Any event involving the distribution of alcohol

• Any outdoor event requiring electricity

In order to secure approval, the SAFE Form must be filled out and submitted to the Office of Student Involvement 15 days before the proposed event and it must be approved before the event can take place.

P.J. Stephens, Sigma Chi's regional advisor, would not confirm or deny if the house received permission to host a party.

Depending on the outcome of the investigation, Sigma Chi could face discipline from UCF, as well as penalties from the Sigma Chi international headquarters.

Heston said that Sigma Chi face any number of penalties, up to and including the revocation of their charter at UCF. The final penalties depend on the outcome of the investigation.

While the investigation is ongoing, both the Sigma Chi fraternity and Delta Delta Delta sorority, of which Hefferin was a new member, have been placed on probation and are barred from participating in any social events, according to a release from Heston.