Dear Faculty and Staff:

As many of you may know, since July 2006 the College has been engaged in a collaborative process with the Beta Theta Pi chapter, their alumni advisory board, and their General Fraternity in an effort to better the chapter’s standing with all constituents. A meeting in July 2006 resulted in the development of sixteen short term benchmarks covering all major areas of chapter operations, as well as the understanding that all benchmarks would need to be reached by the end of Fall 2006 term. If all benchmarks were not met, all parties agreed that the chapter would be closed. In January, a similar set of benchmarks and stipulations were developed for the Winter/Spring terms to further encourage improvement.

Upon review of the Winter/Spring benchmarks and other information at hand, it became apparent to all parties that the necessary cultural change intended by the benchmarking process was not taking place as desired. Therefore, it is with a note of sadness and under these terms that I notify you that the operations and recognition of the Iota Chapter of Beta Theta Pi at Hanover College has been suspended by both the College and General Fraternity. The disbandment of the chapter has been done with the full knowledge and support of the Iota House Corporation and Advisory Board. In detail the chapter suspension means:

o All currently enrolled members of the chapter have been moved to alumni status by the General Fraternity.

o The chapter facility has been closed and members have been reassigned to non-Greek housing facilities.

o Members are no longer permitted to:

o Hold meetings in the name of Beta Theta Pi

o Organize or sponsor functions in the name of Beta Theta Pi

o Participate in IFC or Greek community activities

o Pledge or initiate members

o In general, members are ineligible to join any other fraternity on this or any other campus.

o The Iota Chapter of Beta Theta Pi is no longer protected or recognized by the College or General Fraternity. Therefore, the chapter is no longer entitled to the rights and responsibilities associated with a student organization or Greek chapter at Hanover College.

o All alumni activities scheduled on campus for graduates of Beta Theta Pi would be approved and organized in conjunction with the Office of Alumni and Parent Relations.

If you become aware of activity that is at variance with any information outlined in this communication, please notify Ms. Deanne Walters at walters@hanover.edu or x. 7081.

Despite the closing of the chapter, I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the dedication and tireless work of the former chapter officers. They diligently worked with the College, General Fraternity, and alumni to improve their chapter’s standing. Additionally, the College is and will continue to be supportive of the future colonization of the Hanover College Iota Chapter of Beta Theta Pi Fraternity, and we look forward to a time when Beta Theta Pi is once again a thriving and productive member of our Greek community. If you have questions regarding the status of Beta Theta Pi or any Greek Life matter, please feel free to contact Deanne at the email/extension listed above.

gdy

G. David Yeager
Vice President/Dean of Student Life
Hanover College
812-866-7075