UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Penn State officials announced today (May 2) that the University is suspending recognition for Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority until at least the end of the 2022 spring semester. The revocation of recognition is the result of a student conduct investigation into allegations of misconduct related to alcohol use. The national organization has been notified about the findings of Penn State’s investigation. As a result, the national headquarters also conducted its own investigation and decisively communicated the immediate closure of their chapter at Penn State.
The loss of recognition means that Alpha Sigma Alpha no longer enjoys the privileges associated with recognized student organizations at Penn State. These privileges include participation in THON, Homecoming, intramurals, and other University sanctioned activities, use of University facilities, and access to student fee funding.
In the past year, Penn State instituted aggressive measures, including assuming control of the fraternity and sorority organizational misconduct and disciplinary process. Penn State also created a team of employees who monitor the social activities of Greek-life organizations with unannounced check-ins.
When misbehavior is discovered or otherwise is reported to the University, any disciplinary action that results is managed by the University’s Office of Student Conduct. Revocation of recognition is the most serious consequence the University can impose on student organizations.
The measures are aimed at curbing the misuse of alcohol, hazing, sexual assault, and overly large disruptive gatherings in the fraternity and sorority community. The combination of more than a dozen new measures is intended to reestablish safety as the foremost priority among these organizations, which have traditionally been self-governing.