Winthrop University is committed to the health and safety of our students. To help students make fully informed decisions about joining organizations at Winthrop University, the following report includes information on any conduct cases involving our fraternities, sororities, clubs, and student organizations adjudicated through the Dean of Students Office.
A university is a community of learning that is characterized by shared respect and a concern for the common good while in the pursuit of intellectual, cultural, personal, and social growth. Good order is an indication that a community is achieving the goals it has set for itself. The rules and regulations provide the basis for this order with each individual and group member of the community supporting the well-being of all. However, rules and regulations are useless without the values that provide the foundation. Winthrop students acknowledge these values by affirming the Dedication for Excellence. It is important for students to think about this information as they evaluate the integrity of the organization(s) they are considering joining to ensure they align with the values all students commit to at the beginning of their Winthrop experience.
In accordance with the Tucker Hipps Transparency Act, the university publishes this report on actual findings of violations involving alcohol, drugs, sexual assault, physical assault and hazing by fraternity and sorority organizations formally affiliated by the institution (Winthrop's Recognition Guidelines).
The report includes:
The report contains any organization conduct data beginning after December 31, 2012.
Pursuant to the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act, additional information not protected by the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act is available by contacting the Dean of Students Office at 803/323-4503. Winthrop Student Conduct Code.
For questions related to incidents involving a national organization, contact their headquarters.
Students may NOT join organizations that have lost recognition from the University. These organizations have been suspended by the University and inter/national organizations because they were not upholding fraternal values and were engaging in risky behaviors that endangered themselves and other students. Organizations under suspension are not permitted to hold any organized activities, recruit new members, or participate in official university activities as an organization. Students who join organizations that are not recognized by the University are subject to referral to the Dean of Students Office. The following groups ARE NOT recognized by Winthrop University and have lost the privileges of a Registered Student Organization:
Reported incidents for the current academic year are up to date as of December 1, 2024.
* No findings of violations related to alcohol, drugs, sexual assault, physical assault, or hazing have been received at this time. Please review this page for further updates.
Organization: Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity
Date of Incident: Fall 2022 Semester
Start Date of Investigation: October 31, 2022
Organization Charge Date: November 18, 2022
Charges:
32. Violation of University Policies and Procedures. Failure to abide by any published University policy or procedure, including but not limited to Interim Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy, Social Event Guidelines for student organizations, Membership intake/education policies for Greek-letter organizations, and temporary or permanent health safety guidelines.
Sanctions:
Organization: Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity
Date of Incident: February 20, 2020
Start Date of Investigation: April 4, 2022
Organization Charge Date: April 18, 2022
Charges:
Section 4. Prohibited Conduct as found in the 2021-2022 Student Conduct Code:
28. Behavior or activities which endanger the safety of oneself or others. This includes, but is not limited to:
32. Violations of University Policies and Procedures. Failure to abide by any published University policy or procedure, including but not limited to Interim Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy, Social Event guidelines for student organizations, Membership Intake policies for Greek-letter organizations, temporary or permanent health and safety guidelines.
College Panhellenic Council & Interfraternity Council Recruitment and New Member Education Guidelines
VII. All new member meetings MUST be held on Winthrop’s campus or in your Fraternity/Sorority house.
VIII. All new member meetings and activities MUST conclude by 12 midnight.
Sanctions:
The chapter is suspended for five years effective June 14, 2022. Suspension is temporary separation from the University involving denial of all student organization privileges and recognition. Suspension shall be entered into the student organizations permanent record; and shall prescribe the date and conditions upon which the student organization may petition for readmission. While on suspension, chapter members should not wear letters on campus and all current social media accounts associated with the chapter (minus alumni groups) should be deactivated.
Specifically:
Suspension of the privileges of a Registered Student Organization for five years –Termination of the privileges of a registered student organization is the loss of any or all privileges of a registered student organization.
Suspension of the registration of a Registered Student Organization for five years –Termination of the registration of a registered student organization is the discontinuation of the registration of the registered student organization. This means the organization can no longer function (reserve space, host events, bring in new members, etc.)
Organization: Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority
Date of Incident: March 5, 2020 and October 28, 2021
Start Date of Investigation: January 24, 2022
Organization Charge Date: January 27, 2022
Charges:
Section 4. Prohibited Conduct as found 2021-2022 Student Conduct Code:
College Panhellenic Council & Interfraternity Council Recruitment and New Member Education Guidelines
VII. All new member meetings MUST be held on Winthrop’s campus or in your Fraternity/Sorority house.
VIII. All new member meetings and activities MUST conclude by 12 midnight.
Sanctions:
The chapter is suspended for three years effective February 24, 2022. Suspension is temporary separation from the University involving denial of all student organization privileges and recognition. Suspension shall be entered into the student organizations permanent record; and shall prescribe the date and conditions upon which the student organization may petition for readmission.
Specifically:
Suspension of the privileges of a Registered Student Organization for three years – Termination of the privileges of a registered student organization is the loss of any or all privileges of a registered student organization.
Suspension of the registration of a Registered Student Organization for three years – Termination of the registration of a registered student organization is the discontinuation of the registration of the registered student organization. This means the organization can no longer function (reserve space, host events, bring in new members, etc.)
* No incidents related to alcohol, drugs, sexual assault, physical assault, or hazing were reported.
Organization: Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. - Xi Beta Chapter
Date of Incident: March 4, 2020
Start Date of Investigation: March 30, 2020
Organization Charge Date: April 30, 2020
Charges: Violation of Article IV. Prohibited Conduct in the Student Code of Conduct
CC.Violation of University policies and procedures- Failure to abide by any University published policy or procedure is prohibited, including the General Conduct Policy.
Specifically:
Membership Policy
Sanctions:
Organization: Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity-Lambda Gamma Chapter
Date of Incident: November 15, 2018
Date investigation was initiated: November 19, 2018
Organization Charge Date: November 28, 2018
Charges:
Student Conduct Code, Article IV —Item Y. Violation of the University's alcoholic beverage policy
Please note the following conduct is prohibited by law:
In keeping with this code, consumption of beer and wine is permitted only in the following areas on campus: in the students' rooms who are of legal age; in licensed spaces; at University approved events and during University approved athletic events as allowed by the tailgating policy. ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONSUMPTION AT WINTHROP ATHLETIC EVENTS AND ALL PUBLIC PLACES ON CAMPUS IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED EXCEPT AS PERMITTED IN THE TAILGATING POLICY
Chapter's Response: Accepted Responsibility
Resolution Date: December 3, 2018
Sanctions:
The Lambda Gamma Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., has a received a disciplinary warning and your chapter is restricted from reserving space and hosting events in Tillman hall until January 2020. Your chapter is permitted to reserve spaces on campus outside of Tillman Hall.
Disciplinary Warning–Disciplinary Warning involves written notice to the student organization indicating that specific behavior or activity was in violation of this code and that repetition of similar or other unsatisfactory behavior would likely result in more serious disciplinary action.
Restrictions on Reservation–Your chapter is hereby restricted from reserving space and hosting events in Tillman Hall, until January of 2020. This restriction includes:
Organization: Omega Psi Phi Fraternity-Psi Kappa Chapter
Date of Incident: March 31, 2018
Date investigation was initiated: April 2, 2018
Organization Charge Date: April 2, 2018
Charges:
Item Y. Violation of the University's alcoholic beverage policy.
Student Conduct Code, Article IV —
The sale or transfer of alcoholic beverages to any person under the age of 21
Furthermore, any student or student group sponsoring social events are the hosts responsible for complying with all applicable laws and university regulation
Item CC. Violations of University policies and procedures-failure to abide by any published University policy or procedure is prohibited including the General Conduct Policy
Specifically:
Fraternity & Sorority Social Event Guidelines
Chapter's Response: Accepted Responsibility
Resolution Date: May 15, 2018
Sanctions:
Social probation effective immediately until January 8, 2019 as described in the Fraternal Conduct Board Bylaws. You must review and return a signed copy of the Social Probation Agreement Form. It is your obligation to request further information or interpretation of social probation from the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs.
Specifically:
Under the terms of this Social Probation Agreement, the chapter is PERMITTED to:
Additionally, the following activities are CONDITIONALLY PERMITTED:
Lastly, the following activities are STRICTLY PROHIBITED:
The chapter agrees that any events they are permitted to host must be registered with the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs.
In addition to social probation, the chapter will need to complete the following:
In addition to the University related sanctions Psi Kappa Chapter of Omega Psi Phi is obligated to follow the penalties leveled by their national 6th District.
"The penalty that shall be imposed in this instance is as follows:
Organization: Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity-Epsilon Eta Chapter
Date of Incident: October 29, 2017
Date investigation was initiated: November 1, 2017
Organization Charge Date: November 2, 2017
Charges:
Item Y. Violation of the University's alcoholic beverage policy.
Student Conduct Code, Article IV —
The sale or transfer of alcoholic beverages to any person under the age of 21
Furthermore, any student or student group sponsoring social events are the hosts responsible for complying with all applicable laws and university regulation
Item CC. Violations of University policies and procedures.
Specifically:
Fraternity & Sorority Social Event Guidelines
Section VII. Policies for Chapter Social events with Alcohol, Subsection A. Policies on Alcohol and Drugs
Items:
The possession, sale use or consumption of ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, while on chapter premises or during a fraternity event, in any situation sponsored or endorsed by the chapter, or at any event an observer would associate with the fraternity, must be in compliance with any and all applicable laws of the state, province, county, city, and institutions of higher education, and must comply with either the BYOB or Third Party Vendor Guidelines.
No Alcohol beverages may be purchased through or with chapter funds nor may the purchase of same of for members or guests be undertaken or coordinated by any member in the name of or on behalf of the chapter. The purchase or use of a bulk quantity or common source(s) of alcoholic beverage, for example, kegs or cases, is prohibited.
OPEN PARTIES, meaning those with unrestricted access by non-members of the fraternity, without specific invitation, where alcohol is present are prohibited.
No members, collectively or individually shall purchase for, serve to, or sell alcoholic beverages to any minor (i.e. those under legal age).
Chapter's Response: Accepted Responsibility
Resolution Date: November 13, 2017
Sanctions:
The Epsilon Eta chapter of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity is on Social Probation until January 8, 2017 and therefore not in good standing with Winthrop University. Should any violations of the law and/or any Winthrop University policy occur in the Pi Kappa Phi chapter house or a satellite house due to the actions of any individual affiliated with the fraternity, including active and inactive members, and alumni, per this agreement, the chapter will receive further charges.
Specifically:
Under the terms of this Social Probation Agreement, the chapter is PERMITTED to:
Additionally, the following activities are CONDITIONALLY PERMITTED:
Lastly, the following activities are STRICTLY PROHIBITED:
The chapter agrees that any events they are permitted to host must be registered with the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs.
In addition to social probation, the chapter will need to complete the following:
Organization: Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity-Theta Sigma Chapter
Date of Incident: August 18, 2017
Date investigation was initiated: August 21, 2017
Organization Charge Date: August 25, 2017
Charges:
Item Y. Violation of the University's alcoholic beverage policy.
Student Conduct Code, Article IV —
The sale or transfer of alcoholic beverages to any person under the age of 21
Furthermore, any student or student group sponsoring social events are the hosts responsible for complying with all applicable laws and university regulation
Item CC. Violations of University policies and procedures.
Specifically:
Town and Gown
Complete a Social Event Registration form to be submitted online to the Office of Fraternity & Sorority Affairs (OFSA) by 5:00 pm at least seven (7) days in advance to obtain approval.
Fraternity & Sorority Social Event Guidelines
Section VII. Policies for Chapter Social events with Alcohol, Subsection A. Policies on Alcohol and Drugs
Items:
Fraternal Conduct Board
Section D: Sanctions, Item H. Social Probation. Social probation prohibits hosting parties, mixers, date nights, or other functions social in nature.
The chapter was placed on social probation on Friday January 13, 2017 for the Spring 2017 semester for failing to make a chapter GPA of a 2.7 per the Interfraternity Council's Scholarship Policy. Due to the failure to improve their chapter GPA it was communicated on June 19, 2017 that the chapter will continue to be on Social Probation through the Fall 2017 semester.
Chapter's Response: Accepted Responsibility
Resolution Date: September 20, 2017
Sanctions:
The Theta Sigma chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity is on Disciplinary Probation until May 1, 2018, and therefore not in good standing with Winthrop University. Should any violations of the law and/or any Winthrop University policy occur in the Pi Kappa Alpha chapter house or a satellite house due to the actions of any individual affiliated with the fraternity, including active and inactive members, and alumni, per this agreement, the chapter will be held responsible and suspended from Winthrop University for a period no less than 5 academic years.
Specifically:
Under the terms of this Social Probation Agreement, the chapter is PERMITTED to:
Additionally, the following activities are CONDITIONALLY PERMITTED:
Lastly, the following activities are STRICTLY PROHIBITED:
Any other function that would be deemed social in nature
The chapter agrees that any events they are permitted to host must be registered with the Office of Fraternity and Sorority affairs, hosted on campus, and reserved through Winthrop University's space reservation program.
In addition to social probation, your chapter will need to complete the following:
Organization: Kappa Sigma Fraternity
Incident Date: September 15, 2016
Investigation Start Date: September 16, 2016
Organization Charge Date: September 23, 2016
Resolution Date: October 21, 2016
Incident Description: The institution received a report from the Winthrop University Police Department alleging the organization to have held an event at their chapter house where alcohol was present and was social in nature while the chapter was on social probation.
Charges: Student Conduct Code, Article IV — Prohibited Conduct, Item O: Violations of any of the restrictions, conditions or terms of any sanctions resulting from a previously held disciplinary hearing or failure to complete conditions or terms within the designated time.
Violation of Social Probation Agreement that was agreed to on March 11, 2016 and (amended April 22, 2016)
Chapter's Response: Accepted Responsibility — Referred to Full Board
Sanctions:
The chapter has been suspended for four years effective October 21, 2016 and until every member of the current roster have graduated or are no longer registered students.Suspension is temporary disciplinary separation from the University involving denial of all student organization privileges and recognition. Suspension shall be entered into the student organizations permanent record; and shall prescribe the date and conditions upon which the student organization may petition for readmission.
Specifically:
Organization: Kappa Sigma Fraternity
Incident Date: January 22, 2016
Investigation Start Date: January 26, 2016
Organization Charge Date: February 15, 2016
Chapter's Response: Accepted Responsibility — Referred to Administrative Board
Resolution Date: March 11, 2016
Incident Description: Information was provided to the institution alleging a registered off-campus social event that was held at the chapter facility was in violation of university policy regarding alcohol and conduct.
Charges:
University Student Conduct Code violation:
Alcoholic Beverage Policy — Any students or student groups sponsoring social events are the hosts responsible for complying with all applicable laws and university regulations.
Fraternity and Sorority Social Event Guidelines violations:
Registration Process for Events with Alcohol — Guest List and Post List
Food and non-alcoholic beverages must be provided by the Chapter.
Bring Your Own Beverage (BYOB): Service Distribution Center and Check-In System
Risk Team Composition and Responsibilities:
Collecting all alcohol; bartending, monitoring and regulating the consumption of alcohol
Ensure that only those 21 and over are consuming alcohol, take reasonable steps to assure that alcohol is not provided to those attendees under the legal drinking age of 21, and intervene when necessary.
Sanctions:
Organization: Kappa Sigma Fraternity
Incident Date: April 17, 2016
Investigation Start Date: April 18, 2016
Organization Charge Date: April 22, 2016
Chapter's Response: Accepted Responsibility — Referred to Administrative Board
Resolution Date: April 22, 2016
Incident Description: Chapter failed to meet an attendance requirement of one of their educational sanctions (attendance requirement for their program held on Sunday, April 17, 2016) by the determined deadline.
Sanctions:
The Fraternal Conduct Administrative Board extended their social probation into the Fall 2016 semester and amended the first educational sanction to be the following:
When those two educational sanctions are met, the Nu Upsilon Chapter of Kappa Sigma will be off social probation and may resume normal chapter operations.
* No incidents related to alcohol, drugs, sexual assault, physical assault, or hazing were reported.
Organization: Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity
Incident Date: August 30, 2013
Investigation Start Date: September 2, 2013
Organization Charge Date: October 16, 2013
Chapter's Response: Accepted Responsibility - Referred to Administrative Board
Resolution Date: October 28, 2013
Incident Description: Information from multiple police/incident reports for underage consumption alleging the alcohol consumption took place at a registered off-campus social event that was held at the chapter facility. The information alleges a violation of university policy regarding alcohol and conduct as well as multiple alleged violations of the Interfraternity Council (IFC) Risk Management Policy.
Charges:
IFC Risk Management Policy violations:
Sanctions:
Educational Sanctions:
*The Chapter implemented additional self-imposed educational sanctions as well as internal sanctions holding individual members accountable.
Organization: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Incident Date: October 22, 2012
Investigation Start Date: October 26, 2012
Organization Charge Date: October 31, 2012
Chapter's Response: The chapter cooperated as the University and National Organization worked collaboratively together throughout the conduct process.
Resolution Date: May 6, 2013
Incident Description: Information was provided to the University and South Atlantic Regional Director of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. of an allegation that members of the Mu Xi chapter were meeting in secret with candidates scheduled to start the membership intake process in the Fall semester 2012 which is a violation of the National Organization's intake process as well as Winthrop University's National Pan-Hellenic Council Intake Policy. The university also was made aware of additional alleged Membership Intake Process violations. In November 2012, the University then received reports of subsequent events where some chapter members were involved in verbal and physical altercations.
Charges: Violation of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.'s anti-hazing policy and for breach of the Soror Code of Ethics.
National Organization conducted an on-campus investigation working jointly with the University
Sanctions:
The University supported the National Organization's suspension of the chapter on May 6, 2013 for a maximum period of two years. Suspension means that will not be a chapter presence on the campus of Winthrop University for the duration of the suspension. Suspended chapter members cannot identify themselves as members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and will be required to request reinstatement after completing the suspension period. The sponsoring graduate chapter will be required to request the chapter's restoration to active status upon the completion of the suspension.
**The organization was granted official reinstatement from the University on February 12, 2016 and returned to active status from the Regional Director on February 17, 2016.**
Organization: Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Incident Date: Spring 2011
Investigation Start Date: January 10, 2013
Organization Charge Date: January 13, 2013
Chapter's Response: Accepted responsibility for violating NPHC Intake Guidelines; Denied Responsibility for violating Conduct Code Item C.
Resolution Date: April 23, 2013
Incident Description: Information was provided to the university in December 2012 detailing alleged conducting of unauthorized intake activities as well as violations of the university hazing policy related to intimidation, verbal abuse, physical abuse in the terms of forcing members to participate in push-ups and other types of calisthenics during the Spring 2011 intake cycle.
Charges: disorderly conduct - hazing; NPHC Intake Guidelines;
National Organization conducted an on-campus investigation working jointly with the University.
Sanctions:
Suspension for two years effective January 18, 2013 and until every member of the Spring 2012 new member line have graduated or are no longer registered students.Suspension is temporary disciplinary separation from the University involving denial of all student organization privileges and recognition. Suspension shall be entered into the student organizations permanent record; and shall prescribe the date and conditions upon which the student organization may petition for readmission.
Specifically:
**The National Organization implemented additional sanctions and administrative requirements
**The organization was granted official reinstatement on December 1, 2015.**
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