UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS ANNOUNCES ITS POSITION ON FRATERNITY’S REQUEST FOR RESIDENCY

Dear Mr. McKnight and Mr. Rogers:

Since regaining official recognition by the University of Arkansas in 2000, we have been pleased and encouraged by the efforts put forth by the men of the Arkansas Alpha Chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon. Your organization has successfully established a "Balanced Man" Chapter that sets an example not only for current and future membership but also for your members nationally.

Among the numerous accomplishments of Arkansas Alpha Chapter during the past three years has been the Residential Learning Center established in the fall of 2001. Programs like this one have brought much-deserved attention and funding to your organization, and signal a commitment to academic excellence. In addition, the men of Sigma Phi Epsilon are to be commended for their continued work within the community. For example, the Jefferson Elementary Program affords these young men the opportunity to give back to the community, and illustrates why Arkansas Alpha Chapter remains a social organization in good standing with the University.

Recently, Arkansas Alpha Chapter requested that the University recognize a collection of housing facilities located at 522 Maple, 604 Maple and 527 Wilson Streets as the fraternity’s official chapter house. Unfortunately, these facilities do not possess essential features which are common in chapter houses on campus. In our judgment, the configuration of the various facilities, including two rental houses and one apartment complex, would not promote or foster a sense of community which is common to traditional on-campus Greek facilities. We do not believe that recognizing this combination of independent structures as a single house is in the best long-term interests of the chapter or the University’s long-term interest in the Greek system as a whole. These issues are compounded by the concerns which have been voiced by some members of the neighborhood. For these reasons, we are unable to approve your request to recognize these structures as a residence for Arkansas Alpha Chapter. Please understand that this decision does not have any effect on the University’s recognition of the Chapter as a registered student organization in good standing with the University. We also regret that University officials did not have an opportunity to review and discuss these proposed living arrangements with the Chapter’s leadership prior to the fraternity’s decision to move forward.

While this form of housing has been presented to the University as temporary, we are unaware of any long-term plan for funding an on-campus residence. We are most concerned that this temporary arrangement might easily become a default solution to addressing the organization’s long-term needs. As has been the case with other Greek organizations, we would be happy to explore possible long-term housing options in an effort to establish development programs with the Chapter. Please contact Associate Dean of Students Scott Walter to discuss these matters further. We are also available to meet to assist with your plans. We want to be as helpful as possible to address the issue of long-term housing that is appropriate for your chapter.

We appreciate the renewed spirit and dedication of the men of the Arkansas Alpha Chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon. As a registered student organization and as a member of IFC, the Chapter is entitled to all benefits of social organizations including use of university facilities for meeting rooms, banquet halls and other university support. We hope members will utilize these avenues for continued growth and success on campus, and if we can be of any further assistance, please feel free to contact Mr. Walter. We look forward to working with you in the future.

Best regards,

Don Pederson

Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration

Johnetta Cross Brazzell

Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs