Zeta Psi Fraternity's Madison chapter was placed on probation Friday by the fraternity's national council for alcohol violations at a December party, while UW-Madison's investigation of the party is still pending.
Ari Metzger, the chapter's executive chairperson, told WKOW the fraternity admitted to serving keg beer at the party, which is in violation of its insurance policy.
The fraternity has been under investigation recently after a woman alleged she was assaulted at a Zeta Psi Dec. 9, 2006 party. However, Friday's probation is only alcohol related.
David Hunter, executive director for the national chapter, confirmed Zeta Psi was placed on probation because its members violated risk management polices at the party, due to having a keg.
Hunter said that the national council's investigation is still ongoing. ""We will talk to our alumni contacts in Madison and we will also need to talk to more members of the group,"" he said. ""We just want to go through due process and not rush into it.""
The university, however, said it will not charge the fraternity until it has finished its own investigation.
""The complaint has been submitted to the Student Judicial Board, they'll have a hearing, and then they'll make a decision and ruling about possible suggestions,"" said Interim Associate Dean of Students Elton Crim, regarding the board governed by four Greek councils on campus.
""We're also waiting to see what we get from the Madison Police Department,"" Crim said.
He added though the university defers to the Student Judicial Board on issues involving UW-Madison's Greek Community, it also reserves the right to take bring charges to the Committee of Student Organizations if it does not agree with the Student Judiciary's decision.
Hunter said the chapter can still operate, but probation status forbids them from hosting social events.
""It really is a punishment,"" Metzger said of the probation. It is ""definitely a serious deal.""
