UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — On Aug. 24, the Penn State Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response suspended the Beta Alpha Chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity through fall 2025. This suspension comes after the University Conduct Hearing Board found the chapter responsible for multiple and repeated violations of University policy over an extended period, including prohibited alcohol use and failure to comply.
The suspension means the chapter loses all rights and privileges as a recognized student organization and may not participate in, attend or organize any functions, activities or events, including formal recruitment and University-wide events such as Homecoming and THON, or otherwise function as a registered organization at Penn State.
This suspension follows more than two years of repeated violations by the Pi Kappa Alpha chapter. Student Affairs staff, in partnership with staff from the International Fraternity, exhausted available resources and opportunities to assist the chapter in creating a safe, successful and sustainable fraternal organization. Despite those efforts, the chapter chose not to comply with repeatedly articulated University expectations, including the Student Code of Conduct and previously assigned sanctions.
The chapter declined to participate in the University hearing that was afforded to it, in which it could have pled its case and presented any mitigating information believed to be relevant. The international organization has been notified of the suspension. It is not taking action to suspend the chapter at this time, but states it will continue to work with the chapter and the University going forward.
“It is always regrettable to reach this juncture in our relationship with a recognized student organization, but it is especially regrettable when the organization has a long and meaningful history at Penn State,” said Damon Sims, vice president for Student Affairs. “I am confident that our staffs in Fraternity and Sorority Life and Student Accountability and Conflict Response have done all they can to address these issues constructively. Our commitment to student safety and the sustainability and success of our fraternity and sorority community requires that we respond effectively to groups that refuse to follow our reasonable expectations and processes, and that is all we are doing in this instance.”
The chapter has shared with the University that it intends to operate independently and without University recognition or oversight. The University does not support groups operating independently and strongly discourages students from maintaining or seeking membership with this organization or interacting with this organization in any way.
A group operating independently is not subject to the University’s educational and preventive programming or monitoring efforts, which makes any activities extremely risky. Individual students, however, are still held accountable to the Student Code of Conduct on and off campus, regardless of an organization’s recognition status.
Students, parents and community members who see or experience any concerning behaviors, including prohibited alcohol and drug use, hazing or sexual misconduct, should make a report to the Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response. Anyone can also contact Penn State University Police or State College Police. In the event of an emergency, always contact 911.
The University prioritizes the safety and well-being of students and continues to partner with campus and local law enforcement to address health and safety concerns to our students and the surrounding community. In addition, Penn State continues to partner with more than 70 recognized fraternity and sorority chapters across four student-run councils. These organizations strive to provide safe and rewarding opportunities for leadership development, service and philanthropy, academic achievement, building meaningful relationships and alumni involvement.