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(DAILY_WILDCAT)

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By David J. Cieslak
Arizona Daily Wildcat
April 24, 1998

ZBT chapter recognition up in the air

The future of UA's Zeta Beta Tau chapter is on the line today as a University Hearing Board decides how to reprimand the fraternity cited last year on two GAMMA party management policy violations.

Zeta Beta Tau first violated Greeks Advocating the Mature Management of Alcohol regulations in January 1997 and was placed on probation for infractions, including an explosive device that was tossed into its swimming pool. At that time fraternity members were told that violating probation would result in expulsion from the University of Arizona's organization recognition system.

Then, in December, ZBT violated two GAMMA social event policies, prompting Dean of Students Melissa Vito to revoke the fraternity's formal recognition.

The board, consisting of two UA faculty members, a UA staff member and two students, found yesterday that the fraternity did violate regulations in December by advertising one of its parties as "open" and by hosting a party without posting fraternity officers at the front door with a guest list.

The board is now deciding whether ZBT's recognition, which includes participation in Spring Fling, Homecoming and formal rush, should be maintained, altered or eliminated. Its decision will be forwarded to Saundra Taylor, vice president for student affairs.

ZBT Chapter President Brian Landun would not comment on the status of the hearing, which was closed to the public.

"We're bound under contract to keep confidentiality," Landun said.

But not all members of ZBT were hushed.

Chapter Vice President Jeff Fields said he was asked to speak at the hearing about the fraternity's status.

Fields said ZBT members are keeping their heads high throughout the process.

"It hurt a little internally at the beginning, but things have really straightened out," Fields said.

Although the UA has expelled ZBT, Fields said its national chapter still recognizes them and "backs them 100 percent."

Patrick Casey, an attorney and director of the national chapter of ZBT, said it's "unfortunate" that the UA is denying the fraternity campus recognition.

"Through the efforts of the national fraternity, we are dedicated to rebuild our Arizona chapter in whatever means it takes," he said.

Casey also stressed the importance of communication with UA officials.

"Recognition is very important to us and the national fraternity and local chapter hopes that it can continue its ongoing dialogue with Dean Vito," he said.

The board's deliberations began last night and continue today.


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