The following is a message sent to the UVM community from John Bramley, interim president, and Jane Knodell, provost.
After careful consideration, Sigma Phi Epsilon National Fraternity has decided to indefinitely close their chapter at the University of Vermont. From the beginning of this unfortunate situation, the national representatives of Sigma Phi Epsilon have been thorough, respectful, and very serious in investigating this matter, reaching this conclusion after having weighed the totality of the facts and information available to them. We respect and support their decision, and appreciate their interest in maintaining a dialogue going forward to identify lessons learned from all of this, as well as exploring educational strategies and opportunities to address pervasive cultural issues that contributed to this egregious situation.
UVM’s investigation of these events will continue. We will gather all relevant information and examine it to determine whether policies or laws have been violated, and by whom. This investigation will likely take several weeks to conclude, and any further action would occur within the parameters and requirements of applicable procedures, policies or laws. We will keep the community appropriately informed without compromising the investigation or violating laws and policies around student privacy. All should expect that any such incidents in the future will receive the same intense scrutiny and serious consequences.
Sexual violence and rape culture are gravely serious issues that demand attention and action. As we have said before, we hope that this will present an opportunity for productive interaction, respectful dialogue, and learning about sexual violence and rape culture and the causes underlying them, to the betterment of this extraordinarily resilient and caring community.
University Resources and Support Services:
Counseling and Psychiatry Services: (802) 656-3340 [Counselors are available 24 hours-a-day through UVM Police (802) 656-3473]
The following offices are available Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.:
Greek Life: (802) 656-2060
Student Life: (802) 656-2060
Women’s Center: (802) 656-7892
If you have any questions regarding this matter, please contact the Dean of Students Office (deanofstudents@uvm.edu, (802) 656-3380).