Hazing Transparency

Date of Hazing Incident: Ongoing through Fall 2025

Date Reported: 02/02/2026

Date of Investigation: 02/4/2026

Date of Responsible Finding: 0/06/2025

Policy Violation(s):

• 6.1- Abuse/Endangerment
• 6.4 - Distribution/Possession of Alcohol and Other Drugs
• 6.9 - Hazing
• 6.13 - Non-Compliance with Laws
• 6.14 - Non-Compliance with Student Leadership and Involvement Policies

Alcohol/Drugs Involved: YES

Interim Actions: YES, Cease and Desists during invesitigation

Sanction(s): Negotation of Outcomes - RSO Deferred Suspension (10 Months) followed by RSO Conduct Probation (6 Months)

Description of Hazing Incident

Following an investigation in which Sigma Pi, Zeta Epsilon Chapter cooperated and acknowledged responsibility for the above violations, the University found the Registered Student Organization engaged in the following behaviors:

• Piss Calls: After pinning, members participated in "piss calls" where they had to walk to all the sorority houses and participate in karaoke. Pinned brothers sang and active brothers watched. Two songs were sung — one picked by the brothers and the other picked by the sorority. Alcohol was involved after the "piss calls" concluded at a social afterward.

• Big/Little Night: Members were dropped off at a property off campus and had to walk (distance unknown, as no one could confirm). Littles received their family tree, which was based on alcohol. The alcohol (pint) specific to them was provided with a mixer. They were then required to memorize things related to their pledge class. Once they believed they had memorized the required details, they walked to the fire to do a lineup. If the information was wrong, they went back to try again.
• Beer Olympics: The house was split into four sections with bar games, boat races, fastest pitcher slam, darts, and pool. Teams earned points, and minors were present.
• Interviews: The new member pledge class interviewed each pledge class, held on the 3rd floor of the house. Each pledge class would bring something in for the new member class (alcohol, marijuana, grilled cheese, etc.). There were a total of 5 meetings/interviews.
• Jeopardy: A house event that involved alcohol and underage consumption.
• Baked Up: Brothers baked with weed butter.
• Nationals Test: Brothers would video record new members taking a "test" for nationals. Once the test was over, the camera would be turned off and new members were asked if they wanted to change answers they may have gotten wrong, in exchange for a shot or drink.
• HN (Hell Night): Members started at the top of Mt. Ripley and were told to put blindfolds on and get into a car. They were then transported off campus. Depending on the car, they had to do different things on the way to their destination, such as reciting the creed repeatedly. Once there, they had to walk blindfolded through the property. They were then taught the pillars of the fraternity with their big at a fire — each pillar at its own fire. When walking to each fire, they were blindfolded. They were asked questions such as "would you go to jail for a brother" and "would you eat shit for a brother." Some were required to put their hands in a bucket containing water and hotdogs, not knowing what was in the bucket. Alcohol was present during Hell Night.
• Christmas Party: Members dressed up and had to act out their character. Alcohol was provided to members.
• Initiation: No information was provided to members prior to initiation. Initiation involved blindfolding.

Sanction Rationale:

The sanction and conditions is deemed to be reasonable given that the organization took accountability for their actions, was honest throughout the investigation process, and has agreed to work with the Office of Academic and Community Conduct and Sigma Pi Nationals to ensure that future events and current traditions are in alignment with the Code of Conduct.

The organizations members and Nationals demonstrated a willingness to engage openly and transparently with the investigative process, providing fairly consistent accounts of the events in question, given they were being ask months later. The cooperation shown by the membership reflects a level of responsibility that was taken into consideration when determining the appropriate sanction and conditions. 

During the investigation phase, it was also noted members were found to have acted with malicious intent, and that many of the violations appeared to stem from longstanding traditions that had not been critically examined in the context of current university policy. The behaviors also had a stong influence from alumni. The organization has shown a readiness to reassess these traditions and implement changes that prioritize the safety and well-being of all members.

Sigma Pi has acknowledged the potential harm associated with the activities that took place, particularly those involving alcohol and new member education, and has expressed a genuine commitment to make changes. The sanction and conditions are designed not only to hold the organization accountable but also to provide a structured opportunity for growth and development aligned with the values of both Michigan Technological University and Sigma Pi Nationals.

Conditions: The University reserves the right to amend this decision, if needed

Alcohol and Substance-Free Chapter House The Sigma Pi - Zeta Epsilon Chapter house shall be alcohol and substance free in all common areas while on deferred suspension. Members who are of legal age for possession and use of alcohol and marijuana may only do so within their individual rooms. No alcohol or substances are permitted in any common areas of the chapter house while on deferred suspension. All alcohol and marijuana possession and consumption must also comply with Sigma Pi National Fraternity rules.
Social Events While the chapter is on deferred suspension, the Zeta Epsilon chapter shall not host or co-host any formal or informal social events, including formals, semi-formals, and date functions, involving alcohol or other controlled substances.

New Member Education All new member education must follow the curriculum provided by
Sigma Pi National Fraternity. Potential new members must be aware of the nationally approved Sigma Pi Curriculum. No additional requirements, activities, or expectations may be added to the new member process beyond what is provided by Nationals. You are permitted to pin, complete Initiation, and match Big/Little.
● Required Meetings: Throughout the new member process, the New Member Educator
and/or Chapter President is required to meet weekly with Amy Hjerstedt.
● Initiation should be adapted to not include hoodwinking. An alternative should be
determined with Nationals and in compliance with the University Hazing policy and state
law.
● Quizzes The chapter is permitted to request that potential new members complete
knowledge quizzes within the scope of the New Member Education process provided by
Nationals.

New Member Education Presentation Chapter leaders will present the Zeta Epsilon Chapter's New Member Education process to the Office of Student Leadership and Involvement and the Office of Academic and Community Conduct, explaining how it reflects the chapter's values and promotes a healthy group environment. The presentation will also address lessons learned from the previous process, how proposed revisions will improve chapter culture and the overall new member experience, and the chapter's approach to bystander intervention — including the risks of non-intervention, steps for intervening, and the membership's collective commitment to fostering a culture that supports and encourages intervention. This should take place no later than September 4, 2026.

New Member Education Process Following the presentation and review from the Office of
Student Leadership and Involvement, the chapter will formally document the revised New
Member Education process and timeline in a format that can be easily transferred to future new member educators, beginning with a thorough review of the resource package provided by Nationals. Once this documentation has been reviewed and approved, and the chapter is no longer on deferred suspension, new member education activities may take place off campus, provided they remain free of hazing, alcohol and substances at all times. This should be completed no later than October

Location of Events While on deferred suspension, pinning, Big Brother/Little Brother Reveal,
and initiation must all take place on campus. This University recognizes that this may require special
planning and will be able to assist. Detailed plans for any additional new member process events — including but not limited to Jeopardy. Midpoint Meeting, and Final Bonfire — must be
submitted to the Office of Student Leadership and Involvement and/or the Office of Academic
and Community Conduct for review and approval prior to the event taking place.

Community Service and Philanthropy The chapter is permitted to continue participating in
community service and philanthropy activities while on deferred suspension and probation.
These activities may not involve the use of alcohol or other controlled substances, even for
members who are of legal age for consumption.

Brotherhood The chapter is encouraged to continue fostering brotherhood while making a
genuine commitment to cultural change. The Chapter may participate in Intramural Sports,
Homecoming, Winter Carnival, Spring Fling, Greek Week, and other chapter-specific
brotherhood events. All brotherhood events must be free of hazing, alcohol and all controlled
substances, including for those brothers who are of legal age for consumption.

Education - Courageous Leaders All leadership members of the Zeta Epsilon chapter are
required to complete a values-based leadership and decision making educational program that
covers bystander effect as designated by the Office of Student Leadership and Involvement and Academic and Community Conduct. All other members are highly encouraged to attend. This program will be intended to develop ethical decision-making skills, healthy group environment, and the capacity to intervene when chapter culture or individual behavior conflicts with the chapter's values and university expectations. This presentation should take place no later than the week of April 13, 2026.

Education - Greek Wise All active members are required to complete Greek Wise through
Academic and Community Conduct. A member list must be provided to Academic and
Community Conduct no later than March 1, 2026. Members will then be enrolled in the course
and expected to complete it with the assigned deadline provided in the course access
informational email.

Hazing Presentation The members of Sigma Pi, Zeta Epsilon Chapter will develop and deliver
a presentation to the Office of Academic and Community Conduct and the Office of Student
Leadership and Involvement. The presentation should reflect the chapter's key takeaways from the Greek Wise program, as well as broader lessons learned regarding hazing prevention and awareness. It should also outline the concrete steps the chapter is committing to in order to maintain a hazing-free environment, and inform members of the available reporting resources and options. This presentation should be completed by April 3, 2026.

National Membership Review Sigma Pi National Fraternity retains the right to conduct a full
and comprehensive membership review of all Zeta Epsilon chapter members.
National Requirements Sigma Pi National Fraternity reserves the right to implement additional conditions and sanctions upon the Zeta Epsilon chapter. The University expects the chapter to comply fully with all requirements set forth by Nationals, including but not limited to check-in meetings, training, education, and policy and procedure review.
National Meetings The University encourages the leadership of Zeta Epsilon to meet regularly
with Nationals. This includes attendance to leadership conferences and other opportunities
offered

 

Date of Hazing Incident: 02/05/2025

Date Reported: 02/08/2025

Date of Investigation: 02/14/2025

Date of Responsible Finding: 04/07/2025

Policy Violation(s): 6.9 Hazing

Alcohol/Drugs Involved: No

Interim Action: No

Sanction(s): RSO Written Warning with negotiation of outcome

 

                                                                 Description of Hazing Incident

Following an investigation in which Huskie Pep Band cooperated and acknowledged responsibility for hazing, the University found the Registered Student Organization engaged in the following behaviors:

• Pep Band members participated in a "Winter Carnival Tradition" parade through campus. When they reached the Mechanical Engineering Engineering Mechanics Building (MEEM), they climbed 11 floors of the with their instruments
• Once members reached the top floor of the MEEM, the highest place on campus, they played the Husky Fight Song
• Once done, members climbed down the 11 floors and continued the parade.
• Members were told about the climb prior to the parade beginning. This allowed a short amount of time to make a decision about participation.
• Leadership provided an elevator as an option, there is likely an implicit social pressure.
• Building was locked and access to the building was not granted. The organization gained access by having someone tap them in.
• Lacked a safety plan for medical emergencies where the physically demanding activity could have a potential risk for injury or medical risks
• Unnecessary physical activity 

Sanction Rationale:
The above sanction is deemed to be reasonable given that the organization took accountability for their actions and have agreed to work together with the Office of Academic and Community Conduct to ensure that future events and current traditions aren’t hazing. Additionally, members of the organization were able to provide documentation that they had reached out to Public Safety and Police Service to gain access to the building. However, their correspondence was never returned. It was confirm that this was accurate and shows that the organization was attempting to do their due diligence in building access. The organization shared their April 2024 review that indicated they believed they had removed all hazing or even things that could be perceived as hazing, out of their traditions. While the organization's intentions were good in their review, after the Office of Academic and Community Conduct was able to look it over, it shows that there is still a lack of understanding
what hazing is.

Conditions:
1. The organization will no longer hold the tradition of the “MEEM Climb” during Winter Carnival due to safety concerns. This is due to all academic buildings being locked during Winter Carnival and the lack of personnel availability to coordinate access to the building and still ensure safety.
1a. This does not mean that the tradition in spirit needs to be cancelled. Something else can take its place (i.e. playing in Walker together, in private, before ending the parade, etc.).
1.b Leadership will meet with the Assistant Dean of Community Conduct and the Coordinator of Student Leadership and Involvement to find a way to incorporate this tradition in a way so that it can continue and so that the following are removed: psychological pressures (implicit social pressures to “prove oneself”, not wanting to be perceived as weak or having a lack of commitment to the group, doesn’t create an unnecessary test of endurances), unnecessary physical stress (doesn’t cause an extreme fatigue, potential injury is limited, considering varying fitness levels, disabilities, and medical conditions).
1c.This meeting should take place no later than December 1, 2025 so that the organization has an idea of the path forward it may want to take for the upcoming Winter Carnival.
2. Education Session: The e-board, conductors (known as “arm wavers”), and section leaders will attend a hazing education session with Student Leadership and Involvement and/or the Office of Academic and Community Conduct. Due to the number of individual schedules that need to be considered, two sessions will be offered for members to choose from. The modality of these sessions can be determined at a later time. This session should be planned to be completed no later than November 1, 2025.