Penn State suspends fraternity through fall 2025 for ‘multiple and repeated violations’

Penn State has suspended the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity through fall 2025 after finding “multiple and repeated violations” of university policy over more than two years — but the frat at 417 E. Prospect Ave. in State College isn’t going anywhere.

Because the frat’s international organization has not suspended the chapter, the fraternity intends to operate independently without university recognition or oversight. According to a Tuesday news release from the university, that means the frat will not be subject to Penn State’s educational and preventive programming or monitoring efforts — “which makes any activities extremely risky.”

“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,” the news release said.

Pi Kappa Alpha was suspended Aug. 24 over violations that included prohibited alcohol use and failure to comply with the university’s efforts to make it “safe, successful and sustainable.” The frat also declined to participate in the university hearing that led to its suspension.

The frat’s international organization did not directly address the violations outlined by the university but, in a written statement provided to the Centre Daily Times, Justin Buck — executive vice president of the frat’s international organization — said he supported the chapter’s decision to operate independently. He also said the organization hopes to continue to work with the university, which it’s had a relationship with since 1913.

Pi Kappa Alpha is appealing the university’s decision.

“We regret the situation which has arisen out of the most recent conduct matter with the institution and support the chapter’s intention to continue its operations, even as it pursues a dialogue with the university that is hoped to yield constructive and meaningful results,” Buck wrote. “Beta Alpha Chapter will be expected to continue to meet fraternity standards and expectations and will be held accountable should it elect not to do so.

“In addition, the fraternity has placed additional educational training and health and safety conditions in place which the fraternity will work with the chapter and alumni leadership to implement.”

As a result of the current university suspension, Pi Kappa Alpha loses all rights and privileges as a recognized student organization. It can no longer participate in or organize any functions or activities, including universitywide events such as Homecoming and Thon.

In a written statement, Damon Sims, vice president for Penn State Student Affairs, intimated this action was used as a last resort.

“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,” Sims said. “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.”

Penn State emphasized that students on- and off-campus are still held accountable to the Student Code of Conduct, regardless of an organization’s recognized status. The Pi Kappa Alpha International Fraternity said it hopes to “continue to have a positive presence on the campus in the years ahead.”