Investigation could end Friday
By Kristi Walker
Staff Reporter

The investigation of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity is expected to conclude Friday, Assistant Dean of Campus Life Mike Russel said Tuesday.

A meeting is scheduled for Friday with Fiji’s student executive council, the fraternity’s national council and Campus Life to determine whether hazing occurred, and if so, what the consequences will be for the fraternity, Russel said.

“We have interviewed almost every new member and some active members about the incident,” Russel said.

Fiji is being cooperative and does not appear to be hiding anything from the investigation, Russel said. Russel would not comment on possible punishments and said he does not want to pass judgment until all facts are gathered.

The investigation is being conducted by Campus Life and a representative sent by Fiji’s national office, said Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Don Mills.

“If there is hazing involved, the national office wants to be involved in the correction,” Mills said.

Fiji president Zerek Travis said the investigation period has been upsetting since the fraternity has not been able to participate in social events.

Travis, a senior marketing and criminal justice major, said that he has conducted his own investigation of the event in question, and that he has also filed a report with Campus Life. Travis said he was at the event in question briefly.

Travis said he does not know what to expect from the upcoming meeting.

“I’m really not sure, to be 100 percent honest,” he said. “It’s all up in the air at this point. I don’t know what either side is thinking, but I hope the punishment is not too severe.”

Neither Russel, Mills, nor Travis would comment on the nature or the specifics of the incident.

The investigation began on Thursday after a new member reported an incident to Campus Life.

“The initial charges came from one person who felt he was a victim of hazing,” Russel said.

After the results from Friday’s meeting, the fraternity has the opportunity to appeal to Mills if those involved feel they have been treated unfairly in the process, Mills said. He said he does not know many details of the investigation, so he can remain objective should an appeal occur.