MARYVILLE, Mo. – Northwest Missouri State University has revoked its institutional recognition of the Delta Nu chapter of the Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE) fraternity, the University announced today, citing violations of Greek Life risk management policies.

The action is effective immediately, and the chapter will no longer be recognized, identified or listed as a University-affiliated Greek organization. The chapter will no longer receive the benefits and support of a University-recognized student organization, and it is no longer permitted to participate in Greek Life activities, including recruitment, initiation, Interfraternity Council and social events.

Decisions related to the future of the fraternity house, which is not University-owned property at 555 West Ninth St., will be made by the fraternity’s national office and the local Tau Kappa Epsilon Housing Corporation. Current TKE members who reside in the house are being asked to contact Northwest’s Office of Residential Life for housing assistance.

University leaders made the decision to revoke the chapter’s institutional recognition after a recent risk management investigation concluded the chapter had violated its probationary status by failing to comply with policies and procedures on multiple occasions.

Northwest had placed the chapter on probation in May for violations related to alcohol use and risk management concerns that surfaced during a separate investigation conducted last spring.

As we previously reported in May, two rape cases were reported in a month’s time where the victim allegedly met her assaulter at a Maryville fraternity house.  Nodaway County Prosecuting Attorney Robert Rice said at that time that one of the incidents allegedly took place at TKE.

The chapter’s probationary status would have expired in December.

“Tau Kappa Epsilon has a long and proud tradition at the University and has been a foundational experience in the lives of many alumni,” Northwest Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. Matt Baker wrote in a letter to the chapter president. “But the chapter’s deteriorating culture and refusal to abide by the terms of its probation leave the University with no choice but to revoke recognition.”

The Delta Nu chapter was established at Northwest on May 15, 1954, with 37 members, making it the third fraternity at the University. In 1986, it was recognized as the youngest chapter to initiate 1,000 men – a number that stands at more than 1,600 today. The Delta Nu chapter’s roster consisted of 82 active members this fall.

Future students may attempt to regain University recognition no earlier than February 2019 by filing a petition for colony status with the University.

The risk management investigation was launched after the University Police Department received reports on Nov. 1, 2015, of a sexual assault in the chapter’s house. Separate investigations under the University’s Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy as well as by the Maryville Public Safety remain active and findings have not been released.

The chapter may appeal the University’s decision, under Northwest’s Student Conduct policy. The appeal must be filed by Dec. 2, and Northwest Leadership Team members will review it.

Northwest President Dr. John Jasinski also has called for the launch of a Greek Life visioning process, to be led by two University alumni with organizational leadership from Northwest’s Greek Life Coordinator. The process will involve University leaders, students and alumni to address the future of Greek Life at Northwest and ensure its vibrancy and positive contributions to student, organizational and community success.

The community is being asked to vote for two Central High School students that are in the running for KCP&L’s 2015 Community MVP scholarships.

Makayla Hedge and Laraib Sani were awarded $1,000 and will be honored at the Kansas City Chiefs game and the Kansas City Plaza Lighting Ceremony. For the next level, the St. Joseph School District said the community is asked to vote for the two students to earn scholarship money in the next round.

According to the website, the KCP&L Community MVP program is intended to spotlight the youth in the Greater Kansas City region that are working hard to give back. 10 finalists will be selected by KCP&L from all the nominations submitted. During the voting period, one finalist with the most votes will receive a $5000 scholarship. The other nine finalists will each receive a $1000 scholarship. In addition all finalists will receive a VIP game day experience at the Chiefs versus Raiders game on January 3, 2016. CLICK HERE to vote.

Makayla Hedge has:
· Served on the NAACP Teen Chapter

· Volunteers with the Food for Kids Program

· Logged 45 hours as a hospital and church volunteer

· Logged 50 hours as a Sophomore tutor at Central High School

“Makayla believes in being part of the solution within the community that she lives in. This is a young lady who practices what she believes in not only in her personal life but in her community.”

Laraib Sani:
· Volunteers at Second Harvest Food Bank and the American Red Cross, Mosaic Hospital and St. Joseph Youth Alliance

· Tutored elementary school kids in her community

· Volunteered with the YWCA to work with children before they are placed in foster care

“Laraib felt that each person has a specific role, and she knew that hers was to give attention, love and affection to those children at the YWCA Shelter who so desperately crave that.”

Today
Mostly sunny, with a high near 60. Breezy, with a south wind 11 to 21 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph.

Tonight
Increasing clouds, with a low around 45. South wind 13 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.

Wednesday
A chance of rain, mainly after noon. Cloudy, with a high near 58. South wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Wednesday Night
Rain likely, mainly after midnight. Cloudy, with a low around 52. South southeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Thanksgiving Day
Rain. High near 55. Light and variable wind becoming east 8 to 13 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.

Thursday Night
Rain before midnight, then rain and sleet. Low around 31. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

Friday
Cloudy, with a high near 36.

Friday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 31.

Saturday
Mostly cloudy, with a high near 37.

Saturday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 31.

Sunday
A chance of rain and snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 39. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Sunday Night
A chance of rain and snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 30. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Monday
Mostly cloudy, with a high near 40