ATO fraternity announces plan for one-year suspension

The Corporation Board of the Gamma Theta Chapter of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln has submitted a plan to suspend all fraternity activities for one year in response to recent allegations related to alcohol consumption.

The plan was approved today by UNL Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Juan N. Franco and calls for a one-year suspension of the operation of the house at 1433 R St. in Lincoln. During the suspension, the alumni group will work with remaining active members to work out plans for enforcement of standards and rebuilding the chapter.

"The goal of the plan is to improve the overall culture of the fraternity and to place an increased focus on the fraternity's mission centered on scholarship, leadership and service," said Alpha Tau Omega Chapter Adviser Kyle Bruss. "Some of these measures of the plan already being implemented include a chapter-wide membership review, suspension of 2010 summer recruitment of members, and a loss of university-approved housing for its members for the 2010-2011 academic year. The plan, which has been approved by the Alpha Tau Omega National Fraternity, will give the chapter a chance to work out strategies for avoiding inappropriate behavior in the future."

Bruss added that that the Gamma Theta Chapter of Alpha Tau Omega has been on the UNL campus since 1897. "Gamma Theta ranks second in the nation for awards for chapter excellence and in 2007 was named Top Chapter Runner Up by the national fraternity," he said.

UNL Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Juan Franco said he is pleased the Alpha Tau Omega Gamma Theta Chapter board took a proactive approach.

"I'm pleased the board is taking these steps and we will continue working with them in support of their efforts to return the chapter to full, active status," he said.

Bruss said: "Alpha Tau Omega has a long history as a great fraternity. By taking this bold action, and with the help and support of Vice Chancellor Franco, we feel we can put the chapter back on the right track to support the well-being and academic success of all students."