The probationary status that loomed over the Sigma Pi fraternity house this summer was removed by the university yesterday.

Jeff Cufaude, NIU activities adviser for University Programming and Activities, said, “The university removed the probationary status.” A meeting between the NIU officials, Sig Pi chapter President Jerry Melligan and a national fraternity chapter member was held Tuesday.

Sig Pi was put on probation by the university for the summer because of a fight last spring between some of its members and members of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity.

On May 12, a fight between the two fraternities occurred at the Sig Pi house. Cufaude said that, “unofficially,” words were exchanged between fraternity members at the Jungle, 1027 Hillcrest Drive, and later a fight broke out at the house.

Barbara Henley, NIU associate vice president for student affairs, said an investigation of the incident led NIU officials to lift the probation.

Sig Pi now must pay closer attention to its “fraternity adherence policy,” which includes adherance to alcohol policies, Henley said. She said parties are allowed at Sig Pi as long as all state and NIU guidelines are followed.

Cufaude said if either fraternity engages further in activities such as fighting, NIU will re-evaluate the status of each house.

He said several meetings between NIU and Sig Pi are required to iron out the details of last spring’s brawl. Henley said two meetings are scheduled for this fall.

UP&A Director Michelle Emmett said several other sanctions have been implemented that are educational in nature and proactive. Melligan said, “The sanctions were reasonable—they are educational.”

Sig Eps are on probation for the fall semester for the incident and will have to attend educational meetings as well.

Sig Pi member Tim Ryan said he thought the sanctions for Sig Eps should be more severe. He said he could not believe probation was the most severe sanction Sig Eps received.

Henley said even though Sig Pi and Sig Eps are located off-campus and the incident occurred off-campus, NIU has the power to regulate the greek system and initiate sanctions because the fraternities are recognized by the university.

Cufaude said several individuals from both houses filed charges with the DeKalb County State’s Attorney’s Office.

Ryan said he filed charges against one Sig Ep member on May 13. He said a complaint was signed about a week ago, but no other action has been taken. He said he received five stitches in his head because his head was smashed through a window.

In a previous interview, Sig Eps Undergraduate Adviser Steve Coloia said the two fraternities are planning a joint philanthropy and the two houses are able to work together.

“It (the joint philanthropy) is not a requirement, but it is suggested,” Cufaude said. The university would like both groups to make amends and then cooperate on their own in a joint philanthropy, he said.