An NIU fraternity is appealing a suspension given to it after two of its members were involved in a theft.

Members of NIU’s chapter of Delta Upsilon went to the University of Iowa in November and two of them were caught stealing from the Iowa chapter house of Delta Upsilon.

The fraternity has been suspended for one year, after the university held a hearing earlier this month, said Michelle Emmett, director of University Programming and Activities. The suspension took effect Jan. 15 and during the suspension time, the fraternity is required to complete several requirements sanctioned by the national organization and NIU.

Some of the national level requirements include clearing all debts, reviewing all policies on road trips, retreats and theft and updating constitutional bylaws.

NIU is requiring Delta Upsilon to conduct educational programs and workshops on risk management, alcohol, social activities without alcohol, rituals of everyday living, hazing and values and ethics of fraternity life.

The fraternity also must sponsor an educational program on one of the above topics for the other fraternities and sororities at NIU.

Additionally, Emmett said each member must serve eight to 10 hours of community service.

“They are not allowed to do anything social or athletic,” Emmett said.

Delta Upsilon President Jerry Edwards, however, said the fraternity is appealing the accusations and is waiting to talk to its lawyers.

Edwards said the members of the fraternity are disappointed with the outcome of the university’s investigation and said he believed the fraternity was accused based on inaccurate evidence.

“(Emmett’s) findings were based on hearsay and were not supported by evidence,” Edwards said.

Edwards also said he feels it is unfair that the entire fraternity is being suspended because of what two members did.

The appeal will be heard by Barbara Henley, vice president for Student Affairs.

Dawn Sturma, director of activities in the University Programming and Activities office, said Delta Upsilon is on a deferred suspension. A deferred suspension allows the fraternity involved to hold Rush.

If any other problems occur, however, Delta Upsilon will not be able to have fall Rush next year.

Emmett said the fraternity will be reviewed at the end of the spring semester. Changes can be made positively or negatively, based on the fraternity’s actions, she said. “It’s going to be up to the chapter,” she said.

Sturma said an informal investigation was held during finals week.

“I spoke with five or six of the members to get more information,” she said.

According to Emmett, there also was a long-term investigation.

“We’ve been in contact with the international fraternity level, Delta Upsilon in Iowa, the Iowa City Police. We’ve been investigating since Nov. 1,” Emmett said.

Emmett said the university hopes to work with Delta Upsilon through this rough period.

“We want to work with them as a group,” Emmett said. “We hate to see this happen and we’re committed to try and help them through these difficult times.”