Kappa Alpha fraternity received three sanctions from the Inter-Fraternity Council after violating a strict no-alcohol policy during rush.
In a hearing panel Monday, the IFC judiciary committee placed KA on social probation for three weeks, starting Feb. 4.
Previously, KA had been restricted from holding final hours because it did not turn in its Fraternal Organization Agreement form. Members of the IFC will be present at KA's fraternity house during final hours on Feb. 1 to ensure the fraternity complies with the past restrictions and final hours does not occur in a "satellite" house.
A final sanction states that any further violations during the rush period will result in an automatic fine, in addition to another hearing where more sever sanctions could be imposed.
The sanctions were initiated after IFC representatives witnessed the alcohol violation during the open house period of rush.
Zach Terwilliger, vice chairman of the IFC judiciary committee, said the incident was "an extremely minor incident" and that the punishment reflected that.
Terwilliger chaired the judiciary hearing where the sanctions were handed down.
IFC President Josh Johnson, a member of KA, did not participate in the hearing.
"The purpose of the sanction was to impose punishment for violating rush policy, but not in a way that would damage their chances for new recruitment," Terwilliger said.
"The particular violation involving KA was resolved in a cooperative and understanding manner on both sides," he said. "I hope that if there are any future problems between the IFC and any house it will be resolved in a similar manner."
Terwilliger added that there was an assurance from KA that future incidents will be avoided and that these sanctions "definitely got their attention."
IFC Vice Chairman for Judiciary Michael Huneke said the purpose of any sanction is to be "educational as well as punitive."
"As far as a rush sanction, it is supposed to punish those involved and make it clear to the other houses that the IFC is enforcing its policies," Huneke said.
"Whether or not [a sanction] applies during rush or after rush, rushees will be aware of that and that is our purpose," he added.
Aaron Laushway, assistant dean of students for fraternity and sorority life, said he thinks rush is going along fine thus far and that any increased scrutiny is to the credit of student self-governance within the IFC.
"I have been pleased with the registration of rushees," Laushway said. "It is very positive step because it allows the IFC to see who is proceeding through rush."
He said he sees the IFC's increase of hands-on supervision as a way for them to take more responsibility over events during the entire recruitment period.
Huneke said he thinks the number of similar incidents during rush is down overall this year.
"The severity of sanctions is one of the reasons for that," he said.
"The IFC executive met with the [individual fraternity] presidents and they spelled out the expectations and consequences of the rush period," Laushway said. "They have set up those expectations and those that break them are being sanctioned."
"That is student self-governance right there," he said.
"I think the majority of fraternity men realize their actions reflect on the whole system," Huneke said.
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