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To: Mu Deuteron Graduate Brothers
From: Matt Coulter, House Corporation President
The closing of our chapter comes as a total shock to all of us. Recent issues of the Fiji
Iowan, over the last several months, have made everyone aware of the probationary
status of the chapter with both the International Fraternity and the University of Iowa.
It has been said :
“Young men do what they want to do. Older men do what they have to do”.
Our Board of Graduate Trustees has had no alternative. Having confirmation from both
the Fraternity and the University that closure was imminent, they announced to the
undergraduates the chapter was closing one week prior to the start of the fall semester,
2005.
This most unfortunate development has prompted many questions from graduate
brothers. Hopefully this letter will provide some answers.
- WHY WAS IT NECESSARY TO CLOSE THE CHAPTER?
A review of recent history of the undergraduates’ conduct provides some insight.
January 2001 – Chapter placed on probation by the University due to
a hazing incident.
January 2004 – Fraternity placed the chapter on probation due to
a pooling of chapter funds to purchase alcohol. (A violation
of the risk management policies of both the Fraternity and
the University of Iowa.)
42% of chapter members were arrested for alcohol related violations during
school year 2003 / 2004.
November 2004 – University notifies the chapter that arrest rate must be
significantly reduced or the chapter will not be allowed to participate in
formal rush 2005.
Mu Deuteron AGAIN has an annual 42% alcohol arrest rate for 2004 / 2005.
January 2005- Fraternity found continuing risk management violations in
late 2004.
April 2004 – The Board of Graduate Trustees conducted one-on-one
member reviews and subsequently banned 28 men from the chapter.
August 15, 2005 – During an informal party, at the house, prior to rush,
alcohol was consumed, in direct violation of Fraternity and
University no-alcohol (DRY) fraternity house policy. This violation
was reported to Iowa City Police and to University authorities.
August 18, 2005 -- Having confirmed both the Fraternity and the
University would be taking action to close the chapter, the
Board of Graduate Trustees was compelled to close the chapter.
- WHAT HAPPENED TO THE UNDERGRADUATES LIVING IN THE HOUSE?
They were given five days to find alternative housing. Security guards were hired to
protect the property while the house was occupied. A new security system was installed
and activated when the house was vacated. All ritual materials and chapter room
materials have been placed in storage. The house is now secure.
- WHAT IS THE STATUS OF THE CHAPTER WITH THE FRATERNITY AND
THE UNIVERSITY OF IOWA?
The Fraternity has notified the house corporation that the charter under which the chapter
was originally organized has been returned to headquarters. Mu Deuteron
is no longer a recognized, operational chapter of Phi Gamma Delta. The University also,
no longer recognizes Phi Gamma Delta as an approved and operating campus
organization or housing unit. We have been notified the University will consider the
reactivation of the chapter at the proper time, as determined by the International
Fraternity.
- WHO OWNS THE CHAPTER HOUSE AND WHAT IS IT’S FUTURE?
YOU OWN THE HOUSE! You and every graduate brother of Mu Deuteron / Phi Gamma
Delta is a stakeholder in this house and it is managed by your chapter house corporation
board. Historically, we have had an income stream from undergraduates paying rent and
other fees. Given the current situation, a sale of 303 Ellis has been considered. We do
not feel it is a viable option. Assuming we can generate enough income to cover
operational expenses of the house, we should be able to sustain ownership until that time
in the future, when Mu Deuteron can be re-colonized and activated once again. It is
imperative the house be rented or leased in the immediate future to generate much
needed income.
- WHERE DO WE FIND A TENANT?
Existing Iowa City zoning for Greek organizations makes it almost imperative that the
house be rented or leased to another fraternity or sorority. Renting to any other
organization or business will require compliance with a totally new and different set of
zoning / occupancy regulations. These will make major capital investments mandatory, on
the part of the house corporation. We are pursuing several potential rental prospects, at
this writing, and will keep you abreast of our progress. Our goal is to have another Greek
organization in place, and paying rent by August, 2006.
- HOW DOES MU DEUTERON GET REACTIVATED?
Fraternity headquarters has been advised of the great interest of Mu Deuteron alumni, in
bringing their chapter back to the University of Iowa. The Fraternity is very interested in
collaborating with graduates to make this happen. Experience says a re-colonization effort
should not begin until all current members of the chapter have left the campus. The
earliest we should expect to start this process is academic year 2008 – 2009, but more
likely 2009 – 2010.
- WHAT HAS BECOME OF MY EARLIER CONTRIBUTIONS?
Because of the uncertainty of the future of the chapter, the $119,000 in cash and pledges
received during our most recent fundraising program have not been applied against the
house loan, as originally planed. As a result, we currently have approximately $100,000
in the house corporation checking account.
Because housing contracts and leases for most University students are in place through
Spring 2006, we will most likely be unable to rent or lease the chapter house this school
year. The house corporation must directly fund the operational costs of the house, at
least, through August 2006. Fortunately we have the approximately $50,000 needed to
cover expenses, over the next year, in the bank. Unfortunately, this is how our recently
received contribution funds will be used. The great need to generate rental income, for the
coming years, is obvious.
- WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP GET MU DEUTERON BACK TO IOWA?
Please keep your chapter in mind. No doubt, in the past, Mu Deuteron was an important
part of your life. The FIJI house, and your involvement, helped shape you, during your
formative college years. Later, through your relationships with Brothers, your recollection
of the past, and your conduct in daily life, you have supported the concept of Fraternity,
and Mu Deuteron, in particular. Your financial support in the recent past has enabled us
to sustain the house corporation’s ownership of the chapter house, for the immediate
future.
Additional funds may be needed to cover operational costs that lie ahead to sustain the
ownership of the chapter house by the Mu Deuteron House Corporation. Should this be
true, we may have to ask for your financial support. As we send you this letter, we believe
we have a national fraternity interested in leasing our chapter house.
When the time comes to colonize and reactivate the chapter, we will undoubtedly need
your financial support. In the meantime, we thank you for your interest, concern and
previous contributions. Your support in the past, now and in the future will be greatly
appreciated.
Phi Gamma Delta is “Not for college days alone.”
Mighty proud to be a Fiji !
Fraternally,
Perge!
Matt Coulter
3825 North Laramie Street
Peoria, Illinois 61615
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