Kappa Alpha joined the growing list of UA Greek organizations to lose their recognition on March 12, according to Zachary Nicolazzo, coordinator for UA fraternity and sorority programs.

“”As of right now, Kappa Alpha will have recognition removed until Fall of 2010,”” Nicolazzo said of the decision made by the university.

Earlier this semester, Kappa Sigma and Sigma Phi Epsilon were removed from campus.

A chapter can leave campus two different ways.

If a chapter has their charter removed, that decision is made by the organization’s national headquarters, Nicolazzo said. When an organization has their recognition removed, the university sanctions the decision and places the organization under a period of “”suspension.””

Nicolazzo said a fraternity or sorority suspension usually lasts about five years.

“”Whenever we remove recognition, we give (the fraternity or sorority) a timeline,”” Nicolazzo said. “”With Kappa Sigma and Sigma Phi Epsilon, for example, we still gave them a timeline.””

The timeline represents the number of years until the chapter will be allowed back on campus.

Risk management concerns led the university to remove Kappa Alpha’s recognition, Nicolazzo said.

While Kappa Alpha will now be excluded from the Greek Life organization, there is precedent for an appeal allowing fraternities to return to campus.

“”We saw Sigma Phi Epsilon go through the appeal process, work closely with our university staff, and (they) will return in four years,”” Nicolazzo said.

Should that ‘recognition removal’ decision be overturned, Nicolazzo said, the chapter would return.

“”At this point, I don’t think Kappa Alpha is looking to appeal, but the case remains open,”” Nicolazzo said. “”The national office wants to hold the chapter accountable and work with the chapter internally to rectify some things. They will have (15 remaining) days to make that decision.””

Calls placed to Kappa Alpha national headquarters and the UA dean of students were not returned in time for publication.