Sigma Chi representatives will meet Wednesday with a member of UT's legal affairs office to discuss the reinstatement of the fraternity as a student organization.
UT cancelled the organization in April 2004 because of hazing violations, according to the dean's memorandum on hazing law and UT regulations.
A group of Sigma Chi members began recruiting UT students in the fall to prepare for the fraternity's comeback. Sigma Chi has 16 members and will host rush activities next week, said Andrew Delveaux, a radio-television-film junior and group member.
"We're going to do it the right way this time," said Ruhaab Markas, a junior biology major and Sigma Chi transfer from UT-Arlington. "In the past, there was lack of interest and lack of
leadership."
John Klier, the regional manager for Sigma Chi in Central Texas, helped begin the reinstatement process. Though he is enthusiastic about Sigma Chi returning to campus, he said he agreed with UT's decision to cancel the
chapter.
"You get to the point with a chapter where certain traditions get ingrained, and they keep getting passed on and passed on," Klier said. "When you cancel a chapter for a number of years, most of the former members will get flushed out," he said. "Then you don't have these old traditions and bad habits."
The Daily Texan reported in May 2004 that a UT student died five days after participating in Sigma Chi's Fight Night
fundraiser.
The colony members said they are enthusiastic about the comeback and committed to the fraternity's ideals of personal growth and philanthropy. Matt Twite, the colony's president, said Sigma Chi is planning a golf tournament for March. Proceeds will go to the Make It Right Foundation.
"[Fraternities] are not just for parties and sex and hazing," Delveaux said.
Sigma Chi is also trying to reclaim the chapter's house,
enlisting the help of Sigma Chi alumnus and Austin attorney
Chris Peele.
"Our property taxes have risen almost 300 percent since 2004," Peele said.
Peele said the increase in taxes was due to zoning regulations intended to make it easier for owners to develop their properties in the West Campus area. The overlay caused property values and property taxes to rise. Peele helped Sigma Chi and other UT Greek organizations reverse the zoning rules with the goal of decreasing property taxes.
The Sigma Chi house is occupied by the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity. Phi Kappa Psi President David DaGian said the fraternity plans to vacate the house in May and move closer to the lot the chapter owns at 2401 Longview St.
"We're moving into the Sigma Delta Tau house, kind of like a lease-to-own deal," DaGian said. "We're putting $200,000 into it to renovate."
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