A busted party left students with 59 citations on Friday night.

Charleston police broke up a house party hosted by members of Alpha Phi, one of Eastern’s nine sororities. The party was on 1040 7th Street, not the chapter house, but many sorority members were present at the party.

According to police reports, the 59 citations were issued for purchase or acceptance of alcohol by a minor.

The residents were also cited for a gift or sale to a minor and sale of alcohol without a permit.

The Alpha Phi chapter executive board, which was not present at the party, is working with the national Alpha Phi headquarters in Evanston, as well as Eastern’s Office of Judicial Affairs, and the Office of Greek Life on campus.

Bob Dudolski, director of Greek Life, said he was informed of the incident shortly after the citations were issued.

Dudolski has met with Alpha Phi and let them know the situation is under investigation.

Members of Alpha Phi have been proactive in bringing information together, Dudolski said.

The party was unsanctioned by the sorority.

Dudolski has also met with the new members of Alpha Phi. He said the women “saw it as a party, not as a hazing activity.”

Despite rumors of hazing, the party was a celebration of new recruits, Dudolski said. “I don’t think anyone had any intentions of harming anyone.”

Ticket fines were not known at press time. Dudolski said that any additional reprimands from Greek Life or the Alpha Phi chapter would have a constructive purpose.

Dudolski said the chapter is facing both punitive and educational punishment.

Alpha Phi is doing their own investigation and plan to come up with consequences for those members present at the chapter, Dudolski said.

“It’s a tough line you have to follow,” Dudolski said. Members must follow not only Eastern’s policy, but also the national policy – both forbid underage drinking.

Students uninvolved with the sorority were also present at the party.

Dudolski said he was impressed with the sorority leadership, and the fact that the members are confronting the situation.

Police Chief Paul Welch said police were looking for students selling alcohol.

That’s why they sent an undercover officer into the party.

The Charleston Police Department has been going undercover for many years, Welch said.

Welch also said he didn’t see any hazing at the party.

“There was no evidence of that,” he said.

But Welch added that hazing isn’t what the police usually look for.

Dudolski said this is the first time he’s had to deal with a situation like this, and is still working to gather all the information for the whole story.