Alpha Phi was placed on social probation after several sorority members received citations at a party Sept. 15.

Members of the sorority hosted the party, which was not at the chapter house, where 59 citations were issued.

Social probation means sorority members aren’t allowed to attend any social activities where alcohol is present. That includes places with a cash bar or parties where alcohol is served or supplied by each party guest.

Alpha Phi women may attend “dry activities,” events that do not involve any alcohol.

The probation is effective until Dec. 31, said Bob Dudolski, director of Greek Life. But if the sorority doesn’t comply, the punishment can carry over to the spring semester.

The women also have to submit an updated calendar that includes events sanctioned by the sorority.

Dudolski said he will work with Alpha Phi and its plan to host programs that educate members about alcohol and risk management and promote healthy lifestyles.

The women have also chosen to do community service in Charleston as a way of giving back to the community.

Because of the fines from the city, university officials and Alpha Phi members decided the monetary fines were enough, and no additional fines will be issued.

Citations for underage drinking cost around $250 per person, according to the Charleston Police Department.

The residents who hosted the party were also issued citations for gift or sale to a minor and sale of alcohol without a permit. These ticket fines are significantly more than a drinking ticket.

Dudolski said he is proud of Kelly O’Malley, president of Alpha Phi, for handling the situation.

“She faced the adversity,” Dudolski said.

O’Malley is trying to correct the situation and help the women in her sorority, he said.

Dudolski also addressed the hazing rumors and said he didn’t find allegations of hazing.

“We did not find the chapter in violation of hazing,” Dudolski said.

When a student participates in a party like that, even if it’s off campus, he or she not only violates the city law, but also the Code of Conduct at Eastern.

Because of that, The Office of Judicial Affairs will contact students involved with the party. Individual punishments will vary, Dudolski said, probably depending on each student’s previous involvement with judicial affairs.

“When we are aware of an incident off campus that involves EIU students, the Code enables our office to follow up with those students through our procedures,” said Robyn Paige, judicial adviser at the Judicial Affairs Office.

The Student Affairs Office will work closely with Alpha Phi to monitor sanctions and make sure the women benefit from their experience, said Dan Nadler, vice president for student affairs.

Nadler said he was pleased with the cooperation level with the university, Alpha Phi, alumni and national Alpha Phi office in Evanston.

“It’s very unfortunate that the incident occurred,” Nadler said. “Now the issue is how they can learn from this mistake so it never happens again.”