UW Will Pursue Legal Action to Purchase Fraternity House

Oct. 3, 2001 -- University of Wyoming trustees today authorized university officials to initiate legal proceedings that could result in the purchase by UW of the Kappa Sigma fraternity house.

The house has been unoccupied since May 2000, two months after the fraternity's national headquarters revoked the charter for UW's chapter, in part for the chapter's inability to maintain sufficient membership. Over the span of many years, the house had fallen into serious disrepair. Cost estimates developed by the university for renovating the house to a condition that would enable future colonization of the fraternity run as high as $450,000.

In March 2001, the university notified the Kappa Sigma chapter in writing that UW was invoking provisions of the 1940 warranty deed signed by the university and the fraternity that allow the university to buy the Kappa Sigma house and the land on which it stands if the house were not being used for "housing, boarding or other accommodations for the fraternity." By doing so, the university acted to protect against the possible sale of the house and land for uses other than UW student housing.

In April UW President Philip L. Dubois gave Kappa Sigma until July 13 to develop plans for renovating the house and recolonizing the chapter. On Aug. 8 Dubois extended the deadline to Sept. 30, saying that if renovation and recolonization plans were presented he would consult with trustees on whether he should continue to pursue a mutual resolution. As of this (Wednesday) morning, no plans had been presented to the university.

In a letter being prepared for UW fraternities and sororities, Dubois stressed his continued commitment to supporting a strong Greek community on campus and reiterated the university's goal to reestablish the Kappa Sigma house as a student residence community dedicated to the best traditions of Greek life. Dubois previously has stated his interest in leasing the house to Kappa Sigma or another Greek organization following purchase and renovation of the house by the university.

Posted on Wednesday, October 03, 2001