The Theta Nu chapter of Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity can now return to campus after a yearlong suspension that kept members from holding meetings, throwing official parties, recruiting and participating in events such as Greek Week and Homecoming festivities.
In April 2012, the Theta Nu chapter of Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity was suspended from campus for a two-year sentence for breaking the rules for Greek life on campus. After appealing to the Office of Student Conduct, TKE’s suspension was shortened to one year.
“It was a big blow to the chapter itself,” said Stephen Smith, a senior communication major and member of TKE. “It was one of the biggest things to hit Southeastern’s Greek life since before I came here. It really sucked to know that all of our work had to be put on hold for a year.”
Over the last year, the TKE members who wanted to bring the chapter back to campus had to go through both national and university training programs to ensure that the same problems would not occur again.
“We had to go through various steps set by campus and ourselves, and our national organization in order to come back like member reviews, follow procedures and live up to the standards of being a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon,” said Mark Womack, a senior majoring in sports management and president of the Theta Nu chapter. “We’re hosting various events around campus such as alcohol awareness and educational presentations.”
Womack said that TKE is out of the initial probation period, but they are still under review by the national headquarters.
According to assistant director of student engagement Beth Newell, TKE is not yet officially recognized as an active Greek organization either.
“They are not technically ‘back’ until they complete a recognition packet,” said Newell.
Smith stated that due to issues unrelated to TKE and the probation, the number of returning members is dwindling.
“Honestly, we’re probably going to start off with less than 10 members, but I think with the group of guys that we have now that we can recruit and build it back up to what it used to be,” said Smith.  
Womack and Smith both expressed hopes that TKE will be able to shed its “negative” image with the chapter’s comeback.
“It’s not going to be anything like it was before,” said Womack. “It’s just going to be a whole new group of guys and a whole new chapter. We’re looking forward to working with campus and building up Tau Kappa Epsilon stronger than ever.”