Ohio University's Sigma Chi fraternity returned to campus this quarter, despite being suspended Jan. 3 for 2 1/2 years, and being put on probation until September 2003.

The fraternity was reinstated based on a trial appeal system, said Terry Hogan, interim dean of students.

"For us, it's a bit different from the approach we've taken in the past," Hogan said.

After being suspended, Sigma Chi appealed for reinstatement and met certain criteria, Hogan said. The criteria included a plan for alumni involvement, a commitment to work closely with its chapter adviser, a plan for improving the house and maintaining close relations with the national chapter.

Sigma Chi completed its appeal over the summer.

The fraternity was suspended for violating two aspects of the Student Code of Conduct: A-6, mental and bodily harm, and B-7, unauthorized use of alcohol.

As a result of this suspension, the fraternity lost member recruitment and social activity privileges, and the house was not to be used for any chapter events except alumni and national intervention efforts, according to a Jan. 5 Post article.

If Sigma Chi violates its probation, OU will reconsider the new policy, he said.

Interfraternity Council president Neil Hoover said IFC met with some of the fraternity's members and made a recommendation as part of Sigma Chi's appeal process.

"We asked them what they've done to become low-risk," Hoover said. "We asked questions like 'has the chapter taken any steps toward a more responsible use of alcohol in the house?'"

Sigma Chi alumni played a large role in the return to campus, senior Oliver Albers said.

"We had very strong alumni support," Albers said. "We also made changes to adapt our house to be more beneficial to the greek community and the Athens community in general."

Although Sigma Chi is on campus, it is not off probation until 2003, said OU junior Ryan Mulligan, Sigma Chi president.

"We're on social probation," senior Geoff Rauch said. "We can't have parties, but we can have rush." Sigma Chi will continue on probation until Winter Quarter.

Carole Cox, assistant director of greek life, said the fraternity also must implement educational programs about alcohol and drug use and risk management.

Mulligan said the fraternity will not host house parties, even after probation is over, to avoid liability. Instead, only members 21 and over are allowed to drink in their rooms.

Sigma Chi is taking its chance as to improve its image, as well as that of the greek community as a whole.

"We're going to be the leaders in getting the greek community into a better view," Albers said.