Western’s Greek alphabet might expand this semester.

Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity will have an opportunity this semester to return to the Hill after three years of suspension after a hazing investigation.

The regional chapter reduced its five year suspension to a two year probation, clearing the way for reinstatement at Western.

The decision to reduce the suspension was made last semester, said Jerry Siegel, regional president of KA Psi’s South Central province.

Charley Pride, coordinator of student activities and organizations, said the fraternity has to be officially reinstated according to the guidelines of the Student Handbook in order for it to return.

Requirements include providing a clear statement of purpose, documentation of some kind of charter or bylaws and having an adviser.

Howard Bailey, dean of Student Life, and a former chapter member, said he has been appointed adviser for KA Psi temporarily and has started filing the paperwork.

After making sure everything is in order, the request for reinstatement will go to Office of Student Life for approval, Pride said.

Pride said Bailey’s position as both the chapter adviser and dean of Student Life will not pose a conflict and may benefit the chapter.

“That will ensure that they are doing what is supposed to be done,” Pride said.

The next step is locating a sufficient number of men who are interested in joining KA Psi, Bailey said. An interest meeting will be held at 7 tonight in Garrett Center.

Bailey said a small group of men have indicated that they want to join the fraternity.

Once KA Psi is reinstated, membership intake has to be completed by 14th week of the semester, Pride said.

The historically black fraternity was founded at Western in 1969. The chapter was suspended in 2001 by the university for three years after a hazing investigation.

Siegel said the new intake class will be supervised by the Louisville Alumni Chapter.

Bailey said one of the things that likely influenced the national organization’s decision to give the local chapter probation instead of continuing the suspension is that Western invited the chapter back to campus.

Bailey said another important factor is that the individuals “who were part of the problem previously have left the university, and only a few are still in the Bowling Green area.”

Bailey said he is hopeful for a new group of students.

“I’m really pleased and look forward to working with the group of young men,” Bailey said. “I hope that they make a positive contribution to the university.”

Reach Marlene Brueggemann at [email protected].