University of Rhode Island fraternity Pi Kappa Alpha, commonly referred to as Pike, is returning back to campus life after a one-semester suspension period with an aim to foster a stronger culture of responsibility and accountability.
Pike was suspended early last fall for violating the URI Student Handbook’s Health & Safety Hazing Policy, according to URI chapter status. This suspension was active until Dec. 31, 2024.
Over the past semester, Pike has worked to reinforce its values by connecting with the new member education program, according to Stephan Simo, the assistant dean of students. Pike furthered their involvement through chapter coaching with the fraternity’s national office and the URI Greek Life office.
Pike will continue working alongside the fraternity’s national office, the new alumni board and the URI Greek Life office as it enters probation which will last until May 20, 2028, Simo said.
“Between the national office, the alumni board and our Greek Life office we are going to be working closely to ensure [Pike] is doing everything right,” Simo said. “[We aim] to make sure the new member program is what it’s supposed to be, which is that member development program.”
Elected on Nov. 19, 2024 the president of Pike, second-year Luciano Leone, has strong ambitions regarding Pike’s return back into campus life.
“I want to push [Pike] to greater heights and grow stronger as a chapter,” Leone said. “My biggest goal is to leave a legacy of growth and excellence for future members.”
To instill greater strength in Pike, Leone said he has worked recently with school officials and the fraternity’s national organization to ensure that the chapter meets all the requirements necessary to resume on-campus operations.
In order to help new members of Pike get a better grasp of these requirements, URI has developed a new member education program, Greek 101, according to Simo. In the program, upperclassmen Greek Life students help teach new members the values of brotherhood and good decision making.
Greek 101 is tied in with CSV 302, Community Service to the University, a mentor training course, according to Simo. Roughly 60 students take the class in the fall and 30 in the spring.
“For our campus it is kind of cool, there’s not a lot of campuses that have accomplished something like this,” Simo said. “It helps us reduce risk to our students.”
In the coming months, Pike plans to continue work with URI and the fraternity’s national organization to live up to its slogan “scholars, leaders, athletes and gentlemen,” according to Leone.
“I think that fostering a culture of responsibility and accountability among everyone in the chapter is going to ensure [Pike returns to campus],” Leone said. “We pride ourselves on always striving to be involved and well rounded men, and we’re gonna show people that.”
In reinstating its operation, Pike will resume all panel events and begin Greek programming again, according to Simo. However, chapter meetings will take place in academic buildings throughout the semester as Pike does not have a house on campus.