Daily Pioneer News

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville Theta chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon has recently been accredited as a Residential Learning Community by their national organization. Faculty involvement with the fraternity and helping members get the most out of their college experience are the main ideas behind a Residential Learning Community.

A brief plaque unveiling ceremony will be held at the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity house, located at 80 S. Elm Street in Platteville, at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 24.

Out of the 240 accredited chapters, there are currently 31 accredited Sigma Phi Epsilon Residential Learning Communities in the nation. Sigma Phi Epsilon is the first national fraternity to focus on a residential learning atmosphere in their fraternity houses.

The members have recruited Deb Putnam, assistant director of dining services, as their faculty fellow. In this position, Putnam holds office hours in the fraternity house on a weekly basis, attends chapter meetings, and makes herself available to members who wish to discuss academic and personal concerns.

The members of Sigma Phi Epsilon have worked diligently to attain the accreditation. This involved creating a computer lab complete with three laptops, a printer, and a scanner available for any member to use. Also, the dining room has been outfitted with new tables and chairs and members who wish to study there are given priority over other uses. The members pride themselves on a collaborative relationship of the fraternity house between academic and residential uses.

"This type of recognition shows the national headquarters and the university that we are doing positive things," said Sigma Phi Epsilon president Ken McHone. "We strive to promote the university's mission as well as our own."