The university has canceled recruitment efforts of its two largest fraternities after university officials say they violated the rush policies.

Phi Kappa Psi and Sigma Phi Epsilon will not be allowed to invite new members to join their fraternities this semester in a process known as rush. Pledge season will continue as planned for the Beggars and Sigma Alpha Kappa, the two other fraternities in the Inter Fraternity Council.

“Due to violations of the rush policies, Sigma Phi Epsilon and Phi Kappa Psi will not be completing the formal rush process this semester. All four chapters were aware of the consequences associated with violations prior to rush beginning. It is our responsibility to enforce polices to make sure the rush process is fun, fair and safe for all those participating,” said Jenna Rae Vercillo, Greek life adviser and assistant director of student leadership for the Office of Co-Curricular Programs, in an email.

The presidents of Phi Kappa Psi and Sigma Phi Epsilon declined to comment on the details of the accusations. Public Affairs Director Meredith Hartley declined to comment because she was not familiar with the situation.

Sources involved in the matter have said both fraternities are accused of drinking with underage students going through rush after official events. Sig Ep was accused of taking rush participants to a bar, and Phi Psi was accused of having a house party.

“My brothers and I are looking forward to the pledge class we know is waiting for us in fall 2012,” said Jaycee Re, Sig Ep president and marketing senior.

He said that the past week’s events have been very unfortunate.

“We’ve come to the consensus that this is not the time to lower our spirits and coming out of this, I know our chapter will be stronger than ever,” Re said.

He also said Sig Ep will use this semester to encourage the changes that both the chapter and Office of Co-Curricular Programs want to see made in Greek life at Loyola.

Phi Psi president and economics senior Stephen Coburn did not return requests to comment, and other members of Phi Psi said that the fraternity as a whole preferred not to comment on the events.

Mass communication sophomore Jerry Reese said he was displeased with the situation.

“Both (fraternities) realize they screwed up and should be punished. However, the university is punishing us (the students),” Reese said. “I’m not saying they (the fraternities) should not be punished, but the university is taking this a little too far.”

Re said the cancelation was disappointing for members as well, but he doesn’t want members to be discouraged.

“Personally, I hope that all disappointed potential members see this as a time to build more enthusiasm about Greek life and Sigma Phi Epsilon than they had at the beginning of this spring semester’s formal rush.”

Vercillo did not respond to questions regarding the number of men who dropped out of the rush process and the number who pledged Beggars or Sigma Alpha Kappa.

Hannah Iannazzo can be reached at [email protected]