Social club Sub T-16 has been suspended indefinitely for “multiple policy violations” of university rules, said Dr. Scott McDowell, vice president for student life.
After an investigation, McDowell said the university found multiple violations made by members of the social club.
The suspension means the club will not be allowed to accept pledges this fall or participate in campus tailgates, Homecoming and Sing Song. In addition, McDowell said the university has placed stipulations on the club’s return to campus and recognition by the university at some point in the future.
“A substantial amount of work will be required on the membership’s part to meet the stipulations,” McDowell said. “But the amount of time is largely dependent on how engaged they are in the process. We will maintain the suspension until the stipulations are met.”
The sanctions include a renewed pledging process, significant engagement with sponsors and approved community service.
The university would not disclose details of the violations, but McDowell said changes to state law enacted this year will require the university to issue a full report in December.
McDowell said the Office of Student Life wants Sub T to be able to rebuild itself in a healthy way.
“The suspension is intentionally ‘indefinite’ because we wanted to create a redemptive path toward re-establishing the club in good standing and to incentivize the current members to meaningfully engage in the process,” McDowell said.
Sub T has a storied history. It was founded in 1923, making it the oldest men’s club on campus. Its members have included two ACU presidents, and its trademark Sing Song performances are often unrehearsed and irreverent, typically ending with a reference to the Sub T-funded Moody scoreboard.
This is not the first time Sub T has been suspended.
The club was suspended in 1986, 1987, 1995, 1998, 2005 and 2016 for various infractions, including a deviation from an approved Sing Song act, a profane homecoming float and reports of hazing.
Since the suspension, no comment has been made by Sub T members.
Dr. Todd Womble, associate professor of language and literature and an on-campus sponsor for the club, said he was not interested to discuss details of the infraction or the suspension.
