Ashland University’s Phi Mu chapter will be shut down, effective May 5, after efforts to meet membership requirements failed. Phi Mu has been on AU’s campus for 44 years.

“The decision to suspend operations is never easy,” National President Kris Bridges said in a press release March 14. “We came to this difficult decision because the chapter has struggled with membership for several years. I want to thank the chapter members for their efforts and for their cooperation with the National Fraternity.”

The panhellenic required total at AU is 70 members. Phi Mu had 29 members, not all in good standing.

“The chapter has worked hard and has been very cooperative with their advisers and with the National Fraternity,” Bridges said.

Effective May 5, all Phi Mu members in good standing with the chapter will be granted alumnae status. Any provisional members may be released from their pledge if they wish and later this spring, the chapter will hold an initiation service for current Phis who wish to be initiated into Phi Mu Fraternity.

“Phi Mu Fraternity will work with Ashland University in hopes of returning in the future,” Bridges said.