On August 30, 1979, The Sun reported that the University had removed the Psi Upsilon fraternity from its chapter house as a disciplinary action.
According to The Sun, Psi Upsilon was the first fraternity in more than 20 years to be kicked out of its residence by the University.
Psi Upsilon had seen its University-imposed probation extended in December of 1978 after five brothers were arrested for stealing a Christmas tree from Cornell property. David I. Schiller ’80, president of Cornell’s Interfraternity Council, said that “various incidents throughout the spring semester” had compelled the University to penalize the fraternity even more drastically.
Psi Upsilon retained its membership in the IFC and its national charter after the University’s decision. The fraternity was forced to leave its on-campus residence for at least two years.
700 students were still without housing on August 29, 1973, according to The Sun. Without sufficient housing, the University opened lounges and basements across campus to freshmen until appropriate housing could be found.
Associate Dean of Students Ruth W. Darling called the circumstance “the worst housing shortage ever” but predicted that most students would be out of temporary housing by the middle of October.
260 freshmen and 443 transfer and graduate students were among those left roomless at the beginning of the fall semester. While freshmen were offered temporary housing, transfer and graduate students were forced to find off-campus housing on their own.