National frat suspends U-M chapter over ski resort vandalism

DOVER TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) - The national fraternity Sigma Alpha Mu has ordered its chapter at the University of Michigan to suspend all activities indefinitely after its members caused extensive vandalism at a northern Michigan ski resort.

The Ann Arbor News (http://bit.ly/15wcjLh ) says the national group told the chapter to halt meetings, recruiting and social activities.

The damage happened last weekend while fraternity members were at Treetops Resort in Otsego County's Dover Township near Gaylord.

Resort general manager Barry Owens says there was about $50,000 in damage to furniture, carpet, walls and ceilings.

University spokesman Rick Fitzgerald says members of several other fraternities and sororities were involved with damage at Treetops and at Boyne Highlands near Harbor Springs. He blames excessive drinking and calls it "an affront" to thousands of "respectful, hard-working students."