By MJ Slaby of the Knoxville News Sentinel

Fraternity Pi Kappa Alpha is returning to the University of Tennessee this fall, UT officials confirmed Thursday.

The UT chapter of the fraternity closed in September 2012 following a series of alcohol-related incidents including the now infamous "butt-chugging" case involving students who reportedly got drunk via wine enemas. Of those students, a 20-year-old fraternity member was hospitalized with a blood-alcohol level of nearly 0.45.

The incident prompted UT to form a Greek Life Task Force to address issues in Greek culture.

The return of Pi Kappa Alpha signals the university's commitment to a "growing and thriving" Greek community, said Dean of Students Melissa Shivers in a news conference Thursday afternoon.

"I know that it has been challenging in the past and that's not just at the University of Tennessee. I think there are many campuses across the country who have faced similar challenges, but we continue to be committed and believe in the sorority and fraternity experience," she said.

Pi Kappa Alpha, or Pike, was suspended from UT for three years, but chose to wait four years to return, UT officials said Thursday. At the fraternity's choice, the chapter will not live in its fraternity house for at least a year.

Adam Kowalski, assistant director of Sorority and Fraternity Life, said it's typical for suspended organizations to ask about opportunities to return, so the interest from Pike wasn't a surprise. He said organizations also usually wait for previous students to graduate so the chapter can "start brand new."

In a news release, the fraternity's headquarters echoed the desire for a "new era" at UT and noted a "very long and successful history" between the fraternity and university that spans more than 140 years.

"That former behavior serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of alcohol on college campuses today. We at Pi Kappa Alpha are committed to educating and empowering young men to make good decisions and act as gentlemen," according to the release.

Kowalski and Shivers said they were impressed with Pi Kappa Alpha headquarters staff who visited campus in the fall.

"I was really pleased to hear about the number of initiatives that they have internationally for members of Pike that address issues of alcohol and of just being good solid men involved in fraternities," Shivers said.

She said she expects a positive relationship between UT and the fraternity with shared expectations for members.

Kowalski said the advisory team for the chapter, which serves as a liaison between the chapter and the national organization, is all new from 2012. Plus, he said Pike headquarters staff will be in Knoxville frequently throughout the fall semester and into the spring semester to help the chapter start again.

Pi Kappa Alpha owns a house in Fraternity Park, which is being leased to Beta Upsilon Chi, a Christian Fraternity. Pike will likely move back in for the 2017-18 year, UT officials said.

They said Beta Upsilon Chi is aware and is looking for a new location.

Shivers said the Greek community has changed since Pike was last on campus. Live-in house directors were mandated this fall and staff and educational opportunities have increased, she said.

This spring, Sigma Chi faced discipline for two separate alcohol violations and Alpha Gamma Rho faced discipline for one alcohol violation. Lambda Chi Alpha closed in the spring after hazing and alcohol incidents. This is compared to the 11 violations that happened or were still open in spring 2015.

Shivers said the university aims to support the Greek community as well as outline expectations.

"Our expectation is that our students will make good choices. When they don't, we have systems in place to be able to address those, but our hope is that, and my belief is that, Pike will not find themselves in the exact same situation again," she said.