( CNN ) Brown University has sanctioned two fraternities for holding unregistered parties last fall that officials said facilitated sexual misconduct . The action by the Rhode Island university -- outlined in a letter signed by two of its vice presidents -- comes as the U.S. Department of Educations investigates whether dozens of colleges and universities throughout the nation illegally handled sexual violence and harassment complaints . Brown also announced a review of alcohol policy and social event regulations this spring , according to the letter . `` The measures we are taking this spring reflect our interest in preventing sexual assault by addressing the campus climate at Brown , '' said the letter distributed to the campus . `` All Brown community members need to be involved in preventing sexual violence , and all student organizations are expected to ensure that adequate security measures are in place to promote safe events and activities . '' Brown said Sigma Chi fraternity has been sanctioned with probation and `` suspension of social and university privileges until fall 2016 . '' `` It can not sponsor social events , has lost access to the chapter room , lounge , library , and basement , and is ineligible to conduct recruitment , rush , or initiation processes , '' the letter said . In October 2014 , Sigma Chi hosted an unregistered party in the basement of its residence . One student reported `` non-consensual contact of a sexual nature that occurred as students were exiting the crowded basement '' when public safety officers broke up the party , the letter said . The student was not able to identify the person who touched her . Phi Kappa Psi was sanctioned with loss of university recognition for four years , including loss of housing , effective immediately . The fraternity held an unregistered party in October 2014 during which two students reported receiving an `` alcoholic drink that contained a date rape drug , '' according to the letter . The drug was identified as gamma hydroxybutyrate ( GHB ) . The fraternity was charged with `` creating an environment that facilitated inappropriate , potentially dangerous , and possibly criminal behavior by hosting a party where guests were served a drink that contained a date rape drug , '' the letter said . One student reported `` non-consensual sexual contact that did not happen within the fraternity 's facility nor did it involve a member of the fraternity , but its occurrence was a result of the student 's incapacitation , '' said the letter from Russell Carey , executive vice president for planning and policy , and Margaret Klawunn , vice president for campus life and student services . Brown said no individual member of either fraternity was charged with sexual misconduct . The fraternities did not immediately respond to calls seeking comment . A separate federal investigation of dozens of colleges and universities centers on Title IX , under which a school must ensure that students are not denied or limited in the ability to participate in or benefit from its educational programs or activities on the basis of sex .
Brown University sanctions Sigma Chi Phi and Kappa Psi for unregistered parties . Score: 6 Fraternities did not immediately respond to calls seeking comment .