West Virginia University has conducted a review of its fraternity and sorority system and the Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life announced recommendations to strengthen oversight of the social and social-professional fraternities on campus.
The “Reaching the Summit: Plan for Excellence” review process was launched earlier this year as part of the University’s ongoing efforts to address culture change, along with a moratorium on IFC activity.
A committee, consisting of students, alumni/ae, staff, faculty and national headquarter partners, was established by the Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life and charged with reviewing each chapter’s recent academic, disciplinary, and community engagement history. The group also was tasked with proposing recommendations for a strategic plan to better align each organization with the university’s mission, moving forward to the 2018-19 academic year and beyond.
Some groups have action plans that detail academic and social event reforms. Phi Sigma Kappa, Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Alpha Mu, and Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI) have temporarily lost recognition as a student organization, and the Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life is working collaboratively with the organizations’ national headquarters to determine a timeline for reinstatement.
The committee presented its recommendations regarding each chapter’s status to the Dean of Students Corey Farris, who approved the recommendations. The recommendations were accepted by President Gordon Gee and Provost Joyce McConnell.
“President Gee challenged us to be bold,” said Matthew Richardson, director of the Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life. “He wants us to be fair and equitable in our approach to fraternity and sorority engagement, and I feel confident that we are set up for success in light of the Reaching the Summit recognition review.”
Richardson added, “Transparency is key, and we intend to publish all relevant information regarding our chapters to our website for students, parents and families to see. This will include academic and judicial histories on our campus.”
The complete list of results is available on the Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life website. Each chapter’s current status is also posted and will be updated during a continued review of action plans.
The IFC social and new member education moratorium will be lifted upon the start of the Fall 2018 Academic year.
-WVU-
ta/6/20/18
CONTACT: Matthew Richardson, Office of Fraternity
and Sorority Life
matthew.richardson3@mail.wvu.edu, 304.293.8201