A lengthy chunk of the BoT statement, released today. The most notable changes are that IFC & PanHel will no longer have their own misconduct board-- PSU will adjudicate infractions via the student conduct system, and university staff will be hired to monitor parties. Also, rush will eventually be prohibited for freshmen.
“Our University community continues to mourn the death of student Tim Piazza and again sends our deepest sympathies to the Piazza family,” said Penn State President Eric Barron. “I am resolved to turn the pain and anguish radiating through our entire community into decisive action and reform, concentrating on the safety and well-being of students at Penn State. These new safety and reform initiatives represent a significant departure from the Greek system’s broken self-governance model and indicate steps necessary to address the complex problems.”
New measures include:
University control of the fraternity and sorority organizational misconduct and adjudication process.
Hazing that involves alcohol, physical abuse, or any behavior that puts a student’s mental or physical health at risk will result in swift permanent revocation of University recognition for the chapter involved.
Transition to deferred recruitment/rush process for fraternities and sororities.
Strict social restrictions.
Monitoring of social events by University staff members.
Relationship statement signed by all fraternity and sorority members that clarifies the respective rights and responsibilities of the University, the chapters and their respective members.
Further parent education: availability of report card, messages to reinforce with their students.
Capitation fee for support of extra services, spot-checkers/monitors, and educational activities.
There are other measures being discussed and will be instituted over time — all with a focus on prevention, monitoring and enforcement. These measures augment a series of actions taken earlier this year, which are being made permanent.
Barron will appoint a Greek Response Team, including government affairs and community relations, legal, police and student affairs, which will be responsible for directing and overseeing the implementation of these initiatives — reporting directly to the president on progress. This group will coordinate with local law enforcement, campus police and neighborhoods.
“The changes require significant shifts in the relationship among fraternities, sororities and the University,” said Barron. “But true change will not happen without the chapters, alumni boards, housing boards, councils, and national organizations commitment and partnership in putting student safety first, and encouraging chapter members to bring safety issues to the forefront.”
Recently, the North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) also acknowledged that the fraternities’ self-governance model is broken and has failed to prevent serious excessive drinking problems on college campuses. But NIC needs to take this further, including addressing the contradictory incentive created by its risk management policies that may deter individuals from calling 911 in emergency situations, according to University leaders.
In addition, the University has begun critical conversations regarding legislative initiatives for the entire student population:
Support for a congressional proposal to expand Clery Act reporting to include hazing violations;
Continue discussions with state officials on ways to strengthen penalties for hazing, especially hazing that includes alcohol, and on increased statewide educational initiatives on the dangers of hazing and dangerous drinking; and
Advocate to expand the current law on Medical Amnesty for Underage Drinking to apply to the individual who requires medical assistance."