TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - Florida State University President John Thrasher has lifted portions of the Greek Life ban.
President Thrasher, vice president Dr. Amy Hecht, and several students representing student organizations gathered at 1 p.m. in Florida State's Wescott Building.
He said that FSU Greek Life leaders have agreed to accept "a number of substantial reforms outlined in their plan." Under the new suspension order, Greek organizations will now be allowed to participate in recruitment and philanthropic activities.
However alcohol is still off the table for all 700 recognized student organizations on campus.
"If they prove to be responsible in implementing these activities, we will allow fraternities and sororities to host social events late in the semester," said Thrasher. He noted that the issue will be revisited later in the semester.
He says the new plan is just the beginning of what he hopes is real change in the campus culture.
The university’s changes are extensive and address three broad areas:
Expectations and Values
• New requirement for a chapter grade-point average of 2.5.
• A minimum average of 10 documented hours of service per semester per member.
• Requires students interested in joining a fraternity or sorority complete a special orientation program prior to recruitment so potential members understand expectations.
• All IFC fraternities will conduct a comprehensive membership review of all members in collaboration with their national organization and advisers to ensure all members can commit to the fraternity’s values, policies and expectations.
Oversight
• Launch of a new “Scorecard” available to the public on the university’s website communicating information about each chapter to increase transparency.
• A significant modification of the student conduct process to add faculty and staff to student review panels that hear Greek conduct cases.
• The implementation of new membership dues to help support the hiring of staff who work directly with the Greek system and the addition of new educational programs.
• Requirement that all chapters have an Advisory Board with special training.
Risk Reduction
• A shortened new member period of six weeks for IFC fraternities.
• Socials with alcohol limited to four during fall semester and six during spring semester.
• Events with alcohol at houses allowed only if the chapter uses third-party vendors, provides food and has police or security officers approved by the FSU Police Department present for the duration of the event.
• New rules for tailgating events held by Greek organizations.
• New requirements for members to be trained in hazing prevention and leadership development.
Hecht said she and a team of staff, students and advisers will be working to implement the new guidelines.
“We are going to monitor this closely,” Hecht said. “If we see that something isn’t working the way it should, we will consider changing it. This is a process, and we will be vigilant in making sure new guidelines and policies continue to protect the health and well-being of our students.”
The complete plan is available for review online at https://union.fsu.edu/ofsl/
The announcement comes after Thrasher gave an update at the Board of Governors meeting, where he suggested the university is looking into hiring staff to further patrol and monitor the Greek system.
All Greek Life was suspended on Nov. 6, 2017, after Pi Kappa Phi pledge Andrew Coffey died in November. Nine men have been charged in his death.
