Florida State University will lift portions of a suspension on campus Greek life and instill reforms after a hazing death and two unrelated arrests.

  • FSU issues reforms to Greek life on campus
  • Greek organizations were suspended last year
  • Fraternity pledge died of alcohol poisoning, 2 unrelated arrests

FSU President John Thrasher says Greek organizations will be allowed to recruit and take part in philanthropic activities. Social events will be limited and a ban on alcohol remain in place.

FSU says fraternity and sorority leaders have agreed to a number of changes and have developed a new plan for Greek Life activities.

Last fall Thrasher suspended all Greek life on campus indefinitely after 20-year-old Andrew Coffey, a fraternity pledge, died of alcohol poisoning. Nine were charged with college hazing causing injury or death.

Two other fraternity members were also arrested on unrelated drug trafficking charges.

According to a news release from the university, the changes are taking place in three 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.
The full plan is available on the FSU website.