Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) plans to roll back its restrictions of fraternities and sororities implemented in 2017 following the hazing death of student Timothy Piazza, reports Spotlight PA. This coverage was syndicated across the state, appearing in The Philadelphia Inquirer, Penn Live, The Morning Call, and more. The university enacted more than a dozen changes to its oversight and compliance rules for Greek life organizations after 19-year-old Timothy Piazza died at the Beta Theta Pi Fraternity on campus.
At the time, Penn State said Greek life’s self-governance model had “failed to bring an end to excessive drinking, hazing, sexual assault and overly large disruptive gatherings within their organizations.” According to an internal memo, the university plans to end the regular monitoring of chapter houses, allow first-semester recruitment and help Greek organizations reestablish themselves. University officials who enforced the rules created in 2017 will pivot to focus on coaching Greek leaders. The university also wants to engage Greek life and student media to discuss “promoting the strengths and benefits of Greek life.”
Prior to publication of this story, Spotlight PA asked the university whether these changes—which the school framed in the November memo as “next steps”—had been implemented. After publication, Penn State confirmed the proposed changes to Greek life oversight have not occurred. The university described Spotlight PA’s story as “speculative.” The memo also states the policies put in place following Piazza’s death were “never intended to be permanent and were clearly presented at the time as necessary, yet temporary, actions.” The university declined to provide Spotlight PA with examples of statements that showed the rules were not meant to be lasting. Penn State declined to say whether the university still oversees misconduct investigations involving Greek life.
Sam Keil, college district director (CDD) in College District XV, is stepping down from her role this summer. She has agreed to continue serving as CDD until her successor is appointed and transitioned. If you are interested in the CDD role or know of someone who would be a good fit, please submit or encourage them to submit the Workforce Volunteer Interest Indicator, found under Forms on Theta Portal’s home page. Questions about the role and responsibilities can be forwarded to College Committee Chairman Mandy Womack or Director of Collegiate Services Katharine Murphy.
Effective March 15, the alumnae district director role for Alumnae District I is vacant as Barbara Ennis concludes 17 years of service. If you are interested in the ADD role or know of someone who would be a good fit, please submit the Workforce Volunteer Interest Indicator, found under Forms on Theta Portal’s home page. If you have questions about the role and responsibilities, please contact Director of Alumnae Engagement Liz Drake.
Please note that the short school name for Eta Pi Chapter is “Case Western Reserve,” not “Case Western,” to better align with the school history and university merger and to comply with the school’s branding guidelines. We're trying to consistently use the same name across all mediums and modes of communication.
The March issue of The Bulletin has been emailed to all college and alumnae chapter officers, advisors, and facility corporation board officers and posted in Theta Portal > Chapter Portal > Chapter Resources > HQ Communications Resources > The Bulletin. Workforce members always have access to The Bulletin via Igloo > Files > The Bulletin. The Update is Theta’s main communication source for the workforce, and The Bulletin is Theta’s main communication source for college chapter officers and advisors and alumnae chapter officers.
The growth of ThetaConnect, our members-only app, exceeded expectations during January’s Mentoring Month. More than 8,575 users were registered to ThetaConnect as of the end of January 2023. During the month:
Please contact Digital Engagement & Alumnae Marketing Manager Lisa Thibault or Digital Marketing Coordinator Madi Leger regarding general ThetaConnect questions or how you can use ThetaConnect for member programming.
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As an update to the above story regarding Penn State, NPC staff have confirmed that the university has no plans to change its oversight procedures.