March 15: Campus Update on Fraternity and Sorority Life

The interviews were intended to gather information and insights about the experiences within the IFC and PHA organizations. They were not disciplinary hearings, and no specific charges against individuals or organizations were predetermined. They allow for a comprehensive understanding of potential risks within our campus community and informed our next steps. 

The university engaged INCompliance, a consulting firm with extensive experience in conducting investigations in educational settings. Their team is composed of seasoned investigators, some of whom have law degrees. However, they function as investigators, not attorneys, during this process. 

In order to reach a thorough resolution as quickly as possible, the University secured the services of a consulting firm, INCompliance. The firm conducted approximately 150 interviews between Monday, March 11 and Friday, March 15, 2024. Five members from each chapter in IFC and PHA, along with a group of individuals who disaffiliated from a UMD fraternity or sorority, were invited to participate. 

Interviews were conducted both in-person and remotely. None of the interviews were recorded by INCompliance or the University. Moreover, throughout the entire interview process, students were permitted to have an advisor of their choosing, including legal counsel, join them. The majority of students chose to bring an advisor, and no advisors were turned away. Students were permitted to confer with their chosen advisors privately during the interviews. Students were not required to present or turn over evidence, including information that may be housed on personal devices (i.e. phones). 

Chapters cleared to return to normal activities are:

IFC

Alpha Delta Phi

Alpha Sigma Phi

Alpha Tau Omega 

Beta Theta Pi

Chi Phi

Delta Sigma Phi

Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI)

Phi Kappa Tau

Sigma Alpha Epsilon

Sigma Alpha Mu

Sigma Chi

Sigma Phi Delta

Sigma Phi Epsilon

Tau Epsilon Phi

Theta Chi

Zeta Psi

PHA

Alpha Chi Omega

Alpha Delta Pi

Alpha Epsilon Phi

Alpha Omicron Pi

Alpha Phi

Alpha Xi Delta

Delta Delta Delta

Delta Gamma

Delta Phi Epsilon

Gamma Phi Beta

Kappa Alpha Theta

Kappa Delta

Phi Sigma Sigma

Sigma Delta Tau

Sigma Kappa

Zeta Tau Alpha

As a result of evidence suggesting involvement in hazing or other incidents that threatened the health and safety of our campus community, the University is continuing its investigation of five chapters through the Office of Student Conduct. These chapters will continue to be subject to limited restrictions on their activities while the investigation continues. In addition, individual students will also be referred to the Office of Student Conduct for potential violations of the Code of Student Conduct. 

In cases where a student's actions may violate both our Code of Student Conduct and Maryland Law, that student may be accountable to both the university and criminal authorities as a result of the same conduct or incident. The university will pursue appropriate disciplinary actions accordingly through the Office of Student Conduct. Additionally, we will cooperate fully with law enforcement authorities as they conduct their investigations and take necessary legal actions.

We recognize that this is a stressful time for many, and our intention is not to exacerbate these stresses, but to address potential risks and ensure a safe environment for everyone.We care deeply about the mental health and well-being of all UMD students, including those in PHA and IFC organizations. We encourage any student who is feeling distressed to access the support resources available on campus, including the Counseling Center and the Dean of Students Office. We are committed to supporting our students not just academically but also in their personal well-being.

The decision to pause certain activities across all PHA and IFC organizations was based on the serious nature and frequency of the concerning reports and data we received, which did not always pinpoint specific fraternities or sororities, but rather highlighted broader issues concentrated within the PHA and IFC communities. Given the volume and consistency of these reports, we determined that a comprehensive review was necessary to ensure we address any and all underlying issues comprehensively. This approach allows us to better understand the culture and practices within these communities and to implement more effective, widespread improvements and safeguards. Our goal is to ensure a positive, safe, and inclusive environment for all students involved in fraternity and sorority life, and this pause is a responsible step toward that objective.

You may schedule an interview with our team by emailing vpsa@umd.edu. If you would like to remain anonymous, you may submit a detailed submission through our 24/7 portal.

We understand your concerns and respect your privacy.  Records supporting the student conduct investigation will not be released since they are considered “education records.” The federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) forbids disclosure of education records. Further, it would not be possible to redact the records sufficiently to eliminate the personally-identifiable nature of these records.