Division of Student Affairs report

Hazing investigation completed, sanctions imposed

The University will work with three Greek-letter organizations on improvement plans to strengthen leadership and eliminate hazing, according to a report released Feb. 18 by the Division of Student Affairs.

Twenty-five separate complaints of hazing behavior during pledging activities in October led to an extensive investigation. More than 250 students were interviewed by the Office of Student Conflict Resolution (OSCR) as part of a process that also included the national chartering organizations of the U-M fraternity and sorority chapters.

Although many of the original complaints were not borne out by the investigation, OSCR found that three fraternities and one sorority engaged in hazing behavior in violation of University and Greek-letter organizational policy.

Hazing is defined by the University as any act, with or without the consent of the participants, that endangers the mental, physical or academic health or safety of a student. Hazing may include harassment or humiliation, ridicule, destruction or removal of property, or risk of injury to a person or group.

"Both the University and Greek-letter community have zero-tolerance for hazing, which is contrary to our aspirations to maintain a safe and healthy living and learning environment for students," says Vice President for Student Affairs E. Royster Harper. "We want to foster a campus community that enriches our students' educational experience and allows them to excel socially and academically."

The OSCR investigation found that hazing-related incidents in October included smoking marijuana, inducing consumption of food, blindfolding, dressing in arguably humiliating costumes, theft of property and trespassing. Heavy alcohol consumption and underage drinking were a theme in many of the incidents.

"The investigation also identified serious and ongoing chapter organizational issues that appear to be at the heart of the behavior," the report notes. "The hazing was most often a symptom of specific problems including a breakdown in leadership, weak or inadequate ties to local or national alumni, and insufficient upperclass student presence or leadership. These chapters failed to live up to their organization's stated values and to define clearly their missions."

One of the chapters found responsible for hazing—Delta Sigma Phi fraternity—has been closed by its national organization. The other three—Sigma Nu and Zeta Beta Tau fraternities and Alpha Epsilon Phi sorority—have been sanctioned in a variety of ways, ranging from fines and mandatory training to social probation.

In addition to the national sanctions, each chapter agreed to work with the Division of Student Affairs on an improvement plan. According to the report, the plans call for "stronger institutional support and national involvement, retooling of the bid and pledge process, more extensive training for leadership and members, investigation into the removal of some members, and changes in chapter leadership."

The University "will monitor progress and hold the chapters accountable for creating real and lasting change," the report states. "Failure to resolve the concerns will result in additional disciplinary action."

"My appreciation goes to those individuals who perceived the severity of this inappropriate behavior and brought the original incidents to the University's attention, and to those who cooperated with the investigation," Harper says. "I am thankful for the support of the leadership of the individual Greek-letter chapters and national fraternal organizations, which have demonstrated throughout this process a willingness to improve the wellbeing and success of all members of the Greek-letter student community as well as the larger campus community."

A complete copy of the report can be found on the Student Matters Website at http://www.umich.edu/~ovpsa/studentmatters/.

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