UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State Student Affairs has placed the Omega chapter of Theta Chi Fraternity on interim suspension while its Office of Student Conduct investigates a serious student injury and alleged alcohol misuse. During the interim suspension, Theta Chi loses all privileges otherwise accorded to recognized student organizations at Penn State, including membership recruitment, new member activities, participation in University-wide functions, and hosting social events.
Theta Chi’s national organization has been notified and is cooperating with the investigation. Additional sanctions may result depending on the outcome of the University’s inquiry.
Reform measures adopted by Penn State in 2017, and still in effect, are aimed at improving student safety and success in the context of the University’s fraternity and sorority community. Among these measures, is the University’s direct management of organizational discipline. The Office of Student Conduct, in collaboration with Fraternity and Sorority Compliance and Fraternity and Sorority Life, is responsible for investigating allegations of misconduct and determining responsibility.
“The University is determined to do all it can to encourage safety, success, and sustainability for the organizations comprising its fraternity and sorority system,” said Vice President for Student Affairs Damon Sims. “A key part of that encouragement is our intolerance for organizations that pursue activities that are anything but safe and which fail to follow our expectations for their behavior.”
The University’s reform measures focus on alcohol misuse, hazing, sexual assault, and overly large disruptive gatherings. Disciplinary action can result in the loss of University recognition for an organization. Since 2017, 12 Greek organizations at Penn State have had their recognition suspended or revoked.