Statement on Suspension and Termination of Fraternity Chapters

To
All Parents
From
Robyn S. Hadley and Dorothea M. Mack, UVA Student Affairs

Dear Parents:

Earlier today, we sent the below message to your student. Whether or not your student is a member of a fraternity or sorority, we hope you will take a moment to become informed about the suspension and termination of fraternity chapters at UVA. It is in the interest of safety that we are providing this information and guidance to all students and parents. We hope you find it helpful.

Regards,

Robyn S. Hadley
Vice President and Dean of Students
Chief Student Affairs Officer

Dorothea M. Mack
Assistant Dean of Students and
Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life


Dear Students:

In the interest of safety awareness, we are writing to share the below statement from the University with you. It will also be sent to all UVA parents. Please note the websites where you can find additional information.

Regards,

Robyn S. Hadley
Vice President and Dean of Students
Chief Student Affairs Officer

Dorothea M. Mack
Assistant Dean of Students and
Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life

Statement on Suspension and Termination of Fraternity Chapters – September 29, 2022

Fraternities and sororities have long been an active, visible, and integral part of the University of Virginia community. More than 4,000 of our students participate in these organizations, which have provided social, networking, service, and leadership opportunities for their members. Fraternities and sororities, along with their national organizations, excel in promoting principles of scholarship, leadership, service, diversity, and honor. With approximately 28% of the undergraduate student population affiliated with a fraternity or sorority, many students experience sisterhood or brotherhood relationships that become lifelong friendships. The University recognizes the importance and value of a healthy and robust Greek community. We remain fully committed to supporting the success and well-being of students who choose to become part of this community.

In order to secure official recognition, fraternities and sororities sign an annual contract with the University – the Fraternal Organization Agreement (FOA) – which outlines the benefits and obligations of their relationship with us. While most chapters abide by University policies and Standards of Conduct, some incidents require investigation and subsequent accountability as determined by the University’s conduct processes, including the student-run University Judiciary Committee (UJC). Recent chapter conduct history is maintained by Fraternity & Sorority Life and the University Judiciary Committee.

Several fraternity chapters recently lost their recognition (FOA) due to serious and/or recurring violations of University policy. As a result, they are no longer in relationship with us. Terminated chapters may become eligible to return to the University after a specified period of time but must petition to recolonize with the support of their national organizations. Their return is not automatic or guaranteed.

The following chapters have been terminated by the University due to severe hazing behavior: 

  • Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI)
  • Kappa Alpha Order (KA)

Neither group is eligible to apply for a new FOA prior to Spring 2026.

The following chapters have been suspended by the University Judiciary Committee, but are making progress toward reinstatement at the designated time:

  • Kappa Sigma – Suspension by University Judiciary Committee until November 6, 2022.
  • St. Anthony Hall – Suspension by University Judiciary Committee from August 23, 2022 to December 16, 2022.

Should these fraternities continue to operate independently, we would have significant concern about the risks to health and safety of students who participate in their activities. We encourage parents to talk with their students about the risks of affiliating with an organization that chooses to operate despite suspension or termination. We cannot stress enough our concern for safety, and our recommendation to avoid engaging with a fraternity or sorority that is not recognized by the University. We also strongly discourage our recognized fraternities and sororities from engaging in any activities or events with suspended or terminated groups. Members of terminated or suspended organizations who are found to be in violation of the University Standards of Conduct may be referred to the University Judiciary Committee.

Chapters without University recognition lose the following benefits:

  • Advising and support from University staff;
  • Access to space on University property;
  • Participation in University educational and leadership development programs;
  • University website and other technology resources;
  • Participation in rush/recruitment processes on University property;
  • University resources for rush/recruitment;
  • Receipt of chapter grade reports and summaries;
  • Participation in intramural sports;
  • Access to University resources and services.

A Note on Hazing

Hazing is against state law, a violation of University policy, and can be exceptionally dangerous. In accordance with the recently adopted Adam’s Law in Virginia, the University provides extensive hazing prevention training to any student organization that has a new member (e.g., “pledge”) process and does not tolerate hazing behavior under any circumstances.

For additional details regarding both terminated and suspended organizations, please visit the Hazing Misconduct Report and University Judiciary Committee Statistics Report.