MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Most of WVU’s Greek Life chapters are on board with changes in standards the school adopted earlier this month.
Some, however, are a little ‘squishy,’ according to President Gordon Gee.
“There are a couple who just simply did not want to do that,” he said Monday on MetroNews “Talkline” with Hoppy Kercheval. “My view is that the university has a real stake in the safety and quality of life of our students, and I just will not back away from that and nor will the university. And I think parents appreciate that.”
Last week, four fraternities signed off on letters sent to the university announcing their dissociation with the school. At least one began advertising rush activities, which were delayed for WVU-sanctioned fraternities until students have been on campus for at least one semester. WVU is calling these organizations ‘dissident fraternities.’
“The university also has a responsibility to let parents and others know that, if their students are going to go in that direction, they’re doing so without the sanction of the university,” Gee said.
He added, “Independence comes with a cost.”
He also praised the majority of those on board, including members in good standing with the Interfraternity Council (IFC), the National Pan-Hellenic Council (historically African-American fraternities), and the Panhellenic Association (sororities).
“They want to live by these rules,” Gee said. “They believe in them. They understand change. They don’t want to have something terrible happen. Yet there are a few who believe college life is about independence in the worst possible way, and it’s not that.”
Gee has said the school is in the midst of a multi-year culture change, a response to events both at West Virginia University and around the nation.
“Everyone can find their place here, but they need to take time to do so,” he said. “And, first of all, we are an academic institution. The first semester of this time here needs to be spent talking about the academic program and getting people acclimated.”
Two of the four fraternities that announced their intention to dissociate — Alpha Sigma Phi and Phi Sigma Kappa — have since rescinded their threat ahead of a meeting between Gee, alumni, and members of the national chapters Tuesday. Alpha Sigma Phi is currently on indefinite suspension. Phi Sigma Kappa is suspended for at least another two years.
Meanwhile, Kappa Alpha and Sigma Chi — both suspended from the IFC pending action plan approval — have not agreed to rescind their notice.
“You try it, and you’re going to run into the obstacle called the University,” Gee said.
Gee invoked change, at least partially, in the name of Nolan Burch — a former WVU freshman — who died in 2014 as a result of alcohol poisoning during an unsanctioned fraternity event.
Burch’s family would eventually settle a lawsuit out of court with WVU, Kappa Sigma, and the property owners at the building where Burch died. At the time of death, Burch’s blood-alcohol level was 0.493.
This past February, citing concerns over hazing and other conditions that school officials believed were ripe for a repeat tragedy, WVU placed a moratorium on all social activities for campus Greek life. That moratorium led directly to the adoption and eventual enactment of “Reaching the Summit” beginning this month.
Those chapters that do sever ties will be prohibited from engaging in WVU-sponsored programs.
“I am not going to allow dissociation from the university when they use our students as a way to fill their houses.”
The local chapter of Kappa Alpha released the following statement:
“Despite the inaccurate information provided by WVU, the National Headquarters of Kappa Alpha did not rescind it’s support of the active chapter programs or its support to disassociate. The National Office did agree to halt further efforts to organize an independent IFC pending talks with the WVU administration regarding current issues affecting Greek life at WVU.”
A West Virginia University spokesperson confirmed they had received an official letter from KA declaring they would rescind their support of dissociation.
The national Kappa Alpha chapter clarified in a press statement, reiterating that they still support from the local KA Order.
“Local KA leaders as well as local and national leaders of other organizations agreed to meet with President Gee after this letter and others were sent. Gee requested through an intermediary that KA “pause” its move to abandon university recognition. KA agreed that it would “pause” its move pending the Tuesday meeting, but at no time did the national organization withdraw support for its local chapters and members.”
Gee hopes to find a quick resolution, meeting with the head of the national IFC and members of the national fraternity offices on Tuesday.
“I’m going to meet with the squishy guys, and let’s see if we can’t come to an accommodation that they live by the rules and that we’ll be their friends.”