Texas State Greek life organizations are expected to fully return to campus March 1, following a four-month-long suspension.
The Division of Student Affairs confirmed the rumors, claiming the organizations are free to return to full status and engage in regular activities as early as March 1, or by spring break at the latest.
Joanne Smith, vice president for student affairs, said the task force in charge of reviewing Greek life has met during recent months to review conditions for reinstatement and will be making recommendations to President Denise Trauth, who has the final say on the conditions.
“After President Trauth approves the recommendations we make, we will send out all of the components to the organizations, asking each chapter to agree to them in order for them to return to campus,” Smith said.
The student body will be notified via email once conditions have been agreed upon by all chapters.
The suspension of all National Panhellenic and Interfraternity Council sororities and fraternities, as well Panhellenic sororities and Multicultural Council fraternities on campus occurred last November, after Matthew Ellis, a Phi Kappa Psi pledge, was found dead off-campus after the fraternity’s initiation activities. His blood alcohol content level was .38, over four times the legal limit, according to his autopsy report.
Despite the suspension Trauth ordered last semester, certain Greek organizations were allowed to finish the events they started prior to the suspension, but were halted after they were completed.
Although rumors of the return of Greek life have circulated on campus, many members and administrators were encouraged not to discuss what was to come next for those organizations.
Bob Dudolski, assistant dean of students for Greek Affairs, said he could not speak on the matter.
A member of the Chi Omega sorority went through her sorority’s initiation process while suspended. Her identity will remain anonymous to protect her affiliation with the sorority.
“Our national chapter representatives came down to talk to the school,” she said. “We were not allowed to recruit or host events but we were still allowed to have initiation. We also only had to pay half of our dues because we did not participate in as many activities.”
The only organization not returning to campus will be Phi Kappa Psi, which is no longer recognized by the school. The internal investigation by the school of the chapter and its members is still ongoing.
“Greek life is a lifelong commitment,” Smith said “We had this time-out in order to review the system and make sure it is vibrant, healthy and positive. We want to make it better in the long run.”
Upon returning to campus, fraternities and sororities will be able to resume all activities, including recruitment.