Group Conduct

The primary mission of the Office of Student Conduct is to foster personal development and maintain community standards by providing an educational student conduct process. Student clubs and organizations are intended to provide a framework in which students engage in hands-on experiences in civic engagement, leadership, social responsibility, and build on personal values. Student experiences should complete their academic endeavors and solidify career aspirations. As such, West Chester University expects its student clubs, organizations, and athletic teams to uphold the University’s values and to foster and support an educational community.

Organizations that do not promote and practice these values and maintain respect, health, and safety standards for their members and the University community at large, will not be welcome on campus. Student organizations that are alleged to engage in any prohibited or unlawful acts that result in the issuance of violations of University expectations have rights to process. The details are included in the Student Code of Conduct. Student groups, as well as their members and leaders, may be held collectively and/or individually responsible for violations of the Student Code of Conduct or other University policies. It is the responsibility of the group’s student president, leader, or designee to represent the group through the conduct process.

WCU Anti Hazing Policy

Pennsylvania Antihazing Law

Group Conduct Process

How to Refer a Concern about a Group Activity

Please use this to report a violation of organizational, ethical, hazing, harassment, and/or group Code of Conduct violation. The information entered will be sent to the Office of Student Conduct. This team will assess next steps based on concerns for the people involved and concerns for the safety of the community. The students involved may be contacted to assess needs for resources and the accused organization will be contacted if and when an investigation has been approved. The information in this form will be kept as confidential as possible and only shared with those who need to know.

Rams Take Care of Rams: Safe Harbor Immunity

To encourage immediate medical attention when necessary, an individual shall not be prosecuted for an offense if the individual meets certain conditions. Such conditions include being the first individual to reach out to emergency services; reasonably believing the individual needed immediate medical attention to prevent death or serious bodily injury; identifying themselves with their own name, and remaining with the person until emergency services personnel have arrived. This is a summary and specific details should be reviewed at 18 Pa. C.S.A. §2810.

Group Hazing Report updated 1/1/24

West Chester University is committed to creating and maintaining a campus environment where safety, health, and well-being are priorities for all. The following details reported hazing violations of the institution’s Anti-Hazing Policy, along with applicable state, or federal hazing laws. This report will be updated biannually in accordance with statutory requirements.

Group Hazing Report

Last Updated: 1/1/24

Subject [Organization]	Date Violation Charged	Description of Violation	Investigation Findings	Disciplinary Action/Sanctions	Date Resolved
Women's Golf Team	12/13/2023	Allegations of a violation of West Chester University’s Anti-Hazing Policy were brought forth to the University by a former West Chester University student and their parents.	The University commenced a formal investigation with an outside consultant. After interviews of past and present team members, coaches and staff, the investigator was unable to substantiate the complaint as a policy violation.	As a result of the inquiry, no disciplinary action was taken.	4/25/2023
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc	4/6/2023	It was reported anonymously that members were physically, mentally, and emotionally abusive to new members.	An inquiry with the group leadership noted a disenfrancised member. None of the activies reported supported a violation of hazing.	As a result of the inquiry, no disciplinary action was taken, however staff followed up on mediation to address the concerns.	4/12/2023
Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia	2/13/2023	It was reported that Phi Mu Alpha has been hazing their new members throughout their new member process.	An all member meeting was held that resutled in students admitting to some of the hazing behaviors. Given multiple allegations were received from noninvolved students, the group was interimly suspended while an action plan was created to address the hazing behavior.	The interim suspension action was withdrawn when the group completed its revision process. Further organizational development and intervention will continue with increased oversight through the 2023-2024 academic year.	4/13/2023
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc	10/17/2022	It was reported that members of Sigma Gamma Rho were hazing their incoming members. It was reported anonymously that they are physically, mentally, and emotionally abusive and hit and go through incoming members phones.	The preliminary investigation did not support a violation of hazing.	As a result, no disciplinary action was taken.	12/22/2022
Tau Kappa Epsilon	10/11/2022	It was reported that TKE Brothers made pledges dress up costumes for their homecoming party and required them to work the party.	None of the activities reported supported a violation of hazing.	As a result of the inquiry, no disciplinary action was taken, however staff followed up on utilizing better group bonding practices.	10/13/2022
Phi Beta Sigma	3/11/2022	It was alleged by a student that they were subject to coercion and force by members who intentionally, knowingly, and recklessly acted with the purpose of initiating them into the organization.	Based on the investigation of the new member process, there was insufficient information to determine whether or not the group was involved in hazing activities.	The group was placed on interim suspension during the time of the investigation. The interim suspension action was withdrawn at the conclusion of the investigation.	3/24/2022
Pi Kappa Phi	3/6/2022	It was reported that this group recruited and hazed members despite the group's lack of affiliation with the University and it's national organization suspension.	Notice of the allegation was sent to the national organization as well as the previous group leadership, who remained enrolled at the University.	Since this organization is no longer affiliated with West Chester University, disciplinary actions could not be taken.	3/30/2022
Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia	2/11/2022	This report was received and referenced a previous incident that was reported on 2/20/2021.	A second investigation into the same matter was conducted and no additional information was found to substantiate the allegations.	As a result, no action was taken.	4/27/2022
Kappa Kappa Psi	1/14/2022	An anonymous report was received from an alleged new member who said that the process was impacting their mental health.	None of the activities reported supported a violation of hazing.	As a result of the inquiry, no action was taken.	2/21/2022
Delta Phi Epsilon	12/15/2021	An anonymous report was received alleging that a member had to choose between snorting cocaine or performing a sex act.	The preliminary investigation did not support the allegation.	As a result of the premiminary investigation, no action was taken.	3/21/2022
Sigma Chi	10/14/2021	The property owner of an off campus residence reported suspicious activity at a house they suspected was associated with the fraternity.	Based on the investigation of the new member process, there was insufficient information to determine whether or not the group was involved in hazing activities.	As a result of the investigation, no action was taken.	11/19/2021
Pi Kappa Phi	9/28/2021	An anonymous report was received that alleged the group, which is no longer affiliated with the University, was recruiting members and subjecting them to a dangerous pledge process.	This report was immediately forwarded to the West Chester Borough Police and the National Organization for investigation.	As a result, no action was taken.	10/15/2021
Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia	2/20/21	An anonymous report was received from an alleged new member who said that the process was impacting their mental health.	None of the activities reported supported a violation of hazing.	As a result of the investigation, no action was taken.	4/21/21
Alpha Phi	1/29/21	An anonymous report was received from an alleged student who said that the new member process required women to take cocain or perform a sex act.	New members and sorority leadership participated in an investigation regarding this allegation. The hazing and sexual exploitation allegations were unfounded.	While an investigation was conducted the group was placed on interim suspension. The interim suspension action was withdrawn at the conclusion of the investigation.	2/18/21
Sigma Phi Epsilon	9/23/20	Seven members of Sigma Phi Epsilon were seen allegedly participating in a new member outdoor activity.	None of the activities reported supported a violation of hazing.	As a result of the investigation, no action was taken.	10/15/20
Omega Psi Phi	3/17/20	The University received an anonymous report which indicated that the reporter heard from a nearby parking lot a paddle used for spanking accompanied by yelling from the off-campus house.	On the evening in question, the house hosted a celebratory event with alums, not related to intake and someone could have mistaken the noise.	While an investigation was conducted, the allegations could not be substantiated by the chapter president, tenants, nor regional membership.	3/29/20
Pi Kappa Alpha	11/11/2019	The University received a credible report that the new members were engaged in back to back activities over the weekend which allegedly led to sleep deprivation.	During the investigation, it was reported that the students were not mandated to participate in all activities as alleged.	While an investigation was conducted the group was placed on interim suspension. The interim suspension action was withdrawn when the activities were found to be voluntary.	11/13/2019
Lambda Theta Alpha	11/1/2019	It was alleged that the new member process involved intentional verbal harassment which may have constituted hazing.	The investigation did not support the alleged hazing violation.	As a result, no action was taken.	11/15/2019
Pi Kappa Phi	10/30/2019	Five of the new class members were soliciting in the residence hall for a fundraiser in Philadelphia.	The Hazing allegation was unfounded as a result of the investigation.	The group faced disciplinary sanctions for the non-hazing related actions.	11/18/2019
Pi Kappa Alpha	3/24/2019	An anonymous source reported overhearing students discussing their new member process. They included having to arrive at all times of night to an off campus location, forced alcohol consumption, and not being able to leave the fraternity house.	Incident was referred to the police. Due to the vague nature of the allegations, a thorough investigation could not be conducted.	As a result, no action was taken.	4/10/2019
Sigma Alpha Epsilon	3/6/2019	It was alleged that Sigma Alpha Epsilon had new members drive to Philadelphia to get cheese steaks for the current members.	Based on an investigation, there was insufficient information to determine that SAE was involved in such an incident which violated policy.	As a result, no action was taken.	4/1/2019
Alpha Phi	3/4/2019	It was alleged that new members of Alpha Phi were performing a task that served no legitimate purpose at an off campus location.	Although the required task was confirmed to have occurred, it did not meet the definition of hazing nor any other policy violation.	As a result, no action was taken.	4/11/2019
Sigma Alpha Epsilon	2/25/2019	It was alleged that this group was assisting the Iota Rho Chapter of Delta Zeta of hazing new members by requiring participation in a scavenger hunt where alcohol was provided to underage minors.	Although one student in Sigma Alpha Epsilon was found to have participated in the hazing events, this was not sponsored nor supported by the group.	Sigma Alpha Epsilon did not face disciplinary action, however the one member involved was issued Final Disciplinary Probation and educational assignments.	6/25/2019
Pi Kappa Phi	2/25/2019	It was alleged that this group was assisting the Iota Rho Chapter of Delta Zeta of hazing new members by requiring participation in a scavenger hunt where forced alcohol consumption was provided to underage minors.	Although some students were found to have participated in the hazing events, this was not sponsored nor supported by the group. Eight students in Pi Kappa Phi were alleged to have violated the hazing policy for their participation in the scavenger hunts.	Pi Kappa Phi did not face disciplinary action, however six members were found to be involved and were issued Disciplinary Probation and educational assignments.	6/10/2019
Pi Kappa Alpha	2/25/2019	It was alleged that this group was assisting the Iota Rho Chapter of Delta Zeta of hazing new members by requiring participation in a scavenger hunt where forced alcohol consumption was provided to underage minors.	The group was found to have hosted a new member event for the fraternity and sorority in which members were endorsing a contest which served no legitimate purpose. Two individual members of Pi Kappa Alpha were alleged to have violated the student code of conduct for their participation in the scavenger hunts.	Pi Kappa Alpha faces pending disciplinary action. Two individual members involved were issued Disciplinary Probation and educational assignments.	6/25/2019
Delta Zeta	2/25/2019	The Iota Rho Chapter of Delta Zeta was alleged to have provided alcohol to new members during the big/little clue week scavenger hunts. New members were asked to consume alcohol at various off campus locations, which were unknown to them. It is alleged that a new member experienced alcohol poisoning. New members were also asked to drive into Philadelphia to pick up cheesesteaks for sisters. The organization is also allegedly responsible for hosting an unregistered social event where alcohol was served to minors.	Investigations by both the University and the National Organization were conducted and supported allegations that the group violated the University Hazing policy. Based on the investigations, it was determined that several leaders in the group organized scavenger hunts. At least 30% of the new member class were identified as having to participate in scavenger hunt activities, most of which involved underage alcohol consumption in order to receive a clue at an unknown location from fraternity men that most new members did not know. 11 members of Delta Zeta were charged with the violation of hazing. Of the 11 Delta Zeta members charged, 9 members were found responsible and one member’s outcome is still pending.	Final Disciplinary Probation through December 2019 followed by a semester of continued probation for review and observation. Compliance with the national rehabilitation plan is also required. Eight Delta Zeta students were placed on Disciplinary Probation and faced educational sanctions. Two members received a Disciplinary Reprimand. Additionally, The national sorority dismissed five members, placed four members on probation with sanction conditions and permanently removed one from their leadership position within the organization.	4/3/2019
Lambda Theta Alpha	2/19/2019	A report alleged hazing activities in the organization, mainly the restriction of members in public spaces and socializing with others.	An investigation of the group did not substantiate violations of University policy.	It was recommended that the group improve transparency about the process to avoid future confusion.	4/5/2019
Alpha Sigma Tau	2/18/2019	New members reported that they were very stressed due to demands involved in the new member process and alleged verbal abuse.	Through an investigation, WCU was unable to substantiate the complaint as a policy violation.	As a result, no action was taken.	4/12/2019
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc	2/13/2019	Allegations of physical beatings were reported to West Chester University and the national organization.	All allegations were denied throughout an extensive investigation and WCU was unable to substantiate the complaint.	While an investigation was conducted the group was placed on interim suspension and the interim suspension action was withdrawn when the complaint was found to be unsubstantiated.	2/25/2019
Alpha Kappa Alpha	1/29/2019	Allegations of hazing were made against the Theta Iota Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha at West Chester University via an anonymous phone call. After speaking with their national regional director she was able to share that the chapter has been placed on what they call “withdraw pending” an investigation. No details have been shared with the University.	The national sorority of Alpha Kappa Alpha received a report, conducted an investigation and subsequently suspended the group at West Chester University. Despite repeated requests from the University, the National has shared no details with the University that would allow it to take disciplinary action against the sorority or its members.	Group suspension through May 2021 by the national sorority. As noted in the complaint section, despite repeated attempts to secure evidence or information about the nature of the sorority members’ actions, WCU has received nothing from the National. Therefore, it is unable to take disciplinary action against the sorority or its members.	6/4/2019
Kappa Sigma	1/7/2019	It was alleged that Kappa Sigma members were engaging in reckless behaviors, including threats of harm, furnishing alcohol to minors and forced alcohol consumption.	The allegations were confirmed during an extensive investigation. New members were subjected to hazing, including sleep and social restrictions, forced alcohol consumption, physical challenges, and servitude at various off campus locations.	Disciplinary Group Disestablishment: The organization has lost its campus recognition and is prohibited from conducting any and all group activity on campus through January 1, 2026.	2/12/2019