January 11, 2022
Dear Campus Community,
Participation in student organizations, including fraternities and sororities, is the foundation of involvement for students outside of the classroom. The experiences these organizations provide students are life changing and help to build the interpersonal skills that are critical in the job market. When these organizations stay true to their missions, values and customs and when those values align with the institution’s mission, values and rules a mutually beneficial synergy is created. However, when this alignment is lacking, the well-being and safety of students can be at risk.
Such situations arise when a suspended organization violates the terms of its suspension, when individuals circumvent University eligibility/participation requirements for student organization membership, and when individuals participate in an organization which violates University rules and is not recognized by the University (a so called “rogue” or “underground” organization).
The safety of our students is of utmost importance. Our institution does not recognize citywide or metro chapters of Greek organizations because these types of chapters can create a potential risk for Youngstown State University. Without the guidance of a University official overseeing recruitment processes, students may put themselves at increased risk by participating in these organizations.
With the implementation of Ohio’s Anti-Hazing law, Collin’s Law, there are stronger consequences for hazing, both from a university student conduct perspective and from a criminal perspective, up to and including a felony. The YSU Office of Community Standards & Student Conduct has developed a new sanctioning rubric for hazing cases which includes sanctions for individuals and for organizations based on the nature of the hazing incident. Additionally, the university will publish a website to communicate any hazing incidents which have occurred on campus in a five-year period.
As always, students have the right to join any approved organization, but it must be done in compliance with the university’s policies and procedures. YSU has implemented a twenty minute Recognize and Prevent Hazing training module in compliance with Collin's Law. Students in registered student organizations and university programs, as well as the advisors and staff overseeing these programs, are required to complete this training in order to participate in organization activities. In addition, Panhellenic Chapters are required to provide anti-hazing information and materials within their recruitment process. This also happens with every other approved Greek Letter organization on campus as required by their national office. As with anything in life, these measures are not foolproof and from time to time, some groups or individuals break the rules. This is why students must work with the Office of Student Activities and Greek Life to make sure the membership intake or recruitment process have been approved. For information about the process and for a list of approved Greek Letter organizations, please visit our website at currently active chapters.
It is the responsibility of our entire Youngstown State University community to keep an eye out for the wellbeing of our fellow Penguins. If you feel that you have been a victim of hazing, or suspect that one of your peers is being hazed, please use this form to notify the university of your concerns. Reporting a Suspected Incident of Hazing
Should you have any questions, please contact the Office of Student Activities and Greek Life or the Associate Vice President for Student Experience.
Sincerely,
Joy Polkabla Byers
Associate Vice President for Student Experience