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Grand Valley State University’s fraternity chapter Pi Kappa Phi was suspended during the Fall 2024 semester, and is no longer considered a registered student organization. The suspension was the result of several student code violations, including hazing, alcohol use and abuse of the conduct process. As a result, the University’s fraternities and faculty are reevaluating Greek life’s values in order to shape the community’s future.
Prior to Pi Kappa Phi’s suspension, corrective measures had been implemented due to past misconduct. According to Ben Witt, the director of the Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution, the chapter was already on disciplinary probation when they were suspended.
“Pi Kappa Phi, like all registered student organizations, must uphold the standards put forth in the student code,” Witt said. “Suspension is not something that anyone at GVSU wants to ever see happen to a student organization; but when behavior warrants it, GVSU has a responsibility to hold groups accountable.”
The chapter’s suspension has resulted in the opportunity to reevaluate the values and standards of Greek life. Faculty members, such as Jeremy Paul, the Assistant Director of Student Life for Fraternity and Sorority Life (FSL), feel that reflecting is necessary to rebuild the Greek Life community at GVSU. Paul emphasized prioritizing the wellness of all community members rather than preserving a chapter that has caused some students to feel unsafe.
“In situations like this, our community members are asked to provide emotional support, while also upholding the standards and expectations of what it means to be University affiliated,” said Paul.
Despite these challenges, faculty of fraternity life at GVSU remain optimistic about the creation and expansion of several new fraternities. During the Winter 2024 semester, Zeta Psi Fraternity was recognized by the University as a registered student organization, providing a new option for interested students. GVSU’s Triangle Fraternity has also embraced an opportunity for growth by enacting a plan to expand. The fraternity appeals to students majoring in engineering and architecture, as well as physical, mathematical, biological and computer sciences. In the coming years, the fraternities Sigma Chi and Beta Theta Phi also hope to expand.
“Roughly 5% of the male population at GVSU is affiliated with a fraternity,” Paul said. “The goal of expansion in any capacity is to increase the overall market of experiences, ensuring that all men who are interested in finding a fraternity (can find one that) is in alignment with their values, as well as their personal, academic and professional goals.”
By taking these actions to encourage an awareness of fraternities, Greek organizations intend to foster a more diverse community of responsible and supportive individuals. While it is necessary to recognize and resolve issues that arise, it is also important to celebrate the achievements and positive aspects of Greek life.
“We operate with the hope that our University-affiliated Greek-letter organizations adhere to the standards for a vibrant, safe and healthy fraternity and sorority experience,” said Paul. “By promoting shared values like leadership, service and justice, FSL positively impacts the entire University community.”
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