SAN MARCOS, Texas – Texas State University is rolling out new restrictions for fraternities and sororities after the death of a pledge in 2017.
Before the chapters are reinstated there are several guidelines they will be required to meet. Chapters at the university will now have to undergo risk reduction planning and adhere to stricter new-member orientation guidelines. They will also have to limit the attendance of social events involving alcohol.
The changes come after 20-year-old Matthew Ellis died from alcohol poisoning after a fraternity event on Nov. 13, 2017. Ellis’ blood-alcohol levels were four times the legal limit. Witnesses at the scene told investigators that Ellis was a pledge for the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity.
Following Ellis’ death, on Nov. 14, 2017 Texas State President Denise Trauth suspended all Greek life on campus.
Once the Greek chapters are reinstated, they will not be allowed to have alcohol at registered social events until Sept. 1. Events hosted by fraternities and sororities will also have to be held within a 100-mile radius of San Marcos.
A minimum of 75 percent of each chapter’s members are required to complete leadership training. Texas State will host campus-based training as a Leadership Institute or a weekend retreat program.
Leaders will have until the end of March to agree to the new standards and meet with the University’s Greek Affairs staff to have their chapter reinstated. Chapter presidents will also be required to meet with Greek Affairs on a monthly basis.