ORLANDO, Fla. – The University of Central Florida has halted Greek life activities in order to work with fraternity and sorority chapters on addressing alcohol and hazing issues, the school said on Wednesday.
According to UCF's Student Development and Enrollment Services Fraternity and Sorority Life, fraternities and sororities are prohibited from holding social, new member education or initiation activities.
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Organizations are permitted, however, to hold organizational business meetings. Participation in philanthropic activities must be specifically approved by the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life.
Students who live in UCF's 12 Greek houses will be allowed to stay and are "expected to meet their financial obligations and follow all house corporation and university regulations," according to the website.
The school said chapter activities will resume when officials are satisfied that "Greek culture reflects the values of the UCF Creed and, more importantly, that we can ensure compliance with laws and university regulations governing hazing and alcohol."
UCF said recent events have demonstrated that the Greek community needs a culture change when it comes to the use and abuse of alcohol and hazing.
Local 6 first reported last week that Sigma Chi was temporarily suspended, pending an investigation, after a photo of alleged hazing was posted to a social media website. In November 2012, UCF's chapter of Alpha Tau Omega was suspended after a hazing allegation prompted an investigation. It's not clear if that prompted the halt of Greek activities.
The university will engage members of the Greek community, including students, advisers, national organizations and chapter alumni, in conversations about the future of Greek Life at UCF.
"We also are encouraging chapters and national organizations to share best practices for promoting responsible behavior," UCF said on its website.