Student Affairs Email Newsletter

Dear Sorority and Fraternity Members, 

We wanted to take a moment to remind you of the importance of creating healthy relationships with your members based on your organization's founding values and principles. As many of you know, some of our fondest memories, pivotal leadership experiences, and closest friendships to this day come from our involvement in sororities and fraternities. 

It is on all of us to continue to make the IU sorority and fraternity community one we can all be proud of. We ask you to reflect on current practices and identify ways to engage your members and strengthen brotherhood and sisterhood in safe and healthy ways. 

Report Hazing

We need your help to stop hazing. IU has investigated reports that students were required to engage in servitude, harassment, degradation, forced consumption of food and/or alcohol, and physical violence to join or maintain membership in an organization. These behaviors are unacceptable and have no place at IU. If you are unsure of what hazing is, you can click on this website to learn more about hazing terms and examples of hazing behavior.

Help us create a culture of care and step up by:

1. Helping someone who has been or is being hazed by providing them with support, removing them from the situation, or directly intervening to prevent the behaviors from occurring or reoccurring.

2. Stopping unsafe and unhealthy practices in your chapter or the community by talking to your brothers or sisters, your organization’s leadership, chapter coach, advisors, and/or national organization.

3. Reporting hazing to the university using the online reporting form available at go.iu.edu/reporthazing or by calling 812-855-5419. Remember, you may be the only individual who witnessed the behavior or was confided in. Don’t assume someone else will or will make a report.

4. Calling 911 in emergencies. You may be saving someone’s life.  The Indiana Lifeline Law provides individuals immunity for some offenses under state law if you call on behalf of someone who needs medical assistance; if you are the victim of a reported sex offense; or if you witness and report what you reasonably believe to be a crime.  Organizational amnesty may also be available for your organization. 

As always, the Office of Sorority and Fraternity Life is here for you and is available to answer any questions you might have. Learn more about National Hazing Prevention Week here. 

We ask that you all commit today to help keep each other safe and to help promote a healthy, positive Hoosier Greek experience.

Dean Dave
Dave O’Guinn
Vice Provost for Student Affairs and Dean of Students  

Dean Adams Riester
Dr. Kathy Adams Riester
Associate Vice Provost for Student Affairs and Executive Associate Dean of Students

Dean Fasone
Dr. Leslie Fasone
Assistant Dean for Sorority and Fraternity Life

Dear Hoosiers – 

I have always been in awe of the IU culture of care. Your commitment to supporting your own and fellow students’ well-being is a point of Hoosier pride.

The Division of Student Affairs has heard from many students over the first weeks of the semester who are concerned about their friends who need extra support. We are grateful for your thoughtfulness for each other and wanted to share reminders on ways to continue to prioritize caring for each other.

• It’s always ok to check in. If you see a friend you are concerned about, ask them how they are doing. If you see someone who needs extra support and don’t feel comfortable having that conversation, ask someone you trust to assist.

• If you need care or are concerned about a friend, please submit a Care Referral. We are here to support you.

• Utilize your three free sessions at Counseling and Psychological Services.

• Discuss your plans with your friends before going out - how are you going to get home and stay connected as a group?

• At least one third of IU students do not drink alcohol. If you choose not to, you are not alone. If you choose to drink alcohol, pace yourself and do remember it may interact with other medications or substances. 

• Indiana’s Lifeline Law is a critical resource for students experiencing an alcohol emergency. You may be in the best position, on or off campus, to get someone emergency help.  Indiana’s Lifeline Law protects you from negative legal and student conduct consequences if you have been drinking and you call 911 for a friend who needs help.

• Don’t drink and drive. Don’t drink and scooter. Get a safe ride home through IU Ride or use the safe walk timer.

• Sexual consent is about communication and respecting boundaries. Take time to develop comfort and skills with how you will seek consent. Check out It’s on Us for more about consent, creating a culture of respect, and supporting survivors of assault.

• If you or someone you know has been impacted by sexual violence, Confidential Victim Advocates can provide support. You can get in touch with them at cva@indiana.edu. If you need immediate assistance call the 24-hour Sexual Assault Crisis Line at 812-855-8900.

Follow Culture of Care to learn more ways to keep our campus a caring and safe place. 

Have a safe and fun weekend!

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Dean Dave
Vice Provost for Student Affairs and Dean of Students
Division of Studnet Affairs