In an effort to remain transparent on issues related to its fraternity and sorority community, the University of Pittsburgh has posted an external consultant report—in full—assessing this community’s culture on the Pittsburgh campus.
In the report, the consultants commended the fraternities and sororities’ record of community service and leadership development as well as their positive interactions with Pitt Police and the strong connections forged among members. In addition, the consultants highlighted a strength that they identified as unique to Pitt: robust support from student affairs staff. Yet, there is work to be done.
Students reported that a culture of alcohol misuse and hazing exists in the fraternity and sorority community on Pitt’s campus. This is unacceptable, and the University will continue partnering with members from this community with an end goal of eliminating hazing. At the same time, the University will continue to both examine and actively address the role that alcohol plays in this setting. “I admire our students’ courage to talk about the dangerous fraternity and sorority life subculture of hazing and alcohol abuse,” said Kenyon R. Bonner, vice provost and dean of students. “By acknowledging these concerning behaviors, our students are taking an important step toward eradicating so-called traditions and rites of passage that marginalize, traumatize and harm our community members in the name of sisterhood and brotherhood.”
The report also indicates a need to strengthen the University’s alumni, advisor and member connections across the board—and particularly within its National Pan-Hellenic Council community. The University plans to act on these opportunities for improvement in the coming year. Moving forward, the University will work on leveraging its recognized strengths while addressing all weaknesses identified in the report. Pitt’s Division of Student Affairs remains focused on working with fraternities and sororities to create an even stronger community and—ultimately—an even safer environment for all students to learn, grow and thrive.
- Fraternity and Sorority Life Consultant Report Executive Summary
- Fraternity and Sorority Life Consultant Full Report
- Fraternity and Sorority Life Consultant Bios