The past few months have been difficult for many in the Penn State community, and we continue to send our thoughts and prayers to Tim Piazza’s family. The Interfraternity Council Executive Board and Council of Presidents continue to be devoted to leading the change Penn State needs to prevent another senseless tragedy.

Prior to today’s Board of Trustees meeting, we presented Penn State administrators with ​this draft plan​ that was a collaborative effort from the IFC Executive Board, chapter presidents, National Organizations, and alumni that would increase safety in our fraternity community​. Working with these stakeholders, we developed a proposal to:

Address substance abuse through new restrictions, heightened security and education

Strengthen new member education through enhanced hazing prevention parameters

Provide transparency through publishing chapter disciplinary records and other information

Implement new peer governance structures to improve accountability, including community-wide training and involvement

Increase alumni involvement and advisory support

Invest in the funding of professional staff and an annual culture assessment

Hold fraternities to maintaining alcohol-free facilities until they meet ​all​ standards

Many of these changes align with—and even go further than—the measures President Barron presented today. We agree that added social restrictions, education, transparency and professional staff support are critical. We have tried to remain committed to being an active part of the solution within our community. We stand firm on our belief that when students are involved in collaborating with the university in monitoring and accountability, a greater impact is made. For that reason, we will continue to push for a partnership between student leaders and the University.