Penn State Vice President for Student Affairs Andrea Dowhower has released a statement in response to an alleged drug-trafficking operation tied to two off-campus fraternity houses.

Thirteen current and former Penn State students were among 14 people charged Monday in connection with the alleged operation. According to the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, at least four of the students charged are current Penn State students.

“We remain horrified by the allegations, and we will continue to cooperate closely with law enforcement as the legal process continues,” Dowhower wrote. “In addition, we take these allegations very seriously and my office will address these charges under Penn State’s established student conduct process.”

Dowhower said on-campus safety is the University’s top priority, and the University Police and Public Safety are on duty 24 hours a day to support it.

She also said Penn State works in direct partnership with local law enforcement agencies to help ensure the safety of students outside of the Penn State police jurisdiction.

It was the State College Police Department that made the original arrest of Thomas Robinson in December 2024 — which led to the charges against 13 other individuals — after Robinson sold cocaine to confidential informants in six controlled purchases.

“Our mission is to create a community in which our students can flourish,” Dowhower wrote. “That only occurs when we stand up to this type of behavior, which is why we continue our important work — in partnership with our fraternity and sorority community — to educate students about hazing, alcohol and other drug prevention and the important obligations of being a recognized student organization.”

Dowhower also said Penn State will roll out additional Greek life education efforts in the coming weeks, including a parent education video, a hazing prevention campaign, and annual messaging for student leaders.

Penn State responded immediately after the initial charges were filed by placing Delta Upsilon on interim suspension while the Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response investigates.

Sigma Chi, the other fraternity allegedly involved in the drug operation, is not a recognized organization and operates outside of the University’s support and oversight.

“Ensuring all students have an environment that enables their success is crucial: the freedom to learn, to make choices and to grow,” she said.