Updates
Update: July 2, 2020, 3:32 p.m.
The following was sent via email on July 2, 2020:
Dear SDSU Community,
The San Diego State University Police Department (UPD) has completed its nearly six-month investigation, which involved collaboration with the San Diego County District Attorney’s office, into the death of Dylan Hernandez. We thank the Hernandez family along with our campus community for patiently awaiting the outcome of the investigation and the findings. A joint statement by UPD and the District Attorney’s office is publicly accessible online. We appreciate the meticulous care with which UPD completed its investigation, and the department’s close coordination with the District Attorney’s office.
SDSU has now received details of the police investigation. At this point, the university may now begin its independent, administrative review and student misconduct investigations. These campus-led administrative investigations will focus on potential violations of university policies, unlike UPD’s investigation, which considered only potential criminal violations. The administrative review process will start immediately, and proceed over the coming weeks.
The administrative review process will include investigating alleged misconduct by individual students and Phi Gamma Delta fraternity:
- The Center for Student Rights & Responsibilities will oversee the investigations reviewing any alleged violations of the Student Code of Conduct.
- The Office of Student Life & Leadership will oversee the organizational investigation
into alleged violations of the Student Organization Code of Conduct.
Task Force Groups Review, Recommendations
The administrative review follows a number of changes already implemented during Spring 2020, and after the Presidential Task Force on Student Activities and Safety and the Presidential Task Force on Alcohol and Substance Misuse groups were announced. Both task force groups were announced via a SDSU presidential order in November 2019.
We are pleased to share that the Presidential Task Force on Student Activities and Safety report is finalized; the Presidential Task Force on Alcohol and Substance Misuse will be finalized this month. The reports will each be posted to the SDSU Presidential Task Force Groups site.
Since November, and through the recommendations of the task force groups, SDSU has introduced a number of changes in policy and practice meant specifically to enhance a culture of safety and accountability. The changes have been made in consultation with faculty, staff, and students.
The following are among a longer list of new additions or changes (more details will be provided in both task force group reports):
- A Good Samaritan Policy. The policy was introduced to incentivize all SDSU Recognized Student Organizations including removing conduct penalties for certain alcohol and other drug violations. Student organization members are encouraged to make a priority the health and safety of the student community, and seek timely assistance from appropriate emergency personnel and SDSU staff for any student impacted by alcohol or other drugs at a student organization activity.
- New Requirements for Brotherhood and Sisterhood Events. Social fraternities and sororities, as well as Recognized Student Organizations, including Greek-lettered business and service fraternities, must adhere to new expectations for off-campus gatherings. All must identify and address potential risks, provide an hour-by-hour agenda, submit a risk management form for review, and coordinate with the national office or board to seek approval for the event. For off-campus events not held at designated fraternity/sorority house, national office and or alumni advisors must be present at the activity to help facilitate leadership events and team bonding activities.
- Restricted Times for Hosted Events. Guidelines restricting times for Interfraternity Council chapter-hosted recruitment and new member education events have been imposed, so that hosted events cannot during certain hours. Additionally, IFC-member organizations will not host recruitment or new member education events and meetings at satellite houses, and IFC-member organizations will need to provide clear guidelines for social gatherings in their bylaws.
- Hazing Policy Acknowledgement Required. Effective in Fall 2020, all social fraternities and sororities are required to provide formal acknowledgement of hazing policies.
- Members Must Participate in Educational Programming. All Interfraternity Council-member organizations are expected to participate in
the SDSU-hosted New Member Education Symposiums.
Enhanced Accreditation Program Expectations. Chapters are expected to meet or exceed the Greek Accreditation Program standard of 90 percent of new members participating in the symposium. Additionally, the overall Greek Accreditation program will be strengthened with a greater emphasis on risk management, new member education, and community wellness.
In Closing
Colleges and universities have, for years, heightened efforts to address alcohol and other drug use as, in Fall 2019, at least five fraternity deaths were reported across the nation by November. The efforts at SDSU detailed above mirror what other colleges and universities across the nation are exploring and, in some cases, go beyond them. All efforts at SDSU are designed to ensure that fraternity and sorority chapters can remain organizations through which students develop their leadership, contribute to the campus and broader community, and develop in meaningful and healthy ways.
Adela de la Torre, Ph.D.
San Diego State University President
J. Luke Wood, Ph.D.
Vice President for Student Affairs and Campus Diversity
Randy Timm, EdD
Dean of Students, Assistant Vice President for Campus Life
Update: March 9, 2020, 4:58 p.m.
On Monday, March 9, members of the San Diego State University Presidential Task Force
Groups held an open meeting to provide an opportunity for members of the campus community
to gain insight into the continued work of the two task force groups. Members from
both the Presidential Task Force on Student Activities and Safety and the Presidential
Task Force on Alcohol and Substance Misuse were present to discuss ways to enhance
the SDSU student experience including student safety and success, recommendations
to the president and to receive feedback from the public.
A formal report from the Presidential Task Force on Student Activities and Safety
is expected to be completed at the end of April. The Presidential Task Force on Alcohol
and Substance Misuse is also generating a report which is expected in July 2020.
The two task force groups were launched in November 2019 under the charge of SDSU
President Adela de la Torre. Each group was tasked with examining elements of the
student experience, given awareness of nation-wide issues related to student alcohol
and other drug abuse, as well as other risk factors facing college populations.
For those that did not have the opportunity to make a comment following the open meeting
and designated open comment period, a public comment form is available online. In November, the university launched an online comment portal on the task force
website. These comments are sent directly to the respective task force groups.
Monday’s open meeting was unrelated to the ongoing San Diego State University Police
Department (UPD) investigation. For inquiries related to the ongoing investigation,
please contact UPD.
Update: March 7, 2020, 11:24 a.m.
The following was sent via email on March 4, 2020:
Members of the San Diego State University Presidential Task Force Groups will host an open meeting on Monday, March 9. You are invited to attend the meeting, which will be held 1-2:30 p.m. in the Parma Payne Goodall Alumni Center’s Fowler Family Ballroom, 5250 55th St. Parking is located in the structure just south of the building. Refreshments will be provided during the meeting.
Please submit your RSVP via the Google Form no later than 4:30 p.m. on Friday, March 6.
If you are able to attend, please provide feedback or share questions via the online feedback form.
The Presidential Task Force on Student Activities and Safety and the Presidential Task Force on Alcohol and Substance Misuse were both launched in November 2019 under the charge of SDSU President Adela de la Torre. Each group was tasked with examining elements of the student experience, given awareness of nation-wide issues related to student alcohol and other drug abuse, as well as other risk factors facing college populations.
The forthcoming open meeting provides an opportunity for members of the campus and general communities to learn more about the work of the two task force groups.
During the meeting, members of the task force groups will provide an update on discussions about ways to enhance the SDSU student experience, to include student safety and success. Members will also present a number of recommendations and changes already implemented during the spring 2020 semester.
The Presidential Task Force on Student Activities and Safety is preparing a final report, due to de la Torre in April 2020. The Presidential Task Force on Alcohol and Substance Misuse is also generating a report and recommendations, which is slated to be shared with de la Torre in July 2020.
The SDSU Presidential Task Force Groups
Latest Updates: January 24, 2020, 3:45 p.m.
Presidential Task Force Groups Recommendations
Members of the Presidential Task Force on Student Activities and Safety have recommended three important changes to student organization policies and practices.
All three changes have been approved by SDSU’s administration and will be adopted immediately.
Full details are available on the Presidential Task Force Groups Decisions and Outcomes page.
Media Statement
The following information was shared with members of the media:
Safety of Beds
The health and safety of our students is of utmost priority. To clarify, there is no indication that the bunk and lofted beds used at the university are unsafe. We continue to comply with regulations regarding the safety requirements for student residence furniture and, should any of those requirements change, then we would comply with those new requirements as well.
While state and federal law do not have requirements for institutional bunk beds, the university, for some time, has elected to do more. As we have previously described, the university-supplied bunk beds and lofted beds are purchased from a national manufacturer of education housing furniture, Foliot Furniture. SDSU also made the earlier decision, electively as it does not come standard, to outfit each bed with a guardrail on one side of the bunk bed or lofted bed and a ladder, also purchased by Foliot Furniture, for added safety. With a rail on one side, beds are then positioned next to a wall, also for added protection.
The bed, safety rail, ladder and kits are all attached and inspected by professional maintenance personnel twice each year -- before the start of each fall semester and also during the winter break. The university conducts these inspections to ensure that they are not modified in any way by the students.
The State Fire Marshal does not have specific standards for bunk beds, however, standards do exist for all furniture and SDSU does follow those standards as noted earlier: “All lofted beds and bunk beds located within San Diego State University residence halls are produced by national manufacturers and meet California State Fire Marshal requirements.” The State Fire Marshal requirements stipulate that all furniture must be at least 18 inches from the ceiling.
Cases at SDSU
In regards to past coverage, we would like to reiterate that the details surrounding the two known bunk bed incidents that occurred over the last five years at SDSU are not known. While parents reported the two incidents, the students declined to speak with members of the housing team, and therefore did not report any issues. As previously explained, parents contacted housing in both cases to report that their student had an unspecified issue with their bunk bed. In both cases, housing contacted the student directly to ascertain the issue, and the student declined to speak to housing. No formal report and no investigation exists. For further clarity, it is not accurate to say that SDSU is declining to provide additional details; no specific details are available.
We are not able to provide additional information at this time, but please refer to the university’s Presidential Task Force Groups and IFC Decision and Investigation sites, which are both regularly updated.
Updated FAQs
Also, the FAQs below have been updated with information about lofted beds and bunk beds.
Update: January 19, 2020, 8:10 a.m.
The following information was shared with members of the media:
You are likely aware of new, local coverage into the passing of Dylan Hernandez and the ongoing IFC investigation. We would like to share details should you plan to follow the coverage.
The San Diego State University campus community whole-heartedly understands that this is a difficult time for the Hernandez family following the loss of Dylan, and they are looking for answers, as any family would. We urge anyone with information about the case to contact University Police.
University Police holds jurisdiction over the investigation, and jurisdiction is defined by law; it is not a university decision or appointment. Additionally, to support the integrity of the University Police’s ongoing investigation, the report has not been released to President de la Torre, other members of the campus administration or to members of our team within Strategic Communications and Public Affairs (StratComm). If you have questions about the police investigation, please contact University Police directly. Also, any questions about Hernandez’s death should go to University Police or the Medical Examiner.
While the University Police’s investigation focuses on potential criminal activity, SDSU maintains other processes that are investigative in nature. Regarding the investigation of the Interfraternity Council and its members, the university is investigating alleged conduct violations. The two task force groups are also investigating potential changes to protocol and process governing student activities. The university launched two public-facing websites at the end of 2019 to provide updates:
- Presidential Task Force Groups: https://president.sdsu.edu/ moving-forward/task-force-groups
- IFC Decision and Investigation: https://www.sdsu.edu/ investigation
Phi Gamma Delta was not under interim suspension in early November 2019. The fraternity was, however, under investigation for a non-alcohol related allegation that occurred prior to November.
Additionally, Student Life and Leadership (SLL), the SDSU department that oversees recognized student organizations (RSOs), does not review or oversee student or student-hosted events that occur off campus, where a party is alleged to have taken place. According to SLL, Phi Gamma Delta did not report an incident to the university.
IFC and IFC-member organizations are absolutely not permitted to host or co-host any events during the Spring 2020 term that are social in nature and/or have a presence of alcohol and other drugs. This restriction is imposed only upon IFC and IFC-member organizations; recognized student organizations, including fraternities and sororities not part of the IFC, are not impacted. IFC and IFC-member organizations are, however, permitted to engage in academic support, leadership, philanthropy, and community service in purpose and nature during the Spring 2020 term.
Regarding the IFC recruitment process during Spring 2020, the task force members are currently assessing potential changes that may impact the recruitment process. The university will consider the recommendations of task force members for implementation prior to the start of the spring recruitment process. Recognized IFC member organizations will be able to recruit members under new parameters once established.
Regarding bunk beds: Professional maintenance personnel inspect bunk bed and lofted railings on a consistent schedule to ensure that they are installed properly and meet state requirements. In the last five years, there have only been two known incidents. In both cases, a student’s parent contacted housing reporting that their student had an unspecified issue with their bunk bed. In both cases, housing contacted the student directly to ascertain the issue, and the student declined to speak to housing. Because of this, the exact issue with the bunk bed as indicated by the parent is unknown.
All lofted beds and bunk beds located within SDSU residence halls are produced by national manufacturers and meet California State Fire Marshal requirements. Colleges and universities are not required to follow U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission guidelines defining requirements for childrens’ beds.
Rails are installed on the top of all lofted beds and bunk beds in all SDSU on-campus housing. The beds and any affixed safety rails, ladders and kits are both attached and inspected by professional maintenance personnel before the start of each fall semester and also during the winter break. Guardrails are installed on one side of the bed while the other side is positioned next to a wall, in lieu of a second guardrail.
Again, please visit: https://www.sdsu.edu/ investigation. The site was updated over the winter closure and will continue to be updated as we are able to share new information.
Update: January 17, 2020, 12:40 p.m.
Since December 2019, San Diego State University has received a number of questions from community members about the existing Interfraternity Council (IFC) investigation. Members of the university's community have been responding to emails and telephone calls, and also launched two public-facing websites at the end of 2019 to provide updates:
- Presidential Task Force Groups: https://president.sdsu.edu/moving-forward/task-force-groups
- IFC Decision and Investigation: https://www.sdsu.edu/investigation
In the interest of transparency, and to provide a community update, the following seeks to answer questions and provide clarification about the IFC investigation, the task force groups, IFC social activities and also railings affixed to lofted beds and bunk beds within university residence halls.
University Police Investigation
University Police and the San Diego County District Attorney released a joint media statement on January 17, 2020.
The joint statement indicates: “Information is critical to this investigation and the University Police Department is encouraging members of the public to immediately come forward with any information related to this incident. Confidential reports can be made by emailing [email protected] or by calling (619) 594-1991.”
For details regarding the University Police investigation, visit the department’s Public Information page.
IFC Social Activities
IFC and IFC-member organizations are absolutely not permitted to host or co-host any events during the Spring 2020 term that are social in nature and/or have a presence of alcohol and other drugs. This restriction is imposed only upon IFC and IFC-member organizations; recognized student organizations, including fraternities and sororities not part of the IFC, are not impacted.
IFC and IFC-member organizations are, however, permitted to engage in academic support, leadership, brotherhood, philanthropy, and community service in purpose and nature during the Spring 2020 term.
SDSU’s IFC Investigation and the Task Force Groups
The University Police’s investigation focuses on potential criminal activity. SDSU’s further investigations into any code of conduct violations is independent of the University Police Department’s investigation.
SDSU maintains other processes that are investigative in nature. Regarding the investigation of the Interfraternity Council and its members, the university is investigating alleged conduct violations. The two Presidential Task Force Groups are also investigating potential changes to protocol and process governing student activities.
As of January 2020, the presidential task force members have begun meeting to assess issues relating to student activities and safety and also drug and alcohol use and misuse at SDSU. The members will also seek to identify additional task force members to ensure broad expertise and diverse representation among the membership. To share comments with the task force groups, fill out the feedback form online.
Also, task force members will continue to meet during the spring semester. Task forces are also permitted to recommend implementation of new changes for recognized student organizations, including the IFC and its member organizations, to be implemented prior to the end of the spring semester.
Lofted Beds and Bunk Beds
SDSU purchases its bunk beds from Foliot Furniture.
SDSU housing authorities follow-up with students directly after any reported incident in the residence halls, including issues related to railings. Also, professional maintenance personnel inspect bunk bed and lofted bed railings on a consistent schedule to ensure that they are installed properly and meet California State Fire Marshal requirements.
SDSU University Police Department Statement
November 8, 2019
On the morning of Thursday, November 7, the San Diego State University Police Department (UPD) received a 911 phone call to respond to a student in need of medical attention at a residence hall located in the 6100 block of Montezuma Road. University Police officers quickly arrived to the location of the incident and provided appropriate aid. The student was then transported to a San Diego area hospital.
UPD is investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident. Although the investigation is preliminary, UPD is taking this matter very seriously.
NOTE: As this is an ongoing investigation, UPD cannot provide additional details at this time. As more informaiton becomes available, you will find it on the UPD webpage.
SDSU Statements
November 12, 2019 (from President Adela de la Torre)
San Diego State University President Adela de la Torre issued a statement about the creation of two groups tasked with reviewing and providing recommendations regarding issues related to student organization activities and also alcohol and other drug use. Read the full statement, Announcement of Two Presidential Task Force Groups, online.
November 11, 2019 (from President Adela de la Torre)
San Diego State University President Adela de la Torre issued a statement regarding SDSU student Dylan Hernandez. Read the full statement, Tragic News to Share Regarding SDSU Student, online.
November 9, 2019 (from President Adela de la Torre)
San Diego State University President Adela de la Torre issued a statement regarding the incident and the active investigation. Read the full statement, IFC-Affiliated Chapters Suspended, Investigation Underway, online.
November 9, 2019 (from San Diego State University)
A San Diego State University fraternity is alleged to have been involved in possible misconduct on Wednesday, November 6. The incident, involving a university student, was reported to law enforcement on Thursday, November 7.
We expect all of our students to uphold our institutional values and the student code of conduct. For those involved in fraternity and sorority programs, we expect our students to also honor the policies of their local and national chapters, and the distinct values of their organizations.
Prior to this decision, six Interfraternity Council (IFC)-affiliated organizations were under suspension prior to SDSU President Adela de la Torre’s November 8 decision to suspend all IFC-affiliated chapters. However, four additional IFC organizations were already under investigation. This means that a total of 10 of the 14 IFC-affiliated organizations were under some level of elevated judicial status prior to this incident. The week’s incident would mark the 11th organization to be on interim suspension or under investigation. This factored into President de la Torre’s decision.
For further clarity, for a recognized student organization to be assigned “interim suspension or sanction” status, as outlined in the Student Organization Handbook, the Vice President for Student Affairs, or a designee, has determined that there is a perceived concern for the health and safety of a member or members of the campus community. When a student organization is under investigation, it means that the Vice President of Student Affairs or designee is currently reviewing a reported incident. Should the university find that there is a perceived concern for the health and safety of a member or members of the campus community, then the student organization would be moved from “under investigation” to “interim suspension or sanction” status.
Again, this decision only impacts the IFC and its affiliated members; the decision does not impact the National Pan-Hellenic Council, the College Panhellenic Association or the United Sorority and Fraternity Council, or the chapters affiliated with those organizations.
To learn more about the student code of conduct and how SDSU manages suspensions and investigations of student organizations, review the Student Organization Handbook online.
In addition to code regulations, orientation education and other activities are required for all social fraternity and sorority students to help them understand the serious risks to their safety. Additional programming is also required for Greek students and chapters.
###
NOTE: Read the FAQs below to learn more about suspensions, student conduct codes and what SDSU does to ensure students participating in registered student organizations, including Greek organizations, are well informed of campus policies and laws. Evidence of discrimination, disorderly behavior, alcohol being served at sponsored events, drug use, the lack of insurance at a major event, and other violations of the student code or law can lead to a suspension.
November 8, 2019 (from San Diego State University)
The San Diego State University Police Department is conducting an investigation into reports that a student required medical attention after allegedly attending a fraternity event that occurred the night of Wednesday, November 6. Out of respect for the family and due to privacy regulations, the university will not be commenting further about the student, and asks that all respect the family’s privacy during this difficult time.
Given the severity of this incident, and as the safety and wellbeing of students is a primary concern of the university, SDSU President Adela de la Torre has suspended the Interfraternity Council (IFC) and all chapter organizations under the council. This decision is effective today, Friday, November 8. The decision does not impact the National Pan-Hellenic Council, the College Panhellenic Association or the United Sorority and Fraternity Council, or the chapters affiliated with those organizations.
While under suspension, the IFC and its organizations will not be recognized and all activities will be suspended. The university will keep the organizations under suspension while it considers next steps.
The university is offering support to all of those involved and impacted. We also urge all members of our community to seek university resources as they need support. Counseling and Psychological team members are prepared to assist students on any emotional or psychological matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
About the incident and investigation
A: The San Diego State University Police Department (UPD) is conducting an investigation into reports that a student required medical attention after allegedly attending a fraternity event that occurred the night of Wednesday, November 6.
On the morning of Thursday, November 7, UPD received a 911 phone call to respond to a student in need of medical attention at a residence hall located in the 6100 block of Montezuma Road. University Police officers quickly arrived to the location of the incident and provided appropriate aid. The student was then transported to a San Diego area hospital.
A: UPD is investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident. Although the investigation is preliminary, UPD is taking this matter very seriously. As this is an ongoing investigation, UPD cannot provide additional details at this time.
A: Given the severity of this incident, and as the safety and well-being of students is a primary concern of the university, SDSU President Adela de la Torre has suspended the Interfraternity Council (IFC) and all chapter organizations under the council. The decision became effective Friday, November 8.
The decision does not impact the National Pan-Hellenic Council, the College Panhellenic Association or the United Sorority and Fraternity Council, or the chapters affiliated with those organizations.
The university is offering support to all of those involved and impacted. We also urge all members of our community to seek university resources as they need support. Counseling and Psychological team members are prepared to assist students on any emotional or psychological matters.
About SDSU President Adela de la Torre's Decision
A: Six Interfraternity Council (IFC)-affiliated organizations were already under suspension prior to SDSU President Adela de la Torre’s November 8 decision to suspend all IFC-affiliated chapters. In addition, four other IFC-affiliated organizations were already under investigation. This means that a total of 10 of the 14 IFC-affiliated organizations were under some level of elevated judicial status prior to this incident. The recent investigation would mark the 11th organization to be on interim suspension or under investigation within the IFC.
Evidence of discrimination, disorderly behavior, alcohol being served at sponsored events, drug use, the lack of insurance at a major event, and other violations of the student code or law can lead to a suspension.
This information factored into President de la Torre’s decision.
A: When the university receives reports of alleged misconduct, the reports are reviewed by university administrators to address the potential concern for the health and safety of members of the community. Reports are taken very seriously, and immediate action may be taken with the specific student organization. In cases where there is a concern for health and safety, Recognized Student Organizations (RSOs), including fraternities and sororities, may be assigned an interim sanction, such as an interim suspension.
Interim Sanction or Interim Suspension Definitions
The interim sanction addresses the alleged policy violation(s). Interim sanctions may be applied to an organization if an incident is reportedly due to their activity; occurs near their activity or chapter facility; or if a community member believes it was a fraternity activity. Some examples include a medical transport due to alcohol, a hazing allegation, and/or a reported student injury. The specific behaviors associated with the alleged violations are outlined by the interim sanction and may include restrictions on specific or all activities within the organization. The interim sanctions are imposed pending the outcome of a university investigation, which includes a review of the alleged policy violation(s) and the organization’s conduct history. Following the investigation, the organizations are adjudicated through the Student Organization Conduct Process, which determines the outcome of the investigation.
Suspension Definitions
The interim sanctions imposed on the Interfraternity Council (IFC) member organizations during the Fall 2019 term address a range of reported incidents and alleged policy violations. While the interim suspensions address concerns for health and safety, the reported incidents varied widely and did not establish a concern for the health and safety of all members of the Interfraternity Council or the SDSU broader community. Direct action was instead taken with each specific student organization. With the November 2019 incident, the university reassessed, and President de la Torre made the executive decision to take swift action to place the remaining IFC member organizations on interim suspension, pending an external review.
While interim sanctions outline specific restrictions for individual organizations, the suspension of the IFC and IFC member organizations ceases all organizational activities. A suspension is essentially a cease and desist. The university recognition of the Interfraternity Council and IFC member organizations has been suspended, along with all associated privileges including but not limited to; the ability to hold activities, continue with new members or recruitment efforts, to participate in intramural and other university activities and the ability to reserve campus facilities. The November 8, 2019 decision pertains only to the Interfraternity Council and IFC-affiliated organizations.
A: The 14 fraternity chapters affiliated with the Interfraternity Council have been suspended at SDSU, effective November 8. No other Greek organization has been suspended under this decision.
A: No. Only the IFC and its affiliated chapters have been suspended. The decision does not impact the National Pan-Hellenic Council, the College Panhellenic Association or the United Sorority and Fraternity Council, or the chapters affiliated with those organizations.
About Student Organization and Greek Life Education, Training
A: Extensive orientation education activities are required for all students to help them understand the serious risks to their safety. Additional programming is also required for Greek students and chapters.
Formal training and education include the following:
Recognized Student Organization (RSO) Leadership Training: Student Life & Leadership provides a two-hour face-to-face training seminar addressing student organization recognition, hazing, bystander intervention, campus policies and leadership development. Fraternity and sorority leaders attended the student leader training.
Also, all RSO presidents and treasurers complete four hours of conflict and inclusive diversity training.
Advisor Engagement: All fraternities and sororities are required to have a faculty/staff advisor and most have alumni/ae advisor(s). Fraternity & Sorority Life (FSL) staff engage with advisors through monthly face-to-face meetings where topics within the community are discussed. Additionally, trainings for faculty/staff advisors and alumni/ae advisors were implemented in Fall 2017.
Fall FSL Training: Each August, fraternity and sorority student leaders participate in a half-day on-campus FSL officer training with participation from each chapter and council. The curriculum is based on Chapter Management, Leadership Education & Development, and Community Wellness.
TEAM Retreat: Each January, fraternity and sorority student leaders take part in a three-day TEAM Retreat, with participation from each chapter and council. The curriculum is based on Community Wellness, Diversity Education & Inclusion, Leadership Education & Development, and Chapter Management. During TEAM, in-depth training modules focus on risk management, alcohol, other drugs, hazing, and sexual violence.
New Member Education Symposiums: All new members of social fraternities and sororities are expected to attend New Member Education. In Fall 2018, the New Member Education was restructured to the New Member Education Symposium, which included collaboration with the Well-being & Health Promotion Department. The New Member Education Symposiums feature 50-minute workshops on a range of topics.
Pre-Recruitment Education Program: New members must complete the Pre-Recruitment Education Program (PREP) prior to joining the fraternity and sorority community. The online module provides students with information on alcohol and other drugs, sexual violence, hazing, campus policies, and expectations of members of the fraternity and sorority community.
Community Wellness Workshops: Each semester, Fraternity & Sorority Life collaborates with on-campus partners to host three community wellness workshops. Campus partners who have facilitated the Community Wellness Workshops include Well-being & Health Promotion, Counseling & Psychological Services, and the University Police Department, among others.
SDSU Greek Accreditation: Recognized fraternities and sororities participate in a robust Greek Accreditation program that evaluates individual chapters on the espoused values of Fraternity & Sorority Life: Academic Achievement, Alumni & Family Relations, Chapter Management, Community Relations, Community Wellness, Diversity Education & Inclusion, Leadership Education & Development, and Philanthropy & Service. To address the standards within Greek accreditation, fraternities and sororities participate in programs, trainings, and events across campus and with their inter/national organizations.
Two additional programs are offered: FratMANers & SISSTER:
- FratMANers is a peer health education program specifically for SDSU fraternity members. Its goal is to increase awareness about rape, potential rape situations and sexually coercive behavior while decreasing the acceptance of rape myths.
- SISSTER is a peer health education program specifically for SDSU sorority members. This program aims to train sorority women to be successful leaders in sexual violence awareness, prevention, intervention, and survivor support. The students who are trained in both programs facilitate sexual violence prevention and education work on campus in formal/informal settings.
Evidence of discrimination, disorderly behavior, alcohol being served at sponsored events, drug use, the lack of insurance at a major event, and other violations of the student code or law can lead to a suspension.
About University Support Services
San Diego State University is offering counseling support through Counseling and Psychological Services, in student housing, and also to fraternity members. The following information pertains to support available to any student, faculty or staff member in need.
A: Students who need support may contact: Dean of Students Randy Timm via [email protected] or 619-594-5211; therapists at Counseling and Psychological Services by calling 619-594-5220 or by emailing [email protected] or by calling the San Diego 24-hour Access and Crisis Line by dialing 888-724-7240.
A: Information, resources and tools are available for faculty and staff by calling 1-800-342-8111.
A: If you are reporting an emergency that requires immediate assistance, please dial 9-1-1.
As the University Police Department relies on information from the community, you can report a tip or share information by calling 619-594-1991 or by emailing [email protected]. You may remain anonymous.
Lofted Beds and Bunk Beds
Yes. All lofted beds and bunk beds located within San Diego State University residence halls are produced by national manufacturers and meet California State Fire Marshal requirements. Rails are installed on the top of all lofted beds and bunk beds in all SDSU on-campus housing. The beds and any affixed safety rails, ladders and kits are both attached and inspected by professional maintenance personnel before the start of each fall semester and also during the winter break.
Additional health and safety checks in rooms also occur during the academic year, as outlined by SDSU Housing terms and conditions, available online via Student Housing License Agreement Terms & Conditions 2019-2020.
The university community is devastated by the passing of Dylan Hernandez. We continue to offer support to students, faculty and staff, whether they are directly or indirectly affected by Hernandez’s passing. Information about support resources, and other information and details, are available via a centralized site: sdsu.edu/investigation. We continue to provide updates to the site as regularly as possible.
A: Yes. There is no indication that bunk and lofted beds used at SDSU are unsafe. We continue to comply with regulations regarding the safety requirements for student residence furniture and, should any of those requirements change, then we would comply with those new requirements as well.
While state and federal law do not have requirements for institutional bunk beds, the university, for some time, has elected to do more. As we have previously described, the university-supplied bunk beds and lofted beds are purchased from a national manufacturer of education housing furniture, Foliot Furniture. SDSU also made the earlier decision, electively as it does not come standard, to outfit each bed with a guardrail on one side of the bunk bed or lofted bed and a ladder, also purchased by Foliot Furniture, for added safety. With a rail on one side, beds are then positioned next to a wall, also for added protection.
The bed, safety rail, ladder and kits are all attached and inspected by professional maintenance personnel twice each year -- before the start of each fall semester and also during the winter break. The university conducts these inspections to ensure that they are not modified in any way by the students.
Other Questions
Task force members were selected in a variety of different ways. As President de la Torre and her leadership team have a number of conversations and received recommendations for both researchers and scholars and also content experts on our own campus. Also, individuals within Student Affairs, Faculty Affairs and Associated Students were directly consulted about possible members, and shared recommendations. Additionally, a number of individuals reached out to the Office of the President directly to inquire about serving.
Possibly. Each of the task force members have been charged with eliciting additional external task force members. Identifying additional content experts will be an explicit part of the work of both task force groups.
It is hugely important that the task force group members have both a deep knowledge and awareness of the SDSU campus community and culture, and also knowledge of broader issues and concerns within the higher education system. This will help ensure that the recommendations presented by both task force groups will be research-informed best practices that are both viable and sustainable for our SDSU community. Each task force group may opt to identify additional internal and external members based on their background and experience directly addressing alcohol and other drug use and misuse issues.
Support Resources
For students
Students needing support may contact:
Assistant Vice President for Campus Life & Dean of Students
Randy Timm
[email protected]
619-594-5211
Counseling and Psychological Services
Therapists are available at Counseling and Psychological Services by calling 619-594-5220.
San Diego 24-hour Access and Crisis Line
Students can also call the San Diego 24-hour Access and Crisis Line by calling 888-724-7240.
For employees
Faculty and staff may call the University's Employee Assistance Program (EAP) administered by Aetna at 800-342-8111 for confidential, round-the-clock counseling, or visiting the Employee Assistance Program website.
University-sponsored medical insurance plans may provide additional counseling, treatment, or rehabilitation programs. Contact your medical insurance provider for more information. All contact is confidential.
Information for media
This page is kept current with information related to the suspension decision, task force groups and investigation. Please return frequently.
If you are seeking data or reports, please review information via SDSU's requesting public records webpage.
Media Contacts (General Inquiries)
La Monica Everett-Haynes
Interim Associate Vice President and Chief Communications Officer
Strategic Communications and Public Affairs
[email protected]
Cory Marshall
Interim Director of Media Relations
Strategic Communications and Public Affairs
[email protected]
Media Contact (Police Investigation)
Raquel Herriott
University Police Department
Community and Media Relations
Special Advisor to the Chief
619-594-1341 [email protected]