Fraternities Impose Social Moratorium at Beginning of Fall

To further reduce the possibility of COVID-19’s spread in the San Diego State University community, members of the Interfraternity Council voted to impose a social moratorium this fall.

Voted on and approved the evening of Aug. 20, the self-imposed social moratorium requires that all IFC recruitment events be held virtually, with no in-person interactions. Also, all social events that violate public health and safety guidelines established by the county and state are banned.

“The fact of the matter is that COVID-19 is currently a very real concern in our SDSU community,” wrote Lee Abed, SDSU Interfraternity Council (IFC) president, in a message to all council members.
 
Given county guidance and COVID-19 case data indicating that additional cases within the community are likely, Abed said, it became apparent that the social moratorium was needed.

“Because of this, we would like to ensure that our community sees COVID-19 have as little of an impact as possible,” Abed said. “Therefore, out of an abundance of caution, we have decided to halt all social events effective immediately.”

The social moratorium is imposed upon the IFC and IFC members only; the social moratorium does not influence the College Panhellenic Association, the National Pan-Hellenic Council, or the United Sorority and Fraternity Council.

The newly enacted social moratorium policy further specifies that fraternities may not host social events, formal or informal, at chapter facilities or in a satellite house. Chapters found in violation of these guidelines will be referred to the IFC Judicial Board for review.

“It is not surprising that students are taking a leadership stance on this and providing clear direction that in-person gatherings will not be tolerated,”said Caryl Montero-Adams, SDSU’s director of student life and leadership.

“Students have a strong legacy of responsible leadership on our campus and recognize the response to COVID-19 is a shared responsibility," Montero-Adams said.

“We are very proud of this work, and are pleased that we continue to work in partnership with students to help contribute to individual well-being and overall community health.”

COVID-19 Resources

SDSU has taken a sweeping approach to preparing for the fall during the ongoing pandemic, and has amassed a large and diverse range of resources for students, faculty and staff, and also imposed new policies. They include the following: 

• A special training has been designed specifically for students. Any student who will come to campus or take an in-person class is asked to take the time to review the training.

• Daily health screenings are available to students utilizing Presence, a campus engagement platform. Students are asked to complete this self-screening every day before coming to campus.

• Facial coverings are required by SDSU this fall, and with very limited exceptions.

• The COVID-19 site contains general information and guidance, including information about prevention, and an archive of campus emails, among other resources.

• The COVID-19 Case Communications Protocol page defines how SDSU manages COVID-19 cases.

• SDSU is reporting and documenting known positive COVID-19 cases on its properties.

• The COVID-19 Weekly Digest, sent on Fridays, provides public health information and reminders and also provides updates on positive COVID-19 cases within the SDSU community.

• The SDSU Health Commitment is a voluntary, individual pledge to adhere to public health guidelines. Students, faculty and staff are invited to sign.