I am writing to provide information regarding the resumption of Greek-related programming and
activities.
Following the January 28 message from President John Simon and Vice President for Student
Affairs Ricardo Hall instituting a pause on all IFC and Panhellenic social activity and new
member activities, we have been pleased with the progress students have made in working
collaboratively toward a positive resolution and fostering long-term enhancements to the culture
of the fraternity and sorority community at Lehigh.
As of this afternoon, we have finished reviewing the plans created by Panhellenic, IFC and
collectively between the three council presidents. President Simon and Dr. Hall have also
reviewed these plans and are supportive of the path forward. All plans propose implementation
timelines that will initiate action with new expectations for the community as we move beyond
the pause. Students are in agreement that they will be held accountable to the action items that
specifically address the health and safety concerns that resulted in the initial pause.
We are confident that the new parameters and expectations set forth by the councils outline an
excellent review of the issues and corresponding solutions. Now the responsibility and
accountability of living these values and upholding the implementation timeline is with each
individual who is a part of this community. We are invested in supporting students as they begin
to implement their plan and will encourage them to embrace peer accountability through their
chapter and council procedures.
As outlined in the last update, there has been additional important work happening to enhance
the fraternity and sorority community at Lehigh. This afternoon we concluded a summit for
headquarters staff and designated alumni advisors. The program allowed all parties to define
critical action items necessary to move forward as partners and to identify specific target areas
to prioritize in the short-term and long-term. We are pleased by the outcome and productive
conversation, which points to the investment by Lehigh and our partners in the success of our
fraternity and sorority community.
With regard to the resumption of social activity and new member processes for the IFC and
Panhellenic chapters, meetings are being held with those directly impacted by the resumption of
activities as we move beyond the pause. In order to move forward, it is important that all
members of the fraternity and sorority community contribute to the solutions that have been
identified over the course of the past four weeks.
I look forward to working with you toward our shared vision of a healthy and thriving fraternity
and sorority community at Lehigh.
Sincerely,
Chloe Abshire
Assistant Dean/Director of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs
Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs
Lehigh University
University Center B013
610.758.4157
infrasor@lehigh.edu
