WVU suspends, reprimands fraternities in wake of hazing, fighting allegations

Community Bulletin

Foot and ankle pain no longer means a long drive. Vandalia Health Foot & Ankle now treats patients in four central West Virginia towns — Buckhannon, Cowen, Elkins and Philippi — part of the network long known as Davis Health System. Read more →

This story brought to you paywall-free, courtesy of the My Buckhannon team and our community partners

West Virginia University has suspended one fraternity and reprimanded three others after investigations into a hazing allegation and recent fights

Delta Chi is serving a three-year suspension effective immediately related to a hazing incident reported in February. As a result, the fraternity has lost its official WVU recognition and Delta Chi’s international headquarters has also removed its recognition of the local chapter.

The chapter may apply for reinstatement after August 2025, a process which includes a variety of educational requirements.

Three other fraternities were sanctioned related to violations of WVU’s Student Conduct Code related to fighting. Phi Sigma Phi received a disciplinary reprimand and was also placed on probation by its national headquarters. Phi Kappa Psi and Sigma Nu also received disciplinary reprimands – a written notice of violation that becomes part of the official University record.

Each of the three fraternities must also participate in educational programming including de-escalation training.

Jen Kesling

“The Center for Fraternal Values and Leadership, along with the University administration, takes every allegation seriously and we work diligently to create a safe, positive atmosphere for our chapters and their members,” said Matthew Richardson, director of the Center and chair of the WVU Hazing Prevention Task Force. “When a chapter or member falls short of our expectations and the rules, we want to do all we can to make sure it doesn’t happen again.”

Additionally, nine individuals have also been taken through the Student Conduct process for violations resulting from the hazing incident and fighting. Sanctions range from deferred suspension to one-year probation and continued monitoring by the Office of Student Conduct.

Visit safety.wvu.edu for more resources on hazing. Additional resources about hazing prevention efforts at WVU are also available at greeklife.wvu.edu. Reports may be made anonymously. 

Read more about the WVU Student Conduct Code.

Review the current status of fraternity and sorority chapters at WVU.

Local Businesses

WVU Medicine St. Joseph's Hospital
Wilson Martino Dental

Recent Stories

Upshur County Sports Calendar

Upshur County’s Sept. 21-27 sports calendar features football, soccer, golf, volleyball, cross country, swimming and tennis. Buckhannon-Upshur and West Virginia Wesleyan teams compete throughout the week, with no events Sunday.