I write to inform the campus community that the Greek letter organization Theta Chi has been dismissed following a university investigation that began in the wake of the tragic death off campus last year of one of its members.
Greek letter organizations are affiliated with the campus as student organizations. Our action means Theta Chi is no longer recognized by our university and is no longer eligible to organize or recruit members.
The investigation revealed deeply appalling behavior—hazing, drug use, and more—that does not represent the values of our university. We have dismissed one member of Theta Chi and several others may face serious discipline. We also have notified the group’s national organization of our findings, and the organization has revoked the chapter’s charter. The chapter had been on an interim suspension during our investigation.
Our deepest condolences go out to the student’s family and friends for their unimaginable loss and for the terrible circumstances that surrounded his death.
UC Santa Cruz has zero-tolerance for hazing, which is at odds with our community values and against campus policy. All Greek letter organizations receive a full training about this policy and the law at the start of each academic year, and in light of our investigation, we’ve underscored our expectations for all student organizations.
We seek to foster a safe and inclusive community that supports all our students during their time with UC Santa Cruz. Anyone who is aware of any hazing or troubling activity is encouraged to reach out to the Dean of Students at 831-459-4446 and deanofstudents@ucsc.edu or UC Santa Cruz Police Department at 831-459-2231 ext. 1.
