Sadly, a number of recent news reports have detailed deaths and other incidents involving fraternities and universities across the country. In a number of well-publicized instances, the universities involved have suspended all Greek Life on the respective campuses.

FAU has no on-campus Greek housing. As such, it is impossible to make an “apples to apples” comparison to these national events.

I am proud to say FAU is home to a healthy and vibrant Greek Life community. Our fraternities and sororities conduct more than 8,000 hours of community service each academic year. These activities support a number of local agencies, including Boca Helping Hands, Big Dog Ranch, and In Jacob’s Shoes. FAU fraternities and sororities also participate in national programs, such as the Alzheimer’s Walk and Dance Marathon, which supports Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. The latter raised more than $240,000 this past year.

However, this does not mean FAU is immune to events of the nature that have occurred elsewhere. The expectations of how our student body conducts itself are very high, and the conduct of our fraternities and sororities is no exception. FAU has a zero-tolerance policy for behavior that is illegal, or violates university policies or procedures.

I am very proud of FAU’s “See Something, Say Something” initiative. For all FAU students, faculty and staff, it is vital we have a culture where people can safely report any event they see that concerns them. Please take this to heart.

For more information on reporting incidents, contact the FAU Police silent witness program, or use the Dean of Students Office’s FAU Incident Reporting Form.

Also, the FAU Guardian mobile app enables users to create a virtual safety net of friends, family and police by transforming their mobile phones into personal safety devices. Whenever students, faculty or staff at FAU connect with campus police from their mobile phone, the app automatically delivers a complete caller profile, including current location, medical conditions, course schedule, addresses, campus ID photo, and other critical data provided by the user.

We have strong values at this university, and it is everyone’s responsibility to uphold them. It is my great desire that all students enjoy their time here and live life to the fullest. Let’s do so responsibly.