UNLV today announced findings from an independent review of policies and procedures for the university’s more than 350 Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) – including its fraternities and sororities. More than 11,000 of UNLV's 30,000-plus students participate in RSOs.
The 27-page report, prepared by Washington, D.C.-based NASPA Advisory Services, is the result of a Nov. 19 off-campus fraternity boxing fundraiser in which UNLV student Nathan Valencia died following injuries sustained as a participant in the charity event.
The university requested that NASPA independently assess how RSO policies, procedures, and practices at UNLV align with national best practices in areas related to safety, well-being, and event management. The university cooperated fully in the review this spring, providing access to documents and data for analysis. NASPA also conducted staff interviews, developed a student survey and received comments.
The NASPA report highlighted 20 recommendations for consideration and included items such as increase required training for all Registered Student Organizations, including Fraternity and Sorority Organizations; ensure regular, annual review of all guiding documents for RSOs, including agreements that articulate the partnership between Greek chapters, governing councils, and the university; consider a registration or review process for off-campus events that is comparable to existing models for on-campus events; review staffing models and consider creating new positions to oversee Fraternity and Sorority Life; clarify faculty and advisor roles regarding RSOs and Fraternity and Sorority Organizations; and develop a method to regularly communicate the expectations for RSOs with all members of the community, among others.
“We appreciate the thorough work of NASPA and are committed to a full review of all the recommendations,” said Dr. Keith E. Whitfield, UNLV President. “The report contains a lot of quality information and we’ll determine what measures are best for our ever-changing university to ensure that all of our RSOs function safely, effectively, and with the best interest of our students at the forefront.
"The goal and our commitment to this process lies in never having a tragedy like that of Nathan Valencia happen again, and we extend our deepest sympathy for the pain and loss felt by the family and friends of Nathan as we continue to mourn his passing.”
NASPA Advisory Services offers guidance to universities nationwide on matters related to student affairs. It’s part of a national association of student affairs administrators in higher education. Read NASPA’s full external review of UNLV’s Registered Student Organization Policies and Procedures.
