Miami U panel recommends tougher student group standards after sororities’ unruly behavior

Miami U: Tougher student group standards needed

OXFORD, Ohio — Tougher conduct standards are being recommended for student groups at an Ohio university after three sororities were punished for unruly behavior.

A task force report released Friday by Miami University in southwest Ohio includes a recommendation of mandatory minimum sanctions for groups violating the school’s hazing policy and mandatory sanctions for groups guilty of alcohol violations.

The report says punishments for individual student misbehavior — such as community service and suspensions — need to be adapted to address misbehavior by an entire student organization.

Miami suspended two sororities and put a third on probation after reports of drunken shenanigans and damage involving spring formals. Leaders of Miami’s fraternities and sororities adopted new rules for off-campus social events.

A university spokeswoman says a student affairs council will review the recommendations before submitting them for school approval.