Winthrop University is committed to the health, safety, and well-being of our students. As part of our dedication to transparency and compliance with the Stop Campus Hazing Act, this report provides information on any hazing-related conduct cases involving fraternities, sororities, clubs, and student organizations adjudicated through the Dean of Students Office.
Hazing undermines the values of respect, leadership, and personal growth that Winthrop University strives to uphold. Every student has the right to participate in campus life without fear of intimidation, coercion, or harm. By fostering a culture of accountability and awareness, we aim to create a safe and supportive environment where students can fully engage in their academic and extracurricular pursuits. As part of their commitment to Winthrop’s Dedication for Excellence, students are expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity and responsibility, ensuring that all campus organizations reflect the values of respect and community.
The Stop Campus Hazing Act requires institutions to provide clear and accessible information about hazing incidents, reinforcing students' ability to make informed decisions when considering membership in student organizations. We urge all students to review this report carefully to assess whether organizations align with the values and expectations set forth by the university and to promote a culture of accountability and respect.
Organization: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Date of Incident: November 18th, 2025
Start Date of Investigation: November 20th, 2025
Organization Charge Date: December 16th, 2025
Charges:
In an incident report dated November 18, 2025 it is alleged that members of the Mu Xi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. engaged in unauthorized extra practices involving sleep deprivation, physical exertion, intimidation, verbal harassment, and mandatory tracking, which constitute potential violations of hazing and the membership intake plan.
Sanctions: December 16th, 2025
After consideration of the information presented at the hearing, the following outlines the charges and findings for possible violations of the code of conduct. Prohibited Conduct, in the Student Conduct Code 2025-2026 Student Handbook:
—Responsible
-- Not Responsible
As a result of the hearing the sanctions imposed upon you are as follows:
The Mu Xi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated is suspended from all membership intake activities for a period of one (1) calendar year, effective for the Spring 2026 and Fall 2026 semesters. During this time, the chapter is prohibited from engaging in any activities related to membership intake, including but not limited to interest meetings, rush or informational sessions, recruitment events, or any actions intended to identify, select, or prepare potential new members. Membership intake activities may not resume until the suspension period has concluded and all imposed sanctions have been fully satisfied.
The Mu Xi Chapter is placed on social suspension for a period of one (1) year, effective for the Spring 2026 and Fall 2026 semesters. During this suspension, the chapter is prohibited from hosting, sponsoring, or participating in any social or public-facing events. This includes, but is not limited to, social events or parties, stroll-offs, yard shows, step shows, joint programming with other organizations, and participation in campus-wide Greek social showcases or competitions. The chapter may not engage in any activities that would reasonably be perceived as a social or performance-based event during this period.
The Mu Xi Chapter is required to complete mandatory risk management education each semester for one (1) academic year, covering the Spring 2026 and Fall 2026 semesters. These trainings must be approved by the Dean of Students Office and/or the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life and will focus on topics including, but not limited to, hazing prevention, organizational accountability, bystander intervention, and compliance with institutional and national organization policies. All active chapter members are required to attend and participate in each semester’s training.
The Mu Xi Chapter is required to participate in one (1) mandatory mental health workshop within one year of the sanction issuance. This workshop must be facilitated by a representative from Counseling Services or an approved mental health professional and should focus on mental wellness, accountability, healing, and the impact of organizational harm on individuals and the broader community. Attendance and participation by all active chapter members is required.
The Mu Xi Chapter is required to participate in three (3) check-in meetings with the Dean of Students Office over the course of one (1) year. These check-ins will be used to monitor compliance with all imposed sanctions, assess organizational progress, and ensure ongoing accountability. Additionally, these meetings will serve to confirm that the complainant continues to feel supported, respected, and embraced by the chapter. Dates and formats for these meetings will be determined by the Dean of Students Office and Mu Xi Leadership.
The Mu Xi Chapter is required to participate in mandatory restorative mediation involving designated representatives of the chapter, the complainant, and the Dean of Students Office. This mediation must take place in January 2026 and will be facilitated by the Dean of Students Office or a designated restorative practices facilitator. The purpose of this mediation is to address harm, promote accountability, and establish expectations for respectful and appropriate engagement moving forward. Participation in this mediation is required. This meeting may count as one of the check-ins.
