Utah State University has terminated its relationship with Epsilon Upsilon Chapter of Sigma Nu in connection with the tragic death of Michael Starks in November. The university reached a similar conclusion last week to discontinue its association with the Alpha Gamma Chapter of Chi Omega, closed Jan. 21 by the governing council of the national organization.
USU President Announces Formation of Task Force ( Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2009)
Utah State University President Stan L. Albrecht announced today [Jan. 7, 2009] the formation of a task force to review university policy relating to the operation of student organizations at all of its campuses. This decision was made on the heels of charges filed Friday [Jan. 2, 2009] by the Cache County Attorney’s Office in connection with the alcohol-related death of USU student Michael Starks.
“President Albrecht and the entire USU community are deeply troubled by the tragic circumstances surrounding the death of one of our students,” said Provost Raymond T. Coward. “It has been heart-wrenching and devastating for all of us, and we are committed to doing everything in our power to ensure that such a tragedy is not repeated.”
Coward said the university rightfully waited to take further actions until the police and county attorney’s office had reached its conclusion and issued charges.
“The president considered it one of the first orders of business to convene a meeting with top university officials on the first business day of the school year to discuss the appropriate next steps that we would take,” Coward said. “The actions we are taking are based on new information that has emerged from the criminal investigations.”
At that meeting, three decisions were reached, including the formation of a task force. In addition, as announced Monday, the university will continue to strictly adhere to university policies that deal with infractions of its Student Code. It also launched an official university investigation into the actions of the fraternities and sororities involved in the tragic death. If deemed appropriate, the university will take additional actions as a result of those investigations.
“The task force will assume an important role in helping the university to examine its policies relating to the operation of student clubs and organizations,” Coward said. “The task force will be charged to make a careful and thorough review of the current procedures and make recommendations to the president in terms of where it can bolster university safeguards.”
In addition to the university’s Greek chapters, USU has hundreds of academic, social, recreational, service and other student groups. All of these organizations are required to comply with the university’s Student Code, which includes the prohibition of hazing and underage drinking.
“Our interest is to ensure that we are doing all that is within our power to keep our students safe,” Coward said. “The death of one of our students is more than reason for us to review and examine every aspect of our policies. If there are steps we can take to help us better ensure that we are doing all we can to prevent future tragic losses, we will steadfastly pursue those actions.”
Contacts: Dr. Raymond T. Coward, 435-797-1167; John DeVilbiss, 435-7979-1358
Utah State University Statement (Monday, Jan. 5, 2009)
We are now reviewing the police investigation and subsequent charges from the county attorney’s office relevant to our own examination surrounding the death of Michael Starks.
Our focus is to adhere to university policies that deal with infractions of the Student Code. That process is currently under way.
The university student code has a policy against hazing that mirrors state law. An administrative student disciplinary process will be carried out against any of our students who may have hazed other USU students or violated other sections of the Student Code. This pertains to both individuals and organizations.
This disciplinary process is not open to the public under the requirements of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). The victim’s family, however, will be notified of the final outcome of the disciplinary process.
Utah State University Statement (Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2008)
In response to the tragic death of freshman student Michael Starks, President Stan Albrecht announced the University is indefinitely suspending Sigma Nu Fraternity and Chi Omega Sorority as student organizations at Utah State University. President Albrecht has also instructed the university attorney to conduct an investigation and initiate appropriate action in accordance with the USU Student Code, which specifically prohibits hazing of, or by, USU students.
Utah State University Statement (Monday, Nov. 24, 2008)
The death of freshman student Michael Starks is a tragedy, and our first priority and concern continues to be with his family.
As a university community, we grieve the loss of this young man. At this time, we do not know all of the circumstances that led to his untimely death but are aware that alcohol was involved. We recognize there are numerous questions and considerable conjecture surrounding his death. Emotions understandably are running high, but we urge restraint in reaching conclusions before all the facts are known. The investigation is being done by the Logan City Police Department. We are still waiting for the results of that investigation.
News Release (Friday, Nov. 21, 2008)Utah State University freshman Michael Starks, 18, of Salt Lake City, died early Friday morning [Nov. 21, 2008] at Logan Regional Hospital.
The Logan City police are still investigating the incident. Starks lived in Mountain View Towers at USU.
Starks was associated with the Sigma Nu fraternity. According to a press release issued by the national office of the organization, the fraternity has temporarily suspended all activities of the USU chapter. The suspension is a standard measure and will remain in place until more information is gathered, said Brad Beacham, Sigma Nu executive director.
“This is alarming and tragic,” said John DeVilbiss, executive director of USU Public Relations and Marketing. “We are shocked and saddened. Our first priority is with the family of this young man who lost his life, and our deepest condolences go out to his family and friends.”
DeVilbiss said the university is in the early stages of reviewing the incident, and it is working with law enforcement agencies to determine exactly what happened. Starks was pronounced dead around 3 a.m.
University personnel met Friday at noon with the entire Greek community on campus, and school counselors have met with members of the Sigma Nu fraternity.
Starks was majoring in general studies and graduated from Judge Memorial in Salt Lake City.
Contact: John DeVilbiss (435) 797-1358, (cell) 770-0511, john.devilbiss@usu.edu
