Cal State Northridge alters recruitment policies for Greek organizations

Greek organizations and other clubs must submit student recruitment plans in advance and have members participate in new training programs, according to guidelines released by Cal State Northridge on Tuesday.

The moves come after a 19-year-old student died earlier this summer during a fraternity pledge hike. Armando Villa was walking with other Pi Kappa Phi pledges off Big Tujunga Canyon Road and passed out along the trail after they apparently ran out of water, according to his family and authorities.

Villa had completed his first year at the school.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and college administrators are conducting investigations. Villa’s family say that he was hazed during and before the hike; fraternity officials have said they are also looking into the incident and that hazing is not allowed.

The fraternity has been suspended from all activities, according to university officials.

Once plans are submitted to university officials, they will be reviewed and approved by school advisors. Prospective new members will undergo classes before participating in rush or other recruitment events, and all current members will also undergo training.

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