Exploratory Research

A study of how sorority and fraternity campus professionals and inter/national headquarters staff recognize initial early indicators and identify different forms of hazing. Researchers asked a variety of professionals to identify patterns and warning signs of early hazing before it escalates into dangerous forms resulting in harm and tragedy.

• Researchers: Pietro Sasso, Piazza Center Research Fellow; Emily Feuer, Piazza Center Scholar, University of Albany; and Dawn Maynen, Piazza Center
• Status: Focus group phase complete. Creating a national survey and collecting Data fall 2022- spring 2023

The study is a three-year collaboration between Piazza Center, the Gordie Center at the University of Virginia and the With Us Center at Cal Poly. More than a dozen experts, six institutions, and a proven set of research guidelines promises to yield sound professional practices in the crucial areas of hazing and hazardous drinking prevention

• Researchers:
  • Robert Turrisi, Professor of Biobehavioral Health and Prevention Research Center, Penn State University;
  • Patrick Biddix, Professor of Higher Education, University of Tennessee Knoxville;
  • Jason Kilmer Associate Professor in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Washington;
  • Pietro Sasso, Assistant Professor, Educational Leadership at Stephen F. Austin University;
  • James Barber, Associate Professor and Senior Associate Dean for Academic Programs, College of William & Mary; and
  • Monica Lee Miranda, Consultant
• Status: Collecting data fall 2022- spring 2023.

Organization accountability practices, philosophies, and procedures are crucial to the health, safety, and success of students and chapters. Yet, there is a shocking lack of literature on what guides professionals in student organization and fraternity and sorority accountability. The Piazza Center aims to close that gap with a series of studies that will identify current models, assess their effectiveness, and improve professional practice for stronger chapters and safer campuses

• Researchers: Pietro Sasso, Piazza Center; Dawn Maynen, Piazza Center; and Christopher Zacharda, Tulane University
• Status: Focus group phase complete. Creating a national survey and collecting Data fall 2022- spring 2023

There is an immense amount of learning occurring in fraternity and sorority life experience. It is time we measure and document it. The project is identifying, mapping, assessing, and codifying the learning that takes place within the fraternity and sorority experience. Beginning with the work of a high-level concept team the project is on track for a fall roll-out following a review period by organizational partners and experts this spring and summer.

• Researchers/Concept Team:
  • Gianina Baker, Acting Director, National Institute for Learning Outcomes Assessment (NILOA), University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign;
  • James Barber, Associate Professor and Senior Associate Dean for Academic Programs, William & Mary;
  • Amber Garrison Duncan, Executive Vice President, Competency-Based Education Network;
  • Mike Simmons, Strategic Projects Manager, AACRAO Consulting;
  • Mary Howard Hamilton, Department Chair of Educational Leadership at Indiana State and recent chair of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. research committee;
  • Bob Orndorff, Senior Director of Career Services and Affiliate Associate Professor Counselor Education, Penn State University;
  • Amelia Parnell, Vice President for Research and Policy, National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA);
  • Rodney L. Parks, University Registrar and Assistant Vice President, Elon University; and
  • Matthew Pittinsky, CEO of Parchment
• Status:  Conducting literature reviews and meeting with the concept team to design studies.

Campus incivility is on the rise at the same time that empathy is diminishing. Fraternities and sororities leverage networks and experiences to improve civility, social apathy, and civic engagement. The Piazza Center has initiated a concept team to explore civic engagement in fraternal organizations. We seek to improve and enhance social connectivity among members and groups to focus on stronger and safer organizations and highlight the caring, humanity, altruism, and ethical leadership that is a significant part of the fraternity and sorority story.  

• Researchers/Concept Team:
  • Matt Baggetta, Associate Professor School of Public & Environmental Affairs and the Observing Civic Engagement Project, Indiana University;
  • Cassie L. Barnhardt, Associate Professor & Director of Graduate Studies, Educational Policy & Leadership Studies, University Iowa;
  • Vivienne Felix, Director of the Center for Professional and Career Pathways, Washington and Jefferson and Piazza Center Scholar;
  • Spencer Long, Senior Director of Member Education and Development, Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity;
  • Andy Morgan, Dean of Students, Indiana State University;
  • Eric Norman, Consultant;
  • Lindsey Perry, Coordinator of Fraternity and Sorority Life, Austin Peay University; and
  • Jodi Radosh, Associate Professor of English & Communication and Associate Director Holleran Center for Community Engagement Co-chair, Alvernia University
• Status:  Conducting literature reviews and meeting with the concept team to design studies.

Partnership with the National Panhellenic Conference.

• Researchers: Georgianna Martin, University of Georgia; Michael Goodman, the University of Texas at Austin; Kimberly Davis, Piazza Center.
• Status: Writing up findings from the first study and launching the second study in fall 2022.

In a partnership with seven other organizations, the Piazza Center will engage in a range of studies to better understand Jewish identities, the impact anti-Semitism in fraternity and sorority life, and the importance Jewish fraternities and sororities on member sense of belonging. This partnership seeks to enhance the student experience, students’ capacity to lead in diverse communities, and those support Jewish organizations and members through professional practice.

• Researchers: Pietro Sasso, Piazza Center Research Fellow; Kimberly Davis, Piazza Center; and associated researchers.
• Status:  Conducting literature reviews and meeting with the concept team to design studies.