Investigating Student Conduct and Safety at UTSA: A Comprehensive Overview

The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) is dedicated to fostering a secure and supportive educational environment for all members of its community. This commitment entails strict adherence to policies prohibiting hazing and a comprehensive approach to addressing incidents that compromise student safety and well-being. This article delves into UTSA's policies on hazing, recent investigations into student organizations, and measures in place to ensure student conduct and community standards are upheld. Furthermore, it touches upon instances of violence affecting UTSA students, highlighting the university's broader efforts to safeguard its community.

UTSA's Stance on Hazing

UTSA has a zero-tolerance policy toward hazing, recognizing it as a violation of both university regulations and the law. The university emphasizes that participation in hazing activities, whether on or off campus, can lead to severe consequences, including arrest, prosecution, and disciplinary action. Such disciplinary actions may include suspension or expulsion for students and the revocation of an organization's registration or recognition by the university.

Defining Hazing

To accurately determine whether conduct constitutes hazing, UTSA adheres to a specific definition that outlines the necessary components. This definition serves as a framework for assessing alleged incidents and ensuring consistent application of the university's anti-hazing policy.

Consequences of Hazing

Student organizations found in violation of the Student Code of Conduct regarding hazing face sanctions. Individual students who participate in hazing activities can also face sanctions. The severity of the sanction will depend on many factors, with leaders and organizers of such activities facing the most significant repercussions.

According to law, a person can commit a hazing offense not only by engaging in a hazing activity but also by soliciting, directing, encouraging, aiding, or attempting to aid another in hazing; by intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly allowing hazing to occur; or by failing to report in writing to the Dean of Students firsthand knowledge that a hazing incident is planned or has occurred.

Read also: UTSA Student Population

Recent Hazing Investigations at UTSA

Several student organizations at UTSA have recently been investigated for alleged hazing violations. These investigations underscore the university's commitment to enforcing its anti-hazing policy and ensuring a safe environment for all students. Some notable cases include:

Alpha Tau Omega- Iota Epsilon Chapter: Placed under investigation in May 2025 for alleged hazing violations. The University opened up an investigation on Alpha Tau Omega - Iota Epsilon Chapter in June 2024 for alleged violations to the Student Code of Conduct and Student Organization Relationship Statement. The Chapter was found responsible for Hazing and University Rules and Regulations and received a disciplinary warning in August 2024.
Phi Delta Theta - Texas Xi Chapter: Placed on interim suspension in April 2025 for alleged hazing violations.
The Beta Chapter of the Gamma Beta Fraternity: Placed on interim suspension in February 2025 for alleged hazing violations. The Beta Chapter of the Gamma Beta Fraternity was placed on interim suspension in September 2024 for alleged violations of the Student Code of Conduct and the Student Organization Relationship Statement. 21-22 202 (A) 10. 21-22 202 (A) 12. 21-22 202 (A) 13. 202 (A) 2. 21-22 202 (A) 10. 202 (A) 2.
Sigma Pi- Iota Delta Chapter: Placed on interim suspension in January 2025 for alleged hazing violations.
Alpha Phi Alpha - Epsilon Sigma Chapter: Placed under investigation in November 2025 for alleged hazing violations.
Gamma Phi Beta - Zeta Psi Chapter: Placed under investigation in November 2025 for alleged hazing violations.
Texas Angels: Was placed under investigation in September 2025 for alleged hazing violations.
Phi Gamma Delta - Sigma Alpha Chapter: Placed under investigation in May 2025 for alleged hazing violations. Fiji- Sigma Alpha Chapter was referred to the Student Involvement Center and Student Conduct in September 2022 for alleged hazing violations during the new member process.
Filipino Student Organization: The University received a referral that the Filipino Student Organization had allegedly violated the Student Code of Conduct for alcohol and university rules and regulations. An investigation was opened in December 2024.
The Upsilon Nu Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta: The Upsilon Nu Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta was placed on interim suspension in October 2022 for alleged hazing violations. Student Conduct and the Student Involvement Center conducted an investigation where the chapter was found responsible for Hazing and placed on disciplinary suspension until December 2024. 21-22 202 (A) 10. 202 (A) 2. 21-22 202 (A) 10. 202 (A) 2.
Pi Kappa Phi- Iota Beta Chapter: Pi Kappa Phi- Iota Beta Chapter was placed on interim suspension in September 2023 for alleged violations to the Student Code of Conduct and the Student Organization Relationship Statement.
Tau Kappa Epsilon- Pi Theta chapter: Tau Kappa Epsilon- Pi Theta chapter was placed on interim suspension in February 2023 for alleged hazing violations to the Student Code of Conduct and the Student Organization Relationship Statement. for alleged hazing violations in October 2022. Concurrently with regional leadership, the university investigated the chapter for alleged violations.

These cases demonstrate UTSA's proactive approach to addressing hazing allegations and holding responsible parties accountable.

Resources for Reporting and Support

UTSA provides several resources for students and faculty to report potential violations of the Student Code of Conduct and access support services. These resources include:

Reporting Forms: UTSA offers specific forms for reporting alleged violations of the Student Code of Conduct, including violations by student groups.
Confidential Advocacy Support: Students can request confidential advocacy support related to instances of sexual violence, such as sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking.
No Report Form: This form is used to establish a non-punitive grade replacement while a Scholastic Dishonesty case is pending, particularly when the incident occurs near the time of final grades.
FERPA Release Form: The Student Conduct and Community Standards FERPA Release form allows students to authorize the release of their discipline record information to specific individuals.

Addressing Violence Affecting UTSA Students

While UTSA strives to maintain a safe campus environment, incidents of violence can still affect students. One such instance involved the tragic death of Laura Carter, a UTSA graduate student, in 2015.

The Case of Laura Carter

Laura Carter was fatally shot during a botched heroin deal in 2015. Miguel Martinez was found guilty of luring Carter to a South Side neighborhood under the pretense of setting up a drug-dealing partnership and then killing her. Prior to the meeting, Martinez had convinced Carter to withdraw $7,000 from her college savings fund to invest in the "business."

Read also: Comprehensive UTSA Guide

This case highlights the importance of personal safety and awareness, even outside the confines of the university campus.

Ensuring Student Safety

In light of such incidents, UTSA continuously evaluates and enhances its safety measures to protect students both on and off campus. These measures may include increased security patrols, educational programs on personal safety, and collaborations with local law enforcement agencies.

Google Services and Data Usage

In addition to physical safety, UTSA also addresses the importance of online safety and data privacy. Like many organizations, UTSA utilizes Google services, which involve the use of cookies and data.

How Google Uses Cookies and Data

Google uses cookies and data for various purposes, including:

Delivering and maintaining Google services
Tracking outages and protecting against spam, fraud, and abuse
Measuring audience engagement and site statistics to understand how services are used and enhance their quality

With user consent, Google may also use cookies and data to:

Read also: Navigating UTSA Student Services

Develop and improve new services
Deliver and measure the effectiveness of ads
Show personalized content and ads, depending on user settings

Users have the option to accept or reject the use of cookies for these additional purposes, with the ability to manage their privacy settings for a more tailored experience.

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