UVA’s Top General in the War on Greek Life

Meet Donovan Golich, who quietly left the university after being exposed by TJC

 The University of Virginia's Division of Student Affairs has faced criticism for its handling of student-conduct cases, particularly regarding differences in how pro-Palestinian protesters and fraternities have been treated. One significant incident involved Donovan Golich, the assistant director of accountability, during an investigation into hazing at Theta Chi fraternity. Golich's aggressive interrogation of a student, which included threats of ruining his ROTC scholarship and reporting him to multiple university committees, has raised concerns about his conduct and the overall approach of Student Affairs.

UVA officials insist they followed standard procedures for both the protesters and the fraternity, but critics argue that the university applies double standards—being more lenient with protestors while imposing severe sanctions on fraternities. The hazing incident at Theta Chi led to the fraternity’s suspension until 2028, while the protesters faced no major punishment beyond a delay in graduation.

Golich’s behavior, captured in an audio recording, revealed a harsh and intimidating style that many find inappropriate for a university setting. His threats and coercive tactics have sparked concerns about the fairness and professionalism of the Division of Student Affairs, which oversees student conduct through the Policy, Accountability, and Critical Events (PACE) unit. While UVA has not commented specifically on Golich's actions, they stated that he is no longer employed by the university, suggesting that the administration recognizes the severity of his approach. The incident raises broader questions about the university’s disciplinary practices and whether different standards are being applied to different student groups.