Student to remain in intensive care

College junior Matthew Paris remains in "critical, but stable condition" in the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania's Intensive Care Unit after falling from the second story of Psi Upsilon's fraternity house at a registered party early Sunday morning.

"Matt is making progress slowly but surely. We have been told that he will be in intensive care for at least one week. ... We believe that the outpouring of hope and positive energy we have experienced from Matt's friends and neighbors will go a long way in helping him to recover from his multiple injuries," Matt's father Frank Paris wrote in an e-mail.

Meanwhile, University Police have stopped their investigation into the matter.

"The police were initially investigating to determine whether there was a crime of foul play. But they have determined there was not," University spokeswoman Lori Doyle said.

The University has not indicated what form, if any, further investigations will take. Leaders in the Greek community have said they will discuss potential policy changes later as need be.

"It appears the situation was a tragic accident, and standard rules for registered parties were being followed. If this is the case, the umbrella organizations will need to work with administrators to look at current policies and see if they need to be adjusted," said Wharton and Engineering senior Conor O'Callaghan, the InterFraternity Council president.

University officials echoed this sentiment, concentrating their current efforts on raising community morale.

"We are focusing now on supporting Matt and his family," Vice Provost for University Life Valarie Swain-Cade McCoullum said.

Support has included group meetings run by Counseling and Psychological Services, the Office of the VPUL, the Chaplain's Office and student support officers. Last night, an e-mail was also sent from VPUL providing contact information for Penn's various support resources.

In addition, University officials are working with students to plan potential events such as community gatherings or blood drives -- "what[ever] students want to do," McCoullum said.

Some students have also created on online forum to discuss the incident. Current entries have included messages to Matt and his family from friends and other members of the Greek community.

A two-week moratorium on Greek social activities was agreed upon by the IFC, the Panhellenic Council and the Bicultural InterGreek Council in response to the event.

The injury bears resemblance to an incident at Phi Gamma Delta in 1999, in which alumnus Michael Tobin died after falling over a railing. As a consequence, FIJI was disbanded.

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