The party is over at Monmouth University -- at least for the time being.

The private college in West Long Branch announced Thursday it's suspending its entire Greek life system indefinitely, citing a series of "serious conduct violations," involving hazing, alcohol, drug use and lack of academic focus, according to a letter obtained by NJ Advance Media.

Monmouth University's president, Grey Dimenna, broke the news to the campus community in the letter and referenced a negative culture "casting a long shadow over Greek life at Monmouth."

"Over the course of the past several years, Greek communities across the country have faced challenges that have often resulted in tragic situations," Dimenna wrote. "I feel it is essential for us to be proactive in this area to avoid circumstances such as we have seen at other institutions."

The move comes amid a national push to clean up Greek life, especially fraternities, following a series of student deaths related to alcohol and hazing. Earlier this week, the North-American Interfraternity Conference voted to ban hard alcohol in most fraternities across the country.

Monmouth's decision affects about 750 students in seven fraternities and nine sororities, according to the university.

University officials met with leaders of the Greek community in May to address concerns and asked students to develop a draft plan to address those issues, Dimenna wrote. The plan they submitted fell short of expectations, he added.

"This means there will be no recruitment, social, philanthropic, or any such activities within the fraternity and sorority community until we receive and approve an acceptable plan from the Greek Senate," he wrote.

Leaders of the Greek community were informed of the decision last month, according to the university.

Solutions need to come from the students, not from top-down mandates, Dimenna wrote.

"I am very confident that our Greek community will rise to this challenge and together we will develop an improved Greek community here at Monmouth," he wrote.

Staff writer Sophie Nieto-Munoz contributed to this report.

Adam Clark may be reached at adam_clark@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on twitter at @realAdamClark. Find NJ.com on Facebook.