Future of Greek life envisioned

The Bicultural InterGreek Council, InterFraternity Council and Panhellenic Council have agreed to work together to develop a plan outlining reforms for the University's fraternity and sorority system. Entitled the 21st Century Report, the plan -- which will be released at the end of February -- calls for an "Ivy League Greek System" that will serve as a forerunner in Greek planning. According to IFC President Josh Gottheimer, an Alpha Epsilon Pi brother, the reforms outlined in the report will enable the Greek system to thrive alongside the University. "The University is trying to improve, and we should do that also," the College junior said. "We must progress with the University." Vice Provost for University Life Valarie Swain-Cade McCoullum fully supports the effort of the three umbrella organizations. "I give a heartfelt 'bravo' to Penn Greeks for leadership which is unprecedented for both our University and the nation," she said. Gottheimer said the report will emphasize academia combined with University and community service, and will include descriptions of the history, present state and future goals of the University's Greek system. The central Committee on the 21st Century, a group consisting of the presidents of all three umbrella organizations plus one additional member from each branch, is working to develop the report. And a satellite committee from each of the umbrella organizations will also develop a report section identifying the specific goals and conditions of the individual council. The chairperson of each satellite committee must report to the central committee on a weekly basis. Weekly interaction between central committee members is also mandatory until the final report is released. Big-C President George Holt, an Alpha Phi Alpha brother, said he believes this will improve relations between the Big-C, IFC and Panhel. "This will open the channels of communication among the umbrella organizations," the Wharton junior said. "That will unify us." Holt added that the goal of the report is not to destroy the established Greek system, but to restructure it. "We are a major social part of this campus, and we cannot be overlooked in trying to develop new changes for the University," he said. McCoullum agreed, adding that she has "both a professional and personal regard for the value and strength" of the Big-C, IFC and Panhel.