Freshmen size up Greek life after first week at U.

Members of Class of 2000 say parties are most notable aspect With the first week of college life behind them, many freshmen spent the weekend finding out about the role of Greek life on campus. Their first impression has only included the "party scene," according to Nursing freshman Ruth Miller. "Right now, everyone wants to go out and get smashed, but I think that feeling will die down as the year goes on," she said. College freshman Gil Winn said he "loves the Greek system." "The system serves a great purpose -- it's a great way to meet people, it provides the party scene and brothers in the house get a real sense of camaraderie," he said. Some freshmen have already learned that the Greek system includes more than just parties. "It doesn't surprise me that Penn fraternities and sororities are socially aware and academic," College freshman Jessica Oliff said. "The typical rumors of Greek life don't seem to be true? They have a good reputation just like everyone else here." Oliff said she knew alcohol was a part of the fraternity scene as well, adding that "it also wouldn't seem normal" if alcohol was not available at parties. "Right or wrong, it's expected," she said. Wharton freshman Ryan Gorman said people have a single reason for attending fraternity parties. "Nobody goes to frat parties except to get drunk," he said. But fellow Wharton freshman David Inauen said the Greek system appears to provide a "great way for friends to get together." "Fraternities seem to provide friendships that last and offer a cohesive bond between people," he said. College junior and Tau Epsilon Phi President Jason Judd, whose chapter held a party Saturday night, said the freshman class "all seemed very eager to have a good time." "A lot of them were very interested in the fraternity system and were very excited about it," he said. Judd said his chapter "cut down on every risk factor we could" to curb underage drinking and citations by Liquor Control Enforcement officers at the party. Last weekend, the LCE handed out four citations to students, three of whom were Beta Theta Pi brothers. "No one was allowed into our house without a Penn ID," Judd said. "And theoretically, only people aged 21 and over could drink." Judd noted that party-goers had to have a ticket and bracelet to drink.