GREEKS ON CAMPUS: U., Greeks work together for future

Their closer associationTheir closer associationhas extended into manyTheir closer associationhas extended into manyfacets of Greek life. University officials and InterFraternity Council leaders are working together to create a system that will monitor and enforce the IFC's Bring Your Own Beer policy. The continuing discussions mark the first time the University has participated in enforcing the alcohol control policy, IFC President Josh Gottheimer said. "We have made unexpected progress in creating a partnership with the University," said the College senior. "If they commit to help us, it reinforces the fact that the Greek system isn't flying solo." In light of recent instances of alcohol abuse by underage students, the University remains committed to reforming alcohol policies, Associate Vice Provost for University Life Larry Moneta said. "We will have to redouble our efforts to address the most egregious consumption problems," he said, adding that education about the dangers and liabilities of alcohol is crucial. One plan under consideration would enable University graduate students to monitor alcohol consumption at fraternity parties, according to Gottheimer, an Alpha Epsilon Pi brother. Members of the Greek community said they are committed to proactive measures to control underage drinking. "We can and we will police ourselves, and we have the commitment now to do it," said Delta Upsilon President and Wharton senior Tom Wise. But he conceded that keeping alcohol entirely out of the hands of underage students would be a "radical change to the social scene right now." Other recent issues have highlighted the developing relationship between the University and the Greek system. This month's loan of $350,000 to fraternities and sororities for the installation of GreekNet in University-owned and -affiliated houses is one example, members say. But Moneta said though the University will provide "as much support as we can" to Greeks, administrators must be cautious in allocating limited dollars. This policy of limited spending has put major housing renovations on hold, Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs Director Scott Reikofski said. In addition, University officials have urged Greeks to act responsibly in decisions regarding expansion of the system. "In the future, the Greek community will need to be restrained in accommodating new chapters and only take on what they and we can reasonably support," Moneta said. The addition of six new fraternities to campus in the past two years brings the IFC's total membership to 32 chapters, once Phi Kappa Sigma colonizes this spring. Reikofski added that fraternity expansion will probably continue at the rate of about one new chapter per year. University President Judith Rodin said the growth of the Greek system diversifies its appeal. "I hope broadening the number of Greek organizations will broaden their appeal to all different kinds of students," she said. Gottheimer said the system is "easily handling the new chapters," adding that he predicts an even larger percentage of students will join fraternities and sororities this year thanks to the expansion. "There are many people on campus who aren't Greek that could be Greek," he said, pointing to the fact that 52 men joined Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity last year during its first month on campus. Despite recent fraternity expansion, the Panhellenic Council has not added any chapters since Pi Beta Phi colonized in 1992. Still, Panhel pledge classes have nearly 50 members, compared to IFC pledge class sizes of 15-25. Specific National Panhellenic Conference restrictions on expansion policies make adding sororities difficult, Panhel President and College senior Jessica Schreck. But she added that Panhel members are "eager to see the system expand." "We believe our system is strong, and we want to welcome as many people as possible," said Schreck, a Sigma Delta Tau sister. Last spring, Panhel voted against extending an invitation to the Sigma Kappa sorority to colonize on campus. Panhel members will vote again on the issue next semester, Reikofski said. "The feeling from Panhel is if there's a successful rush this year, they'll look to bringing Sigma Kappa next fall or next spring," he added. Vice Provost for University Life Valarie Swain-Cade McCoullum noted that the University must continue to work in collaboration with the Greek system, especially since one third of Penn undergraduates are members of fraternities and sororities. "The fabric of Greek life is intimately intertwined with the life and livelihood of the University," she said.