New Greek plan focuses on academics

All three of the University's Greek umbrella groups seek to make scholarship a priority. The 21st Century Report for an Ivy League Greek System, released yesterday by the three umbrella organizations of the InterGreek Council, sets an agenda for the future of the Greek system at the University. The InterFraternity, the Panhellenic and the BiCultural InterGreek councils outlined initiatives in eight areas, based on the administration's Agenda for Excellence. Among common goals addressed by the organizations are academic initiatives -- including faculty advisors for all IFC and Panhel chapters, minimum GPAs for the three organizations and the formation of a chapter of the Gamma Sigma Alpha National Honor Society for fraternity and sorority members. The groups also planned technology initiatives, which include a mandate that each chapter establish its own Internet homepage. The IFC's academic portion of the report also emphasizes faculty programming, through "faculty teas," lectures and a Faculty Awards Reception. In addition, the IFC will begin to publish two newsletters -- the "Greek Academic Review" and "Greek Watch," a security publication. In addition to faculty advisers, Panhel's academic initiatives include faculty programming and research grants to Greek individuals or groups. The Big-C portion of the report describes the formation of a Resource Center for academic enrichment, which would create an old exam file and encourage study group activities. The new member education aspect of the report for the IFC focuses on removing the stereotype that the pledging process is based on "demeaning activities." The report establishes specific anti-hazing programs, including a hotline and membership education classes. Panhel's social enrichment programs include a diversification of social activities and an increase in non-alcoholic programming. And Panhel emphasizes security programming, as well as cultural sensitivity programs. The Big-C will also increase its diversification activities, as well as create stronger internal unification. All three organizations emphasize that co-sponsored events among the groups will increase in the future.