U., Greeks come to terms on new alcohol policy

The University and the InterFraternity Council have broken their deadlock in negotiations over a crucial issue in the reforms of the IFC's alcohol policy. University administrators have agreed to work with the IFC to develop an alternate form of fundraising to replace the current system of cover charges for fraternity parties. "We've agreed to explore some way of generating revenue in ways other than at the door," Associate Vice Provost for University Life Larry Moneta said. "But we still have a lot of details to work out." Moneta added that cover charges for private events involving alcohol is illegal according to both state and local law. One proposal involves a "GreekCard" that would supplement funding for Bring Your Own Beer and non-alcoholic events. In addition, beginning this spring, the University will implement a graduate student monitor program for all IFC registered parties. The monitors will be required to present identification prior to entering fraternity parties. IFC President and College senior Josh Gottheimer, who has been involved in the discussions, said the agreement is a "monumental" step in relations between the IFC and the University. "It's great to start to come to consensus and have the University be a partner with the Greek system, instead of a criticizer of it," Gottheimer said. Under the proposed fundraising plan -- scheduled to begin next fall --students will have the opportunity to purchase a "GreekCard" which will give them access to all alcoholic and non-alcoholic social programs during the year, Gottheimer explained. He refused to specify a cost for the "GreekCard," but said it will be "reasonable." The plan will support the administrative costs at social events for such things as live bands, a DJ, security, decorations and tickets. He added that none of the proceeds from the proposed card will contribute to alcohol costs because all events will be BYOB. "This type of system is not done anywhere else in the country," Gottheimer said. "We're really a model for other universities." College junior and Pi Kappa Phi brother Aaron Kotok said that IFC chapter houses are concerned about the availability of money for funding parties. "If the University recognizes that they want to help fraternities, the biggest question is the money -- where is it going to come from?" he asked. "It almost becomes their responsibility to help come up with a solution." Last year, administrative costs for IFC parties reached $141,000, or approximately $800 per party, according to Gottheimer. Kotok added that although the "GreekCard" possibility is a "compelling idea," many questions must be addressed before the IFC chapter houses will feel completely comfortable with the policy changes. Some members of the Greek system believe the new policy could benefit the social life Greek organizations provide. "Maybe if students' parents pay for the card at the beginning of the year, it will be a lot of money not being dished out by students during the year for each party they go to," Kotok said. But Alpha Chi Rho President and College junior Sam Barton said the new system could hurt campus social life because students will be forced to pay for all Greek parties at the beginning of the semester . "I'm pretty sure people won't use the cards fully every weekend," he said. "It could lead to a lot more people hanging out in their dorms." But Moneta said the new policy would ensure safe, responsible events while not diminishing campus social life. Barton added that the graduate student monitoring system will probably prove to be effective, though it might put a strain on chapter officers. "We will have to be 'on call' all the time, at the door, in case the monitors drop by," he said. "But we've been through this kind of system before. We're a very flexible system, and we adapt to changes." The IFC and the University began negotiations about changes in alcohol policy last month. While the charging issue provoked the most heated debate, other controversial issues included the possibility of a ban on parties during the first month of school and unrestricted access for graduate student monitors. Although discussions about the ban on parties have not concluded, Gottheimer said he is "not concerned now" because changes would not occur until next year at the earliest.