U., IFC discuss Greek system

and Edward Sherwin The InterFraternity Council this week took its first major step toward setting new goals and improving communication with the administration under the newly established Greek Active Partnership. In a 90-minute, closed door meeting with a half-dozen representatives from the University, IFC President Josh Belinfante and former IFC President Matt Baker discussed current IFC issues -- including alcohol risk management, academic planning and community service -- as well as the administration's perceptions of the Greek system. GAP is the IFC's replacement for the 21st Century Report, a 1996 plan under which the Panhellenic Council, the Bicultural InterGreek Council and the IFC set bylaws and goals for the entire Greek system. Baker, a College and Engineering senior and Alpha Chi Rho brother, created the alternate plan for the IFC during his term in office in 1997 because he thought the guidelines of the 21st Century Report were not flexible enough to adapt to changing issues. IFC officials said they were pleased with the tone of the meeting and encouraged by the increased communication facilitated by the partnership. "[The meeting] succeeded in opening up a line of communication between administration and faculty and the Greek system," said Baker. According to Belinfante, a College junior and Alpha Chi Rho brother, both sides were pleased with the recent Undergraduate Assembly decision to allocate $30,000 to the IFC for non-alcoholic events. He added that holding such events -- which will include block parties and Greek Weekend -- "addressed their alcohol concerns." "There will still be individual houses having parties," Belinfante said. "The UA money will allow us to diversify." University President Judith Rodin's executive assistant Jennifer Baldino, who attended the meeting, declined to comment on the IFC's UA funding. But she lauded the forum as a means to increase the "understanding of what the administration wants the Greek system to focus on." Another major issue discussed at the forum was academics. Under the 21st Century Report, Greeks resolved to find faculty advisers for their respective houses. English Professor Al Filreis, who chairs the Residential Faculty Council, noted that the vast majority of the Greek houses have not met that expectation. He added that he was "disappointed" with the IFC's progress in meeting the more academically oriented goals of the "ballyhooed" 21st Century Report. But Belinfante defended the Greeks' progress, explaining that "the last [IFC] administration was so caught up in" door fees and other issues, which diverted their attention from academic initiatives. He added that since charging door fees at parties has been less of an issue this semester, his administration will work harder to get faculty members more involved in fraternity academics. After the forum, Filreis said he was satisfied with the attitude of the representatives of the IFC. "This is a good first step in integrating themselves into the University," he said. "They really wanted to energize this initiative." Representatives from the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs -- Director Scott Reikofski and Assistant Director Tom Carroll -- were present at the meeting, in addition to Associate Vice Provost for University Life John Smolen and Assistant VPUL Terry Conn. Because a University Council meeting coincided with the GAP meeting, Director of Police Operations Maureen Rush -- who was expected to participate in the forum -- was unable to attend.