The Panhellenic Council elected Delta Delta Delta member and College junior Hayley Gross as the body's next president earlier this week.
Gross will officially take over for Sigma Delta Tau sister and College senior Erica Shmerler in late January, after the formal rush period has ended.
"Hayley was so enthusiastic, and she understands why Greek life is important," Shmerler said. "We chose the best person for the job."
Gross -- who in the past has served as a junior Panhel delegate and as membership development chairwoman for her sorority -- promised to begin working immediately to make the transition as smooth as possible.
Among the issues that Panhel must examine are coordination among the other Greek leadership bodies -- the InterFraternity Council and the Bicultural InterGreek Council -- and enforcement of the ban on unregistered parties.
"We are in the process of eliminating illegal" parties among fraternities and sororities, Shmerler said. To clarify the rules, Panhel will soon draft a resolution.
Gross also stressed that communication and a sense of shared community are key to a successful Greek system.
"I'm going to encourage cooperation," Gross said. "I'm going to look for ideas to integrate the different houses. I want everyone to see what I see in Greek life."
Gross maintained that even simple gatherings such as potlucks can help sorority members forge relationships outside of their own houses.
Shmerler cited the accomplishments during her term as president as building blocks for Gross' next year in the leadership post.
"All the umbrella organizations worked very well together," Shmerler said, noting the success of Greek Week and the Rena Rowan Ribbon Run. "There was more collaboration than ever before."
However, Gross will inherit an executive board that has representatives from only five of the eight sororities. Last year, seven of the eight sororities were represented.
Yet, that lack of representation is balanced by the fact that Panhel members are never publicly affiliated with their chapters once they are elected. Members are obligated to serve as members of the Greek community at large. Gross will also work to involve all chapters by meeting with the sorority presidents and facilitating cooperation among the houses.
In addition, Gross promised to work to make the rush process more fair. According to Gross, "unequal rushing processes are detrimental to the entire Greek system."
Along with Gross, the new Panhel board will be composed of Executive Vice President Vanessa White, Vice President of Recruitment Kelly Rytel, Assistant Vice President of Recruitment Alexandra Lieberman, Vice President of Judicial Affairs Katherine Kelly, Treasurer Catie Vuksich and Secretary Dana McCurdy. The former position of vice president of publicity was split into two positions, with Cate Jensen serving as vice president of risk management and Jessica Hersch serving as vice president of marketing.
