Over a hundred fraternity members participated in a forum on Tuesday night about the social policies of the Greek community, which dealt with issues such as alcohol, insurance and peer pressure.
Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs Director Scott Reikofski mediated the discussion with six Greek National Organization Executives, including the executive directors of Phi Kappa Sigma and Phi Gamma Delta, as well as the CEO and president-elect of Pi Kappa Pi.
According to Reikofski, the “town hall” discussion was held partly in response to 28 robberies and various sexual assaults at fraternity houses in 2009.
“OFSA aims to balance what the University sees as appropriate, working with the national headquarters and trying to educate students,” he said.
He said OFSA actively balances University policies with those of national fraternities and sororities when determining social policies for the Greek community.
According to Wharton junior Alex Witkes, the discussion also provided new fraternity members at Penn with the opportunity to understand the broad spectrum of policies from different national-fraternity organizations.
“I believe that we are better able to foster safe environments as well as identify synergies that will allow Penn’s Greek life to excel,” Witkes wrote in an e-mail.
Executive members shared anecdotes and unique aspects of their fraternities.
Executive Director of Phi Gamma Delta William Martin said not all fraternities conform to the media stereotype, using Phi Gamma Delta’s alcohol-free housing policy as an example.
Phi Kappa Sigma Director Toby Smith alerted brothers that over half of the total four-year costs or “dues” brothers pay, go toward insuring their fraternity against various damages that might occur.
“The only thing more expensive to insure than a fraternity is an amusement park, where people stand up on roller coasters and risk getting their heads chopped off,” Reikofski said.
“Treat your fraternity house like your home,” said Andrew Borans, executive director of Alpha Epsilon Pi. Borans also urged fraternity members to look beyond social aspects of the Greek community and make the most of leadership and philanthropic opportunities.
“The social aspect of being in a fraternity is not the be-all and end-all,” College sophomore Ben Kruger said.
The Daily Pennsylvanian is an independent, student-run newspaper. Please consider making a donation to support the coverage that shapes the University. Your generosity ensures a future of strong journalism at Penn.
DonatePlease note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.
