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(12/05/91 10:00am)
The Panhellenic Council's eight chapter presidents elected College junior Debbie Frank as president of the sorority umbrella organization last night. Frank, a Sigma Delta Tau sister, said she wants sororities to be more active in campus issues and will continue working to strengthen ties between the sororities. "I would like to see a larger voice on campus and make sure everyone understands the Panhel mission and what it is trying to achieve," she said. "A lot of issues came up this past semester. I am looking forward to talking about the issues with the chapter presidents." Frank, who defeated College junior Jen Spadano of Phi Sigma Sigma, also said it was important to continue the good relations that have been established with the Interfraternity Council and the Bicultural InterGreek Council. "I want to try to get members to work together as effectively as the leaders have," she said. Wharton junior Sonia Verma was chosen to be the new ombudsman -- the coordinator for the junior Panhel, made up of the spring pledge class. The Alpha Phi sister said her job of orienting new members is important because "junior Panhel is future Panhel." College junior and Chi Omega sister Diana Cruz was elected to the rush vice president position in an uncontested election, and SDT sister Jen Eisenberg, a College junior, is the new publicity vice president. Wharton sophomore Marcie Vu of Kappa Delta was elected treasurer, and College sophomore Hadley Freeman of Kappa Alpha Theta is the new secretary. Current Panhel President Maureen Hernandez called the new board members -- who will take over in February -- "impressive, articulate, sophisticated women who will represent what we have to offer." She said the people who were elected are highly qualified and experienced in the Greek system. "They are a great bunch of leaders," she said. "They are ready to run with what is on the forefront for sorority women."
(12/04/91 10:00am)
College juniors Debbie Frank of Sigma Delta Tau and Jen Spadaro of Phi Sigma Sigma will vie for the presidency of Panhellenic Council in elections held tonight. "We need to really assess our role on campus and in the community next semester," said current Panhel President Maureen Hernandez. She said the next president needs to be a spokesperson for the Panhel sororites, work with members of the other Greek organizations, and be able to work with the administration. One goal next semester will be to increase the sororities voice and credibility. "Overall, she needs to be someone who will advocate our mission," she said. Candidates declared their intention to run several weeks ago, and unlike many University organizations, students cannot drop down to lower positions if they lose a race. Therefore, Spadano is also running for ombudsman, along with Wharton junior Sonia Verma of Alpha Phi. College junior Diana Cruz of Chi Omega is the only vice presidential for rush candidate, and will win the spot. Wharton sophomore Tania de Silva of Alpha Phi, College junior Jen Eisenberg of SDT, and Verma are running for vice president of publicity. Competing for the treasurer's position are College sophomore Hadley Freeman of Kappa Alpha Theta and Wharton sophomore Marcie Vu of Kappa Delta. Freeman, de Silvia, College sophomore Juliet Cronin of Chi O, and Karan Kahn of KD, are running for secretary. Each chapter has one vote, and no chapter may have more than one member on the new board, unless it is unavoidable because of limited candidates. The new board will be inducted in February.
(11/26/91 10:00am)
A letter to the editor portrayed the sorority system as "cloistering" and detrimental to the women's movement and stirred emotions among the hundreds of sorority members on campus. And while one of the authors, College junior Anne Roma, said the letter has been misconstrued, it has sparked debate among sorority members over the purpose of their organizations. The letter, co-authored by Wharton junior Lisa Garmaise, stated that the sorority system "is a constant reminder of our secondary place to men in society" and "promotes and encourages the inferior image of women." Specifically, the two women objected to by-laws that restrict men and ban alcohol in sorority houses. "Initially it threw a lot of people," said Alpha Chi Omega President Julie Song, a College senior. "Being in a sorority is a great thing for women's issues." Roma, who is also an A Chi O sister, said she didn't join a sorority just for the social aspects, but feels the rules governing sororities put fraternities in a dominating social position. "Fraternities have too much control of what the social scene is at Penn," she said. "The Greek system is a major part of social life. Sororities cannot provide entertainment for themselves, so [rules] force them to go to fraternities." The debate is growing at the same time the eight Panhellenic sororities saw a 10 percent decline this year in the number of women who registered for spring rush. Tricia Phaup, director of the Office of Fraternity and Sorority affairs, said that 604 women had signed up after the final rush meeting Sunday, down from approximately 670 students last year. But Panhel President Maureen Hernandez said there was no major reason behind the drop. Roma said she does not feel women will gain equal status with men through alcohol use, but she thinks the current rules concerning men and alcohol in sorority houses are unjust. According to Hernandez, men are restricted in sorority houses for safety concerns. Alcohol rules exist because 80 percent of sorority members are under the legal drinking age. Both rules are national sorority regulations. "With the fraternities moving toward a more restrictive alcohol policy, knowing the risk involved, I don't understand why anyone would advocate changing our policy," she said. Roma said she understands the liability concerns, but wishes sisters over 21 were allowed to drink in the sorority house or could watch a movie in their room with a male friend. "It has come to the attention of all sororities and we are discussing how everyone feels," she said. "I think a lot of people agree with me but don't say it." In a meeting last week, sorority members discussed the different attitudes members have about the system, and how to react to campus and women's issues. "Some members are concerned [Panhel] is turning into a feminist organization instead of an umbrella organization," Hernandez said. "I consider it an organization for women that advocates women's issues." Phaup called the meeting a "very healthy discussion on feminism and the role of women in society." "Women are grappling with the terminology of what feminism is," she added. Hernandez said she expects the debate to continue, adding that she thinks the issue will be a major one in Panhel elections next week. She said next semester, sororities will hold a series examining the different avenues for female empowerment. (CUT LINE) Please see SORORITIES, page 2 SORORITIES, from page 1
(11/25/91 10:00am)
In an open ceremony Friday night, 53 students took their first step in becoming founders of the University's newest fraternity, Delta Tau Delta. The brief ceremony, conducted by national representatives and Delts from Villanova University, has been made public nationwide in recent years to "give a better idea of what we stand for," according to Delts Director of Program Development Thomas Sharp. Villanova brothers recited Delt ideals, such as education and brotherhood, before the University students swore their devotion to the fraternity and received their pledge badges. Delt officials said that over 150 men were interviewed for the 60 bids given. Students from all clases were taken, including one graduate student, and seven turned down the bids. Greg Schuckman, a graduate student in the Fels Center of Government, said he always wanted to join a fraternity, but as an undergraduate, the Greek system at the University of Florida did not fit his interests. "This offers me a chance to make up for something I felt like I missed at Florida," he said. "It really intrigued me to have the opportunity to work with a bunch of guys starting at ground zero. I know what a fraternity should not be." Many of the new pledges said they were disappointed with the way the University's fraternity system operated and saw the Delts as a positive alternative. College freshman Brad Prutkin said he liked Delts' quick but personal approach to rush. "[Interfraternity Council] rush was really impersonal and took up much too much time," he said. "I was threatened not to take a mid-term to go to a rush event. That is not the way it is supposed to be." Prutkin was also turned off by what he felt to be an elitist attitude among fraternities. "Friends I made during rush now think of me as inferior to them," he said. "Here, no one is more superior to anyone else." Others, like College sophomore Paul Rozelle, said the new fraternity was their only choice since it offered an oppurtunity to break with the established fraternity system. "Setting up an organization, you get more out of it," Rozelle said. "You can make it what you want." "You get to play a large role in shaping the future," added College sophomore Brett Dock. "In other fraternities you have to fit in a mold they prescribe for you." The fraternity had been at the University in the past, but for the last 20 years, the it has been absent from campus after a fire at its Locust Walk house killed two brothers and a female party guest. Two national consultants, Jeff Leech and Bryan Seyfarth, have spent the last three weeks recruiting on campus during Delts recolonization process. "We were overwhelmed by the turnout and the quality of the guys," said Leech. "There are real leaders on this campus." The new pledges will now begin a 10-week pledge education program. The IFC has given them a one-year provisionary status, when they can then petition the IFC for full membership. If they meet IFC and their national's criteria, they will be considered equals of the rest of fraternity already on campus. And while Leech and Seyfarth will move on, they said they will not forget their experiences at the University. "We gave birth to this chapter, we will always want to know how they are doing," Leech said. "To see them all in a group is the greatest feeling of satisfaction," Seyfarth added.
(11/14/91 10:00am)
Their hearts stopped every time the door opened. It must have opened ten times before Interfraternity Council presidential candidates Bruce Forman and Steve Rice were called back into Stitler B21. When it opened for the last time, Forman was declared the winner. A Wharton junior and Tau Epsilon Phi brother, Forman edged College junior Rice, a Zeta Beta Tau brother, after a long debate by fraternity representatives. Issues included fraternity relations with the University and BYOB policy. The IFC is responsible for consolidating efforts to solve common internal fraternity problems and acts as a voice for fraternities at the University. "They couldn't have gone wrong with either of the candidates for president," said outgoing IFC president Jim Rettew. "It's unfortunate that one of us had to lose because Steve was also well qualified," added Forman. Both Forman and Rice serve on the current IFC executive board. The tension outside the election room was repeated four times as the board filled other positions. Many candidates paced nervously, trying to relax before the vote was announced. Wharton junior Steve Elkowitz of ZBT, an IFC member-at-large, was named executive vice president, defeating Engineering sophomore Will McAlexander of Sigma Alpha Epsilon and College juniors Nauman Shah of Sigma Phi Epsilon and Eric Vest of Kappa Sigma. College sophomore Morris Massel of Alpha Chi Rho defeated College sophomore Brad Schwartz of Phi Delta Theta for rush vice president. McAlexander dropped down to win the secretary position, and Wharton junior Jeff Blount of Delta Kappa Epsilon won for treasurer. Each defeated four opponents. Forman said one issue the new board will address is fraternity interaction with the rest of the community. "I want people to know I am more than willing to sit down and talk about fraternities and how they can improve campus life," he said. Forman said he also plans to examine the fairness of the University's judicial process. "I am very much concerned with how the JIO is operating and the misperceptions that some have about the Greek system," the TEP brother said. Current IFC Treasurer Whitney Strotz said he was impressed with the number of candidates. "They did a good job of showing enthusiasm for the fraternity system," he said. The vote on five members-at-large was postponed due to the length of the executive board elections. The new board will take office next semester.
(11/13/91 10:00am)
The Interfraternity Council will elect a new board tonight, ending the one-year tenure of President and College senior Jim Rettew. Wharton junior Bruce Forman and College junior Steve Rice are the only declared candidates for president, but students can announce their intention to run up to election time. Forman, a Tau Epsilon Phi brother, is currently the IFC vice president for rush. Rice is the IFC secretary, and a Zeta Beta Tau brother. Last year Rettew was the only board member to run for president. "The [chapter] presidents have better choices this year," Rettew said. "They are choosing from two qualified people who have two years experience under their belt." The IFC is responsible for consolidating efforts to solve common internal fraternity problems, and acts as a representative of fraternities to the University. Rettew said the IFC president is the fraternity diplomat and the "figurehead of the entire fraternity system." Two representatives from each IFC fraternity will vote for president and four other executive board positions. Engineering sophomore Wil McAlexander of Sigma Alpha Epsilon and College junior Nauman Shah of Sigma Phi Epsilon are running for executive vice president. Candidates for rush vice presidnent are Wharton junior Brett Fliegler of Alpha Epsilon Pi and College sophomore Morris Massel of Alpha Chi Rho. Wharton sophomore and Sig Ep brother David Bell was the only announced secretary candidate as of last night. Running for treasurer are Wharton juniors Jeff Blount of Delta Kappa Epsilon, David Doft of Pi Kappa Alpha, and College sophomore Steve Nanda of Acacia. Five members-at-large will also be elected. Candidates include Engineering sophomores Joe Suyama of AXP and Anu Goel of Sigma Chi, College sophomores Jon Prenner of ZBT and Sas Mehrara of SAE, College junior Ira Marcus of DKE, and Wharton junior Jason Ridloff of ZBT.
(11/07/91 10:00am)
The umbrella organization for black and Hispanic fraternities and sororities has changed its name to the Bicultural InterGreek Council in order to more accurately reflect its membership. Formerly the Black InterGreek Council, the organization will still be referred to as the BIG-C. The name was changed in a unanimous vote at a BIG-C meeting Tuesday night. "We figured it was about time we addressed the issue that we have latino fraternities and sororities on campus," said BIG-C President Marissa Sifontes. The National Panhellenic Conference is the organization that oversees black fraternity and sorority affairs. To avoid confusion with the Panhellenic Council -- the campus sorority umbrella organization -- the chapters adopted the name BIG-C. The Lambda Upsilon Lambda fraternity and the Sigma Lambda Upsilon sorority, the University's two Hispanic Greek groups, have been members of the BIG-C for the past three years. LUL President Eric Paulino, a College junior, said Hispanic fraternities and sororities are working on creating their own umbrella group, but while they are part of the BIG-C, members felt a new name would be more representative. "It's something that has been of concern for the last few years," he said. "We brought it up at the beginning of this semester and they [BIG-C] were very responsive." Wharton sophomore and LUL member Carlos Mercado said he was "definitely pleased" that the change was made, and was glad there were no disputes or arguments over the issue. BIG-C members didn't want to change the acronym, so they decided to replace "black" with "bicultural."
(11/05/91 10:00am)
Freshmen and sophomores who had spent the last six weeks rushing Tau Epsilon Phi and Acacia fraternities said last night they did not intend to change their plans to sign bids for the fraternities, despite findings of collective responsibility for hazing and sexual harassment. "I thought about it and decided to continue with the bid process," College sophomore and Acacia rush Geoff Ott said last night. "I'm here and I might as well stay here." But many rushes from both fraternities said last night that neither fraternity informed them of the ongoing investigations, which began last year. They also said they were not aware of the potential sanctions the fraternities could receive. Many signed with fraternities last night at Bid Night -- the annual event when rushes officially designate which fraternity they will pledge. Tricia Phaup, director of the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs, and Interim Judicial Inquiry Officer Jane Combrinck-Graham said yesterday that according to University procedures, each fraternity could face a wide range of penalties from probation to revocation of their charters. Several TEP rushes said last night that they were unaware of the investigation or had heard of it only informally. One said he overheard brothers discussing it and another said he had heard it from individuals outside the fraternity. "We were not told, but they probably will tell us after we get our bids," said another TEP rush, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. "I think they should tell us, but I would stay because I really enjoy TEP a lot." TEP president Jeremy Sokolic declined to comment and Acacia president Brian Baxt did not return phone messages placed at his home yesterday. One Acacia rush, College and Engineering sophomore Matt Bixler, said he has known of the event since last semester, but was "honored" to pledge Acacia. "I know what the problem is, I've known about it," Bixler said. "It's something that got out of control." "After I read it, I was feeling a little 'uh-oh,' " the College freshman said. "But I talked to some brothers about it and they said they wouldn't be caught with a major offense." Combrinck-Graham said yesterday that she did not know whether the fraternities had informed their rushes and added that it is not in her jurisdiction. "In general, I certainly think that one of the reasons why organizations can get themselves as a body in trouble is because they don't promptly keep their members informed of developments that have an impact on the body," Combrinck-Graham said. "But there is no requirement in the policies and procedures that they do it."
(11/05/91 10:00am)
All-nighters. They're not just for mid-terms anymore. Freshman said deciding which fraternity to pledge after six weeks of rush was "pretty stressful," but for two University students it was a marathon that lasted all night. Two friends, who wished to remain anonymous, said they spent most of Sunday and Monday agonizing over the decision they had to make at the Interfraternity Council's annual bid signing last night. They had agreed earlier that they would both pledge the same house. "We've been together for the last 26 hours," said one of the freshman. "We were discussing it all night. We went to sleep at 6:30. I slept through my econ class." They said they called brothers all night for advice, and the president and rush chair of one of the houses visited them at 4 a.m. They both called their parents for advice, asked their dorm security guard what she thought, and even flipped coins. "We talked about everything. We compared pool tables for a half-hour," one said. Just an hour before bid night, they made a decision and agreed not to change their minds. But when the time came, "we got really cold feet." After more discussion about the decision they felt would have a great impact on their University experience, they finally signed the bid cards to their original choice. Fortunately, the decision wasn't as difficult for every freshman. Most were happy to finish rush and join the Greek system. "I'm really excited," said Wharton freshman Mike Weinbach, who signed Alpha Epsilon Pi's bid. "It came down to the wire. I chose great guys who I really felt comfortable with." Eileen Stevens, founder of the Committee to Halt Useless College Killings, spoke for 45 minutes before bid signing. Stevens talked about the dangers of hazing, relating how her son was killed in a 1978 alcohol-related hazing incident. "In my mind [hazing] is in contradiction with what you stand for," she said. "Surely we can unify a group in a positive way." Stevens told the prospective Greeks that it is up to them to make changes in the system when they see things they don't like. "Social life is very important, but we do have to act responsibly and we are accountable for our actions," she said. Students said they found her speech touching and said it raised some important issues, but were not concerned they might have similar experiences. "I think I know what to expect," said Wharton freshman Aric Shalev, who signed with Delta Kappa Epsilon. "It's worth the commitment for great brotherhood." "I don't care if they kill me, I'm just glad this rush is over," added College freshman Rich Westreich, who signed a bid from Phi Delta Theta. Many felt the rush process was too long, but others felt it gave them a better opportunity to get to know the brothers and make an informed decision. "I think a longer rush limits rash decisions," said Bruce Forman, the IFC vice president in charge of rush. "It gives brothers and rushes more time to check each other out, become friends, and decide whether the rushes want to join a fraternity." Over 500 bids were offered last night, and Forman said the big turnouts at every house made this year's rush particularly successful.
(11/01/91 10:00am)
Jason rose from the dead once again last night, this time to terrorize local school children at the Castle yesterday. The Castle haunted house and an Alpha Chi Rho Halloween party were two of the dozens of the stops kids made on a trick-or-treating tour of campus, which included almost all campus fraternities and sororities and over 15 student groups. Dressed as everything from Freddy Kreuger to ALF, the kids had the most fun at the Castle. It was dark and eerie, filled with warlocks, demons, and mad scientists. And, of course, Jason. "I saw this guy who's eyes rolled back," said 7th-grader Julian. "I got scared and I hit him by accident." For 6th-grader Sommay, the haunted house was an opportunity to get closer with some older women. "The best part was when I pretended I was scared and I hugged this girl," he said. The kids went on to bob for apples and play musical chairs at the AXP party before hitting the fraternity houses for candy. Phi Kappa Sigma made their own haunted house which included 13-foot python Chuck which was wrapped around College sophomore Tom Dolan. "I thought it was fake and I squeezed it," said 6th-grader Pino. "Then I said, 'oops.' " Fraternities along Locust Walk have had local children trick-or-treat at their houses in previous years, but this is the first year the event has involved so many kids and University groups. Organizers Debbie Frank, a College junior, and Wharton junior Sonia Verma said the event this year included almost 200 kids from six different community programs. "The kids were so excited they were trying to get to some houses twice," said Verma. "It's really been adorable." Frank said the fraternity participation and overall help from students made the event a great success. And the University students had a good time too. In response to all the fun, College and Wharton sophomore Emily Kramer said, "I want to be a little kid again." "The haunted house is amazing," added College sophomore and chaperon Heather Danzig. "When you get older you don't get to do these things anymore." Sister Agatha, coordinator of the Teach West Philadelphia program, said she thought the event was very well organized and was impressed with the effort put in by all of the students. "It was wonderful for the kids and fun for the tutors to see them in a different environment," she said. "The kids can run around but at the same time feel secure." The kids paraded around campus with student chaperons from 3 to 5:30 p.m. Community Kids, the Community Education Center, Dixon House, Say Yes to Education, West Philadelphia Tutoring Project, and Teach West Philadelphia participated in the event.
(10/31/91 10:00am)
A University drug and alcohol task force met yesterday to review general problems with drug and alcohol abuse on campus and in society. Members discussed problems enforcing the fraternity BYOB policy, and off-campus drinking, among other alcohol-related topics. The committee is still in the primary stages of identifying the problems and thinking of ways to deal with them. "We're listening to the problems," said University Life administrator Barbra Cassel. "We haven't gotten to a point where we've set a goal." Cassel said the committee decided there needs to be a number of efforts in enforcement and in education. She said peers need to understand the problems abuses cause and start rejecting irresponsible behavior. "We want to change the whole culture of the community," she said. Interfraternity Council President Jim Rettew said the committee agreed that there needs to be a change in expectations from all members of the University community. Rettew said the University should not expect fraternities to provide a main source of social life on campus, and administrators should not think funding the Social Planning and Events Committee is sufficient. He also said students should not feel drinking is the only way to have fun. Committee members agreed that there is definitely an alcohol problem at the University, but did not make any proposals. "Once we get past the information-collecting process we will develop strategies and make recommendations," Cassel said. The task force, made up of students and administrators, has agreed to meet on a bi-weekly basis. Their next meeting will focus on reviewing existing resources and services and setting goals. Cassel said she would like to see substantial recommendations by the end of the semester.
(10/31/91 10:00am)
National fraternity representatives characterized BYOB enforcement as a "major concern" in their organizations, but some officials said they are having trouble convincing their chapters to follow the policy. Tricia Phaup, director of the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs, said that while she believes some groups are trying to make a real effort, there are holes in the Interfraternity Council's self-monitoring system. "There are definitely a lot of breakdowns, and the IFC needs to take some time and see what's going on," she said. "When you have a policy you need to follow the letter of the law." It has been almost a year since fraternities first started monitoring BYOB at houses. Last week underage students reported having little trouble obtaining alcohol at fraternity parties and very few have actually "brought their own beer." Phaup said she believes now is the time to evaluate the system and see what changes are required. "The focus should be on the concern for members and guests," Phaup said. "Our greatest concern is an individual ending up in the hospital with alcohol poisoning. People's lives are in jeopardy." Sid Dunn, president of the Fraternity Insurance Purchasing Group, said if self-monitoring systems are not working, the nationals or FIPG consultants will enforce BYOB. Eighteen University chapters are members of the nationwide group. Fraternities are faced with a legal situation in which they a bear heavy responsibility for people who may get into an accident after being furnished alcohol at the fraternity. Speaking for his own fraternity, Alpha Epsilon Pi, Dunn said chapter consultants visit local chapters at least twice a year and send reports to the nationals on matters including BYOB. If violations are found, the nationals take varying actions. AEPi, for example, immediately places its chapters on social probation for inadequate BYOB enforcement. Wynn Smiley, director of communications for the national chapter of Alpha Tau Omega, said self-monitoring systems have been very successful across the country in places where students are committed to enforcing the policy. But if students are not effectively monitoring themselves, many officials said it can be difficult to enforce the policy. Geoffrey Carter, program director of the Risk Management Foundation, called the policy a "very new beast." He said nationals face the problem of having chapter members accustomed to the "old rules," who have problems with local alumni and advisors willing to enforce the policy. Officials also said that because some nationals are more serious about enforcement than others, many houses feel they are at a disadvantage, adding additional pressure to break the rules. "There is only so much we can do from the national," said Carter. "We're not in the business of policing the organization on an every day basis." "At times there is a breakdown in the system," added Beta Theta Pi administrative secretary Robert Cottrell. "The biggest problem with the nationals is that we don't have resident supervisors. We count on local area alumni." Smiley said unless the national put an officer in every house, there is no way to be 100 percent sure BYOB is being followed. ATO relies on reports from alumni and consultants, but Smiley said the most recent report at the University's chapter was over a year old. "We're being as aggressive as our staff and budget will allow," he said. "It's the responsibility of the chapter officers. They need to realize what is at stake if they are breaking it [BYOB]." Officials said it is in the fraternities' best interest to faithfully abide by BYOB regulations and it is up to each individual fraternity to enforce the policy. "It could be the end of a chapter if someone who is served does something stupid," said Smiley. "We are looking out for the interest of the chapter and the individual." Tau Epsilon Phi national executive director Jonathan Seidel said if fraternities are not responsible members may find themselves in trouble with the University or police. "Unless they monitor themselves, someone else will do it for them," Seidel said. Nationally, fraternity officials said BYOB is "generally successful," saying that parties are safer now than they have ever been. They said they will continue to educate members and work toward enforcing their policies. And while a strict BYOB policy might diminish the popularity of fraternity parties, John Perkins, Sigma Alpha Epsilon risk management director, said, "from our reports it hasn't had a negative effect." Perkins said parties have become more controlled, brothers don't have to clean-up after a night of irresponsible drinking, and fraternities save money.
(10/30/91 10:00am)
A task force is meeting today for the second time to discuss and evaluate the University's drug and alcohol policy and its enforcement. Chaired by Police Commissioner John Kuprevich and University Life administrator Barbara Cassel, the committee is attempting to find solutions to substance abuse problems. Cassel said she hopes to "identify exisitng resources and programs so we can make recommendations to how they need to be modified or refined." Kuprevich said he believes the University has a good policy, but it needs to be enforced consistently to be useful. "All the right words are there," he said. "We need to start figuring out how we get policy and reality closer together. We should be pro-active, not reactive." "We want to hear first-hand from people who are responsible for enforcing it [the alcohol policy] to see what we can do to help as administrators," added Cassel. Representatives from Alcohol and Drug Education, Residential Living and the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs will participate on the task force, which will be made up of administrators, faculty, and students. Students from the InterFraternity Council and Drug and Alcohol Resource Team are also members. The committee met two weeks ago to dicuss the need for such a task force. "We're not even sure what we're even looking at yet," said OFSA director Tricia Phaup. "It's just to touch base and get people to discuss the issues." Task force members say their discussion is not the result of any particular incident. Kuprevich said the meeting is the beginning of an ongoing process working toward getting people to accept the seriousness of drug and alcohol abuse and encouraging responsibility in behavior. He said the concern is the impact alcohol has on student's health and well-being. The group has already committed to meet in an ongoing fashion throughout the academic year.
(10/29/91 10:00am)
A new Greek organization with the goal of helping "diversify the community" filed for Student Activities Council recognition yesterday. FASTER -- Fraternities and Sororities Together to End Racism -- will introduce itself to the University community at a "Jungle Fever" party Thursday night. The party, to be held at the Delta Kappa Epsilon house, will begin as a mixer between DKE, Kappa Alpha Psi, Alpha Kappa Alpha and the Tabard Society. "Most black fraternities entertain their own community, as do white fraternities. We didn't want to have that bias," said FASTER founder Khalil Muhammad, a College junior and KAPsi member. Two six-foot hands similar to those in ads for the Spike Lee movie "Jungle Fever" will greet guests when the party becomes open to University students. "The whole point is to bring everyone together through the Greek example," said Muhammad. Muhammad and DKE brother Michael Rosenband thought of the party idea and expanded it into an organization. Unlike Campus Organized Lectures On Racial Sensitivity, a week long lecture series, they wanted a group that would deal with racial issues on a continual basis. "There was definitely a need for something that was year-long and involved everyone," said Rosenband. "We also didn't want it to be strictly lectures," said Muhammad. "We wanted to get people involved and working together in a fun environment." FASTER can operate as any other recognized group, but will not receive funding. The group will be in a "probationary period" for three academic months, when it will then go before the SAC steering committee, which will recommend if it should be recognized. "They have admirable goals," said Albert Moore, Assistant Director of Student Life Activities and Facilities. "They should have no shortage of people who will want to work on this group." Moore said many factors go into the decision to recognize groups, including the lack of a similar group on campus. "There may be others, but I don't know of any organization that uses the membership to achieve the ends that this one does," he said. In addition to Muhammad and Rosenband, College senior Nichelle Davidson and Wharton junior Garfield Johnson are original FASTER members. They hope to write a constitution next week, and starting in January, will invite members of the University community to facilitate forums for the group. Rosenband said they have been informally letting others know about FASTER, and hopes "eventually we will have sucked in the whole Greek system." He said if the group is successful, he hopes to take the idea to a national level.
(10/18/91 9:00am)
High SAT scores, stellar GPAs, and a long list of leadership positions. Ah, the glory days of high school. While tough midterm's are being returned, four freshmen got to savor their high school achievements one more time. Wharton freshman Daniel Baker won a $500 scholarship at Sigma Phi Epsilon's first Balanced Man Scholarship awards reception Wednesday night. Wharton freshman Christian Siembieda and College freshman Brandon Blevans also won cash scholarships. College and Wharton freshman Michael Graves received a certificate for his runner-up status. Winners were selected based on the attributes of a "balanced man," part of Sig Ep's philosophy that emphasizes balanced individual growth based on scholarship. A balanced man is someone who "is not average, but rather a man who is a proven leader, scholar, athlete, and gentleman," according to College senior Andrew Hua, the scholarship chairman. No Sig Ep brothers were on the committee that selected the winners. Brothers screened the more than 100 applications and chose 25 finalists. Only one of the four freshmen receiving awards is rushing Sig Ep, and the awards are entirely separate from rush. Baker said he was "extremely surprised" and proud when he won the scholarship. "I always thought of myself as a well-rounded person, but not a completely balanced man that Sig Ep identifies," he said. Vice Provost for Student Life Kim Morrisson said she was "quite taken" by the model of a "balanced person" in a speech delivered at the reception. "The power of the group is used to evoke and support the power of an idea," she said. College junior and Sig Ep brother Adrian Massiah said Franklin was a good example of a balanced man because he was not focused on one issue. "He was involved in many things. That is the essence of what we consider to be a balanced man," he said. "The scholarship finalists epitomized the same qualities." Two University and Sig Ep alumni also spoke. Alum Ray Allieri said the diversity of Sig Ep taught him to learn the value of different opinions, making him a more balanced person. Hua said Sig Ep's national organization encourages all its chapters to have a freshman scholarship. "Our fraternity places a heavy emphasis on leadership and academic achievement," he said. "We wanted to demonstrate how our fraternity and the system as a whole values leadership." Over 100 students applied for the scholarship, which was only open to men, but Sig Ep President John Grugan said he hopes it will be offered to the entire freshman class in the future. The scholarship money came from Sig Ep's chapter alumni foundation and its undergraduate foundation.
(10/01/91 9:00am)
Greek Peer Judicial Board will investigate several fraternity rush t-shirts and fliers following complaints filed with the board over the past few days. GPJB Chair Andrea Williams said yesterday that the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs has also been alerted to the complaints, but GPJB prosecutors and individual fraternities have not. Because specific houses had not been formally contacted as of last night, Williams would not say which chapters are being investigated or who filed the complaints. However, several University students contacted over the past week said they found Alpha Epsilon Pi and Acacia fraternities' paraphernalia offensive, but it is not known if the complaint was directed towards these chapters. But Interfraternity Council president Jim Rettew said AEPi will be discussed in a meeting of Greek umbrella presidents later this week. The back of AEPi's rush shirt depicted a man sitting in a beach chair holding a drink flanked by two women in swimsuits and two tuxedo-clad waiters. The shirt reads, "In a world of compromises . . . some men don't." AEPi members voted over the weekend to discontinue wearing the shirts, Rettew said. AEPi President David Slotkin did not return several calls placed to his room yesterday. Acacia's shirts and fliers advertised a pig roast with a pig laying on its back and the words "eat me" between its legs. The shirts and fliers come after IFC recommended that all fraternities internally monitor promotional material. Rettew said most houses follow this suggestion. Rettew said fraternities have a "moral mandate," and "even if it [IFC policy] doesn't say, they have to assume they are responsible." Acacia President Brian Baxt, a College senior, said last week that the poster "has nothing to do with women," and he "couldn't think of any group it would particularly offend," except perhaps vegetarians. Panhellenic Council President Maureen Hernandez said she will meet with the umbrella presidents before any action is taken. "I plan to work together with [Black Inter-Greek Council President] Marisa [Sifontes] and Jim to assess what we should do," she said. The umbrella presidents did not report the current charges, but Hernandez said she does not rule out the possibility of filing additional complaints with the GPJB. Rettew said AEPi's decision to not wear the shirts is a "positive step in the right direction," which will influence what further steps are taken. Several fraternity fliers have come under fire in the past for being offensive to women and minorities.
(09/30/91 9:00am)
It was a day for sun tanning, acting stupid and getting dirty. Dozens of fraternity and sorority members gathered in Superblock Saturday, tossing eggs, eating pies, and riding tricycles as part of the annual Greek Olympics. "Seeing people acting stupid -- that's what it's all about," said Wharton sophomore Bryan Verona, a Sigma Alpha Mu brother. The games concluded a week-long celebration of the Greek system. First place for the fraternity division was captured by SAM, which won both the tricycle and three-legged races. Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. tied Kappa Delta for first place in the sorority competition. The tricycle race started the day and set the tone for an afternoon of fun. "It was funny seeing adults, mature students, riding on these little tricycles," said Wharton senior Brett Fliegler, an Alpha Epsilon Pi brother and one of the Olympics' organizers. Students said that the race, along with the tug-of-war and the obstacle course, were their favorite events. The course was filled with crowd-pleasers. At one point, racers had to spin themselves quickly around a baseball bat before running in mud, hurdling a rope and drinking a glass of water. Competitors continually bumped into each other and fell in the mud, turning the sport into a slapstick comedy sketch. If Greeks managed to stay clean through the afternoon, the tug-of-war did most of them in. A pit of mud sculpted outside High Rise North lay in the middle to await the loser. Sigma Nu dominated the fraternity tug, pulling SAMmie brothers into the mud with each person only holding one hand on the rope. While the afternoon was competitive at times, most people said the spirit of the day was focused on Greek solidarity. "It was a fun and enthusiastic display of what the Greek system has to offer to everyone," said Interfraternity Council Greek Week Representative Bruce Forman. "These include fun, camaraderie, a sense of identity and membership, and an organization you are proud of." Olympics' organizer Tara Friend said she was impressed with the turnout for the event, adding that there event was bigger than last year. And students said whether they won or lost, it was just fun to be involved. "Just being here and participating is what makes this great," Verona said. "It is a beautiful day to hang out and get dirty," added College sophomore Belinda Rosenfield, a Phi Sigma Sigma sister. "It's a time for us to bond and support each other."
(09/30/91 9:00am)
After a year trying to find the perfect college match, some freshmen and sophomores started another quest for the perfect fraternity match yesterday. And like their search for colleges, reputation has become a key determinant for many. Fraternities tried to attract students with exotic food, live bands and root beer kegs as the Interfraternity Council held its first day of fall rush Sunday, but many decided where to rush even before they knew what was on the menu. College freshman Kirk Davis said he picked houses based on the reputation he had heard from other people. "[I decided] not necessarily on the parties, but on the people in it, if the house is nice, and what they do on campus," Davis said. College freshman Dan Wright said he decided which houses to go to based on what he had heard from upperclassman and on the parties he went to earlier in the semester. "It's more of a reputation kind of thing," said Sigma Chi Rush Chairman Paul Arrouet, a College junior. "We are a very visible house on campus because of volleyball." Having a beach volleyball court next to the house helps, but Arrouet said Sigma Chi's members are its biggest asset. "If you have a lot of influential people and leaders on campus it helps a lot," said Arrouet. Arrouet also said the house itself is a big factor for many people. "A lot guys have said to me they can't live in a dirty house," he said. "I think guys want to live in a house that's clean, respectable and has a good reputation." He added that the fraternity drew over 400 students to their Sunday pizza and volleyball fest, one of their biggest draws in recent history. Engineering freshman Brain Simmons said Phi Delta Theta is the only house he is rushing because it has a nice house and a central location. Simmons said he also picked Phi Delt because he knew several brothers -- another way fraternites attract members. Kappa Alpha Society President Dave Wetzel said they get most of their rushes through personal contacts established before rush even begins. Engineering freshman Ryan Shefftel said he went to houses because either he knew people or had heard they had a reputation of being nice people. He said he stopped in some houses not for their food and entertainment, but simply because he "saw a lot of people and they seemed friendly." Yesterday's events were the first in a month-long process where students can visit different houses and fraternities choose their new members. College freshman Dean DiPileto said, although the first day can be a bit superficial, he met a lot of nice people. "Of course everyone is giving their best impression, but the brothers are very friendly," he said. Bruce Forman, the IFC vice president in charge of rush, said there is no way to gauge how many people rushed, but from speaking to members of other houses it appears the numbers are similar to previous years.
(09/26/91 9:00am)
In an effort to dispel stereotypes and strengthen unity among the Greek umbrella organizations, fraternity and sorortity presidents and the boards of the umbrella groups spent Saturday together at a retreat on a boat on the Delaware River. The goals of the retreat was to give chapter presidents the opportunity to get to know each other and to ask each other questions. "Just because we're Greek doesn't mean we understand everything about each other's systems," said Black InterGreek Council President Marisa Sifontes. Interfraternity Council President Jim Rettew said organizers wanted to "challenge our own members to support their actions," which he felt everyone did. Discussion topics included how rush and pledging works in each system, and what each organization did beyond the obvious IFC fraternity party or BIG-C step show. About 50 people participated in the Saturday afternoon retreat. Rettew said people tend to impose their values on other groups and these values do not always apply. Sifontes said this is true for Greeks and non-Greeks. "Don't be so critical of our traditions when you don't understand the meaning behind them," she said. Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., President Grafield Johnson, a Wharton junior, said the retreat created an atmosphere where people felt comfortable addressing the problems. "We could at least come to some understanding of each other's organizations," he said. Leaders said the Greek system at the University is in a unique situation this year in that all three umbrella presidents work well together. "We are capitalizing on that fact and are asking the [chapter] presidents to do that also," said Panhellenic Council President Maureen Hernandez. "We have really expanded to dealing with the whole system rather than just the umbrella organizations," added Rettew. Hernandez said she wants to see this unity spread past the chapter presidents. "Our big aim of the semester is to filter down to the average, newest members," said Hernandez. "We are trying to make it cohesive enough so when new people get in office they can't pull it apart." Almost everyone said in a questionaire completed afterward that the retreat surpassed their expectations. Many said they learned that the three organizations need to work together. "It was a great joint effort," said Beta Theta Pi President Dave Wessels, a Engineering and Wharton senior. "It's fantastic to see the three leaders working together." Plans for joint social and community service efforts were made by some chapters, as were follow-up programs involving rank-and-file Greek members. Chi Omega President Julie Han, a Wharton senior, said although the retreat helped break down stereotypes, she was disappointed because nothing concrete was accomplished. She also said that because the Greek groups are so large and so diverse, it is difficult for the ideas to filter down to individual members. Despite this, the umbrella presidents were very positive. "I think we turned a lot of closed minds inside-out," Rettew said.
(09/25/91 9:00am)
Even though math may not be everyone's favorite subject, fraternity and sorority members were able to make it fun for local elementary school students yesterday on College Green. As part of Greek Week, fraternity and sorority members played math games on campus with children from the New School, a private school on 42nd and Walnut streets. Math bingo, chip trading and geometric designs with rubber bands were just some of the interesting ways the students, who are in kindergarten through the sixth grade, approached learing math. "I wish we had games like this when we were growing up," said Wharton junior Meesh Joslyn, a Delta Delta Delta sorority sister. "The more creative ways of teaching are really neat." The school held a similar "Math-a-thon" last spring in the elementary schoolers' classrooms, but coming to the University added something extra for the children and the school. "It's a way for people to have exposure to what the school is, and for the kids to have exposure to this [college] atmosphere," said New School teacher Elizabeth Nardell. Nardell said that it is nice for the children to work with other adults, and the kids agreed. "We met friends, we don't have to be inside, and we get to play games," third-grader Elizabeth said. "If we would do this all day I would be thankful," added third-grader David. In addition to playing with the children, Greeks collected money from passers-by on Locust Walk for books and scholarships. Participants also solicited sponsorships to raise money. College senior Chrysten Cunningham, a Delta Delta Delta sister who organized the event, said they raised at least $200, but she will not know exactly how much until pledges are collected on Friday. Cunningham said University faculty and West Philadelphia families have children in the school, and money to help keep tuition down is helpfull. At least 200 children and 30 Greeks participated between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Students signed up to help out prior to the event, but Cunningham said they "got a lot of support from people just walking by that thought it looked like fun." Cunningham said Panhellenic Council sororities want to continue supporting the New School through the sororities. "This was kind of a kick-off for the whole year," she said."
