Graphic by Virginia Catherine Cushing/Old Gold & Black
In just a year, the university has witnessed the loss of two fraternity chapters, a fraternity colony and a fraternity losing its lounge, all of which occurred for a variety of violations of either university or national organization conduct policy.
Suggestions have been to increase accountability of the Greek organizations and its members. In an effort to do that, the administration, in conjunction with the organizations that oversee the activities of Greek organizations on campus, the Interfraternity Council (IFC), the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) and the Panhellenic Council (PHC), is moving to create a Conduct Board of Fraternity and Sorority Life.
“Throughout this year we have tried to empower our student leaders in the fraternity and sorority community to develop their internal systems of accountability,” Steve Hirst, director of student engagement, said. “While these internal systems of accountability have seen some progress within the organizations, we still saw an opportunity for student leaders to hold organizations accountable when there were concerns from community members outside of the organization.”
The board, which is currently undergoing the final stages of review and ratification by the Student Conduct Office, will be comprised of a member from all chapters that are overseen by the IFC, NPHC and PHC governing boards.
The hope is that the board will allow for concerns about organization behavior to be raised more easily, as well as to provide a body that can adjudicate conduct code violations in the judicial process for Greek organizations.
“The purpose of Conduct Board of Fraternity and Sorority Life is to advance the general interests of the fraternity, sorority and university community through the jurisdiction prescribed in the IFC, PHC and NPHC constitutions and bylaws and risk management policies,” said IFC Vice President John Patracuolla. “We hope that the creation of the board will promote transparency in adjudication, encourage a strong sense of community and stress the importance of responsibility in Greek organizations.”
Many students think the board is a good idea in theory, given the unique nature of many cases that Greek organizations face as groups of students, rather than as individuals. However, there are several people who have reservations as to whether or not the panel will be effective when put into practice.
“I honestly could see it going either way in terms of success,” said Alex St. Clair, senior and member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority.
“There could be some bias as far as the board being more lenient on violations than they should, especially given that it will be completely made of Greek students, but it could also avoid the bias of persons who might use it to unfairly punish Greek organizations.”
One senior, who is a member of the Board of Investigators and Advisors, echoed that concern.
“I worry that this board will further isolate the Greek community from the rest of the school. To separate their judicial process almost seems like there is a special privilege being provided and reduces the ability for students from all parts of the campus community to voice concerns about the actions of Greek organizations,” the senior said.
Hirst hopes that the board will have its structure finalized, members fully trained and be ready to hear cases starting in the coming academic year.
“Before the proposal is approved, the committee will want to present the structure to the chapter presidents and provide an opportunity for feedback. Additionally, the new associate dean of students, associate dean of student conduct and the new director of fraternity and sorority life will certainly need to have a chance to review and comment on the proposal,” Hirst said. “Our department is seeking to partner with our student leaders to address community concerns and view the development of this board as an important step towards a productive and effective partnership.”