Campus shares in dialogue over Greeks’ future role

Negative stereotypes of fraternities and sororities. Alcohol use and abuse in the Greek system. Faculty and academic staff involvement in Greek life.

These topics and others will be discussed at upcoming focus groups that will explore the future of UW–Madison’s 42 fraternities and sororities and their connection with the university.

The focus groups are part of “Greek Life in the 21st Century: Your Chance to Make a Difference,” sponsored by the Commission on Fraternities and Sororities. The commission was formed in 1988 to examine the relationship between the Greek system and the university.

“We’re looking at how to work together to make the Greek system a better place for students,” says Melissa Yonan, commission member and the Student Organization Office’s fraternity/sorority adviser.

The focus groups are scheduled for April 7, 8 and 15 at 1641 Humanities and April 9 at Memorial Union. The discussions run from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Other group topics could include strengthening the internal structure of fraternities and sororities; scholarship and philanthropy; and the three umbrella organizations for fraternities and sororities (Interfraternity Council, National Pan-Hellenic Council and Panhellenic Association).

The commission is evaluating an element of campus life that affects a sizable percentage of the student body. Approximately 9 percent of undergraduates, about 2,500 students, are members of fraternities or sororities, according to the Student Organization Office.

The commission will submit a report with its findings to Dean of Students Mary Rouse and Chancellor David Ward by the end of the semester.

Yvonne Fangmeyer, acting director of the Student Organization Office, says she hopes that faculty and academic staff take a more active role in mentoring and advising fraternities and sororities and their members.

“We think the presence of more seasoned adults in Greek organizations will have a positive impact and help turn the focus back on scholarship, service and fellowship, the historical roots of the Greek system,” she says.

Last fall, Rouse asked the commission to evaluate the implementation of 13 recommendations made in 1989 regarding the restructuring of the relationship between Greek organizations and the university. The recommendations are designed to foster responsibility and accountability in the Greek system and improve the link between fraternities and sororities and UW–Madison.

Kicking off the “Greek Life” events was a discussion about the National Pan-Hellenic Council, the governing organization for the historically African American fraternities and sororities, held March 22.

Two town hall meetings were held March 24 and 31, and Robert Deloian, national president of Phi Delta Theta, will discuss “The Movement Toward Substance-Free Housing” during a luncheon today at 11:30 a.m. at Memorial Union.