Report urges bigger university role in Greek system

The university should take a more active role with fraternities and sororities to improve the campus Greek system, a new report says.

The report from the university’s Commission on Fraternities and Sororities says the commission must move beyond just providing oversight of the Greek system, composed of approximately 2,700 undergraduates in 30 fraternities and 14 sororities.

“The university, through the commission, must assume a more active, collaborative role with fraternity and sorority chapters and their umbrella organizations in proposing, advocating, and implementing creative programs to improve Greek life on this campus,” the report says.

The report reaffirms the original recommendations adopted by the commission in 1989, following its establishment by former Chancellor Donna Shalala, and offers several new recommendations focusing on many aspects of Greek life, from philanthropy and recruitment to fundraising and alcohol abuse.

The commission spent two years examining Greek life on campus, and commission chair Jack Ladinsky says the recommendations will help improve the system.

“The recommendations attend to local needs and reflect the very best thinking by national experts on university Greek life,” says Ladinsky, emeritus professor of sociology.

For more information, contact Melissa Yonan of the Student Organizations Office at (608) 263-4597.