|
Costs of being an independent organization can increase, but it doesn't have to be that way.
In the case of Colorado, they decided to hire a full-time "Greek Advocate". This person is a former high school teacher and serves as a quasi-greek advisor. His salary and benefits were the primary reason for the cost increase. But, those increases were voted on and approved by the interfraternity council - so they obviously saw the benefit. (By the way, just the position title itself says a lot about what they're trying to do in Boulder... they need an Advocate, not a school official breathing down their necks and trying to control chapters.)
The other thing that the interfraternity council is running into in terms of costs is meeting space (renting rooms in the student union) and the higher cost of marketing for recruitment. But, again, this is a choice they've made. The most effective recruitment method is individual contact - not mass-marketing. At some point, they'll figure this out and then their costs will be reduced.
Finally, what is not included in this analysis is the non-accounting, but economic, costs and benefits. For example, how do you put a price on the fact that the fraternities and/or interfraternity council is no longer having to deal with ridiculous school imposed regulations, or mandatory school meetings, or the rest of that junk. (Wouldn't we all pay more to get out from under those requirements?!) Also, consider the alternative costs - the school's demands included a resident advisor for each chapter house and deferred rush... just think of those costs!
Again, if the guys in Boulder can make a go of it, it's going to be "Fraternities' Shot Heard Round the World". It will show schools that "partnerships" (i.e. recognition) needs to be a two-way street, with mutual benefits.
|