Quote:
Originally posted by FuzzieAlum
I think the Greek system may initially shrink a bit as those who are joining it for the keggers stop, and it will take a while before the people who would join for networking/brotherhood/career/self-improvement reasons to realize that Greek life is for them. Eventually I think the system will end up stronger.
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I think as more houses go all or partially dry, the remaining ones will have increased risk management problems and pressure to go dry themselves.
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Except that, as sorority women, we've been getting a free ride off the fraternities for years - we drink at their houses, maybe in their letters, on their dime, including the not-insignificant risk management dime. In actuality the men have been footing the bill for Greek men and women for years.
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FuzzieAlum,
Pardon my editing of your post. I will try not to take anything out of context.
I think you are absolutely right on target with your comments -- as those who have read through numerous of my long winded posts and replies in the past will already know.
Regarading your first point above, this, I think, is another way of saying that by returning to our organizations core values, we can only grow stronger in the long run. I'm not aware of any organization's Ritual that's built around drinking and partying. And, no, I'm not saying parties should be banned -- they just shouldn't be the main reason for pledging.
I have argued your second point ad-naseum. The fact is that risk management issues -- mainly rising insurance costs -- are the single biggest danger to the fraternity system.
Finally, the Risk Management information I receive in different levels as an alumni volutneer -- from Chapter Advisor to Division Vice President -- confirm your final comment. Unfortunately, this includes damage caused directly or indirectly by (sorority and other) women at fraternity parties. By that I mean actual damage to facilities, as well as normal wear and tear -- and the alcohol and other costs of the parties. That was a shock to me, but the percentage of insurance claims is substantial. And, beyond physical damage, there are the claims from personal accidents, etc.
That is, perhaps, another good reason to move the parties to outside locations.
Thank you for your very enlightened post.