Massive problems

archangel689 · #1 02-19-2003, 06:12 PM

--

shadowstar · #2 02-19-2003, 06:22 PM

i think you said it yourself: the Greeks are too apathetic to change things. while the director of Greek life does, obviously, hold a fair amount of power over how Greek organization as a whole is run, if the Greeks do nothing to try to change his opinion or the opinions of the administration about how he conducts things, then it is a lost cause. and if the independents are the ones who are stepping up and doing things in leadership positions, more power to them for that. i think Greeks are under-represented in lots of leadership positions because they hold leadership positions in their houses, so because of time commitments, etc., they don't hold positions in student government or other organizations. but it's up to the Greeks to change things, not up to the administration or independents to back down from doing things or being involved. you seem to feel really passionately about this, which is great, and i think if you can find other people, in fraternities and sororities, to back you up and start a Greek movement towards change, you are on your way to improving the Greek system and treatment of Greeks on your campus. but until people get off their asses and band together about this, the apathy will kill the system. if you can beat the apathy, everything else should get taken care of in time, i would think.

33girl · #3 02-19-2003, 09:37 PM

#1: The alums are nuts if they believe the "give him enough rope" theory. Grow a pair, and bring up a vote at IFC or Panhel to have him removed. Our panhel at Clarion did it...and although it didn't get her immediately removed, I still think it made a statement.

#2: Get good qualified people to run, and get behind them because they are the best person for the job - NOT just because they are Greek. If you can't find the best person for the job within your orgs, it kind of negates all claims that Greeks attract the best and brightest.

If your sororities are NPC, they probably couldn't wear letters for orientation anyway (see the umpteen threads on silence before rush). shadowstar is right, all the Greeks need to get together and help each other. Just as a fraternity or sorority that isn't unified has a problem getting new members for their chapter, a system that isn't unified will have a problem getting people to rush in general.

The one word I keep seeing in your post is "control" and it sort of makes me question your motives. Did you join a fraternity to enjoy the brothers' company and give something back to your school and community, or because you thought it would help you get ahead and run the school?? Just being honest, but it seems like you're more concerned with notches on your belt and titles and awards after your fraternity's name than you are with simply enjoying being Greek.

Kevin · #4 02-19-2003, 10:00 PM

As for your advisor, yes. Grow a pair. Get 'em out of there. We had a TOTALLY incompetant advisor. We actually have a recent alum of another fraternity here on campus and I'd say he's MUCH more effective. At many schools I've seen that the role of the Greek Life Advisor has to be taken by someone who's motivated and has vision. It can just as easily be occupied by someone who would prefer to sit on their ass and collect a paycheck.

Have the Greek houses considered pullion out of the carnival and holding their own event?

Tom Earp · #5 02-19-2003, 10:54 PM

Many more times than not, the Greek Advisor is one taht is thrown into it. They were not members of a Greek Org. so have no clue except what they hear! Or, the Greek Advosors find themselves as second class members of the Faculity. Something that has to be there!

We always try to find and Advosor who is a member of the Faculaty who may learn about us and then Initiated into the Brotherhood!

They many times are one of the greatest attributes to the Chapter. We have one Now, Thank God! It helps that is Son is now his Brother!

Kevin · #6 02-20-2003, 02:58 AM

I remember that when we were a colony we had to walk a very fine line. At one time one of our members was president of IFC and at the same time we had to get the approval of a totally worthless Greek Advisor (who we wanted fired) as part of our petition.

I'd advise you to make your opinions known perhaps by an anonymous letter to his direct supervisor. If nothing else he'll have a few questions to answer.

It sounds like this guy is one of your major issues with unity. His pet chapters vs. everyone else. This can be very destructive.

For recruitment you may want to form a coalition with non-pet groups and do your own Rush. As a colony rush is pretty cut-throat, do or die in my experience. You need numbers, don't let anything stop you from getting that.

Leadership in Student Government isn't all that hard to get. You just have to have capable people with leadership skills and dedication. Greeks on my campus have NO problems finding SGA leadership roles so it's hard to relate to that one.

You at least recognize that there is a problem. That's good. Go out there and kick some ass.

MoxieGrrl · #7 02-20-2003, 10:48 AM

archangel: Is your fraternity close with another sorority? Why don't you or one of your brothers pair with a girl in that house and run for student government? Maybe if part of the campaign is improving Greek Life that will help win you some points with the other groups. Even if the Greeks are divided, they will quite possibly be more inclined to vote for a Greek, rather than an independent. Good luck!!