NU Greeks are a positive way to socialize

[TSteven]

NU Greeks are a positive way to socialize
By: Jordan Demmel and Ryan Norman
Issue date: 9/18/06 Section: News
Daily Nebraskan

In the past, greek "froshes" have been a fun way for new members of fraternities and sororities to meet each other.

But unfortunately, for the past two freshman pledge classes, that tradition fizzled out.

To offer those students some semblance of the traditional froshes, Greek Affairs started organizing socials called "NU/New Greeks," which target freshmen and sophomores at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Sgt. Koan Nissen of University Police said one of the problems with the old froshes was the activities held afterwards.

"The actual frosh was a great way for people to get together and meet each other," he said. "But a lot of times they would be (at the froshes) for an hour before meeting up (elsewhere) to do less legal things."

The problem brought up by Nissen has not been the only one facing froshes.

While Greek Affairs doesn't have a policy against froshes, Linda Schwartzkopf, the director of Greek Affairs, said the department discourages them on the basis that they violate national sorority policy.

Blair Whitman, a senior communications major and the president of Panhellenic Association, the governing body for UNL sororities, said Greek Affairs doesn't support activities that break national rules.

"Almost all nationals consider freshman-only events hazing," she said.

Two years ago, Greek Affairs, which formerly had no involvement in froshes, held planning sessions for all greek houses to discuss future activities for new members, Schwartzkopf said.

Out of those meetings came the idea that Greek Affairs could assist with the event programming, she said. That way, any chapter could participate in get-to-know-you activities.

But not all greeks are happy with the New Greek events. Some have even joined the Facebook group, "Restore the order ? FROSHES!" The group currently has 215 members dedicated to bringing froshes back to UNL.

The creator of the group, senior finance major Michael Stafford, declined to comment on his reasons for creating the group.

"The new events are just a time to go have fun," Whitman said. "It helps new greeks socialize, get out there and promote greek unity."