What is going on at University of Iowa?

[oldu]

My reference to conditions of "now vs. then" at Iowa are more long term. I remember visiting Iowa City several years ago when there were thirty plus fraternities, most well housed and the majority with 60 or more members. Almost every activity on campus was controlled by Greeks. Compare that to today.

It is not a problem exclusive to University of Iowa. Many of our most prominent public universities are going through the same thing, witness: University of California, U. C. L. A., Colorado, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio State, Oregon and Texas. While it is critical for fraternities, the ladies have not escaped the problem either. Go look up how many sorority chapters have closed at the above institutions.

Where have we gone wrong? More importantly, what can we do to convince our brightest students who are attending our preeminent universities that they could gain from membership in a fraternity or sorority?

[ISUKappa]

...

Originally Posted by TSteven

What do you view as the future of Fraternity life at Iowa? Do you feel that the campus culture has turn the proverbial corner or can they (fraternities) come back to the prominence they had before?

Now, my viewpoint is as a former sorority advisor, so I didn't have the direct relationship with the fraternities, but I don't know that fraternities at Iowa will ever be as prominent as they were before. I think the campus is just changing too much. The incoming student is not the same as they were even 10 years ago. This phenomenon is talked about on GC all the time and Iowa is no exception.

Also, do you foresee any negative effect on the sororities?

I think there is some, but to a lesser extent. Total was lowered a few years ago and still only about 5 chapters are at or above total. IME, the women going through recruitment are changing as well. Not that it's necessarily a bad thing, but IME, it's led to lower retention rates and disconnect within the chapter and with the advisors. But maybe that was just the women I saw. I know other houses are doing very well with numbers, retention, leadership and scholarship.

[breathesgelatin]

Originally Posted by oldu

Almost every activity on campus was controlled by Greeks.

I don't mean to nitpick or be rude. I find this thread very interesting. BUT...

Why is this a goal of many Greeks? At my school every activity on campus WAS controlled by Greeks and while I am a Greek and proud, it was not then and it is not now apparent to me that having "every activity on campus" controlled by Greeks is a positive thing. Were you meaning this as a downfall/problem at ISU or just as an example of "how the mighty have fallen"?

In my opinion it's a better goal for Greeks to seek leadership positions and work with non-Greek affiliated individuals for the betterment of the entire campus--FOR EVERYONE, not only for Greeks.

I was just curious because this is a view I see expressed or implied often on Greekchat and I wondered what the rationale behind it was. Is it just nostalgia? "Remember when we controlled everything...."

I would submit that a Greek system can be incredibly strong and dynamic while sharing power and allying with non-Greeks--and probably ultimately gain more public respect in the long run. Thus I don't see Greeks controlling every campus activity as a goal to work towards, nor do I see it as a sign of/necessity to having a strong Greek system...

[bejazd]

Originally Posted by breathesgelatin

Thus I don't see Greeks controlling every campus activity as a goal to work towards, nor do I see it as a sign of/necessity to having a strong Greek system...

I agree. The groups that will be successful in the future will adapt their programming to meet the needs and the interests of today's students. That does not mean we have to meet ALL of their needs. But we do have to respect and be aware that not everyone who can be a real asset to our membership is white, beautiful (or handsome), rich, middle class or already accomplished in eighty kazillion activities. If we're helping students to achieve better GPAs, giving them opportunities to serve their community, connecting them with alums that will help them in their future careers and providing a safe, fun social experience, the Greek system will grow and prosper despite changing campus climates.

[BadCat25]

I am with you breathesgelatin. I hate this us vs them atitude so many of the greeks and GDI's have at my university. As far as fraternities go, so many of the men on my campus will not join one because they don't like the whole immature fratboy thing so many of the fraternity members think is so cool. One told me he did not go through rush because "I am not going to let some idiot hit me with a paddle".