Greek Life in the cross-fire at Boston U

[adduncan]

To be honest: the first one is rather interesting......... but not in a good way. In a "room for improvement" kind of way
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Sorority girls live up to stereotypes

By Megan Jacobs, CAS '06
I am writing in response to the commentaries from Greek leaders setting "facts straight" about their organizations ("Get facts straight about Greek Life," April 1, pg. 10). Ms. Jasmine C. Marrero wrote "if you have a problem with the Greek system here, that's your business, but next time do your homework before you go making weak arguments with no factual basis. A college senior should know better." Well I did my homework, I have some strong arguments with a factual basis, and I am only a freshman.

In the letters, the Greek leaders claimed they are unfairly stereotyped and do more then just drink and party. The main argument to support this was that the Inter Fraternity Sorority Council has held several community service events. Well, I just happened to attend one of the community service events mentioned (the Charles River cleanup) and found the people there to meet every stereotype I have ever held.

The day began with a breakfast served outside after which everyone proceeded into the Law auditorium. Apparently quite a few people forgot it was a day of cleanup because trash was left all over the place. While in the lecture hall, I listened to the entire audience giggle at the speakers (leaving me to wonder if I was in college or still stuck in high school). They then passed out lunches, took pictures and proceeded to "clean" the river. Admittedly, this was my first time doing a river clean-up; however, I went with the assumption that one should not wear her open-toed Prada shoes with matching purse to do some serious cleaning (several of the "sisters" there did not share this assumption). When we finally did get to the river cleaning, I found myself lagging quite far behind all the other girls in the group. My only guess as to why this happened is that I was the only one who seemed to make it past, or even to the rocks (where most of the trash was). Also, I believe that the event billed as "a day of service" would have been much more aptly named a few hours of service.

So you say I shouldn't base my opinions of Greek organizations on one experience? OK, well how about I use my experience of seeing, or maybe I should say hearing a sorority group in the library every week? A few weeks ago I got to hear one group of girls discussing nose jobs (I got to hear them because they were talking so loudly that I had no choice); but maybe they were all pre-med students working on a group project. (However, that doesn't explain the girl trying on her miniskirt and bending over to decide if it was too short).

In summation, it has been my experience that Greek organizations are nothing more than their stereotypes and the community service events they promote do not come from a desire to help the community, but to make it appear otherwise.
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Frats don't haze or divide campus

By Gregory Weisman, CAS '05; Secretary, Inter Fraternity Sorority Council and Secretary and Treasurer o
In response to the letter "BU Should not start funding Greek life" (April 3, pg. 11), which questioned proposed funding for the Inter Fraternity Sorority Council, I begin with the authors' first argument: he assumes all Greek organizations "participate in things like hazing." No matter how many times Greeks reaffirm their position against hazing, popular cultural stereotypes prevail. Hazing violates the policies of the IFSC, the individual fraternal organizations and the laws of Massachusetts. The members of the fraternities and sororities are aware of this from the moment they begin their associations with the group, and to assume that hazing occurs but is not publicized because of the inherently secretive nature of Greek organizations is an unfair criticism to which there can be no legitimate response. I can confidently say as both an officer of my chapter and the IFSC, hazing is not tolerated at Boston University.

The author's second argument is that funding for the IFSC would inhibit a sense of community on campus. His first reason is that Greeks "generally gravitate toward the same type of people." I am one of 16 members of the Sigma Chi Fraternity at BU, and those 16 represent 12 states, at least seven different ethnic backgrounds and at least five different religious backgrounds. I am certain that the larger fraternities and sororities can boast even greater diversity. To say that Greeks are all the same is simply a falsity. Next, the notion that funding for Greeks would cause a division between the Greek organizations is preposterous since the funds would be given to the IFSC — not the individual chapters — so any use would require the continued cooperation of all Greek organizations.

I am unclear as to the logic behind the argument made that funding would increase the division between Greeks and non-Greeks. The author states that such division is not perceivable now, but if Greek life gets bigger, it will occur. He offers no justification for this assumption, simply passing it off as fact. However, most universities have significantly larger Greek systems and a stronger sense of campus community. A larger Greek system can only serve to increase the sense of community on campus, as it serves as a common interest of more students, and as a more powerful group on campus to promote their interests.

The IFSC is the largest student group on campus, and so it would only seem fair that a portion of the Undergraduate Student Fee, which is comprised of more funds from Greeks than any other organization, go back to those students. Greek life fosters leadership and cooperation among its members, while encouraging academic success, campus activity and community service. Events like the Day of Service and the Dance Marathon are only examples of IFSC philanthropies; they do not consider the many activities done by the individual chapters. The leadership, cooperative and interpersonal skills that involvement in Greek organizations teach are invaluable tools and certainly justify their continued success on this campus.
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Note: the slate in question "Trust 2 won the student gov't election. Turnout is about the same, per capita, as for a US Presidential election.

Greeks lack funds despite eligibility

By Caroline Preis, COM '02; Former VP of Financial Affairs, Student Union and Former Recruitment Chair
Pro/anti, ill-informed, tacky and a few good points have dripped from the editorial pages of The Daily Free Press regarding funding for Boston University's Greek community. As past Vice President of Finance for the Student Union and a past Executive Board member of Panhellenic Council, I offer a clarification.

The campaign for Greek funding has lost an essential element since its presentation during a 2001-2002 Executive Board meeting. The Greek Community, specifically Panhellenic and the Inter Fraternity Sorority Council, meet the eligibility requirements for Student Union Allocations Board funding, yet aren't deemed eligible. This conundrum motivated me to subject myself to a year-long analysis, filled of tribulations, to alleviate this contradicting action. We never lobbied for "more money to the Greeks," we advocated "Greek Eligibility." While the latter isn't nearly as sexy in a campaign, I do believe deeming Greeks ineligible for SUAB funding is a flagrant violation of the by-laws. Whether one is for or against funding is completely irrelevant; being a fair and upstanding leader with Student Union funds should ensure upholding the bylaws of SUAB.

I place no blame on students for their lack of knowledge concerning the Greek community, as I know absolutely nothing about the bylaws of the BU Debate Society. However, I know they are eligible for SUAB funding. One may get hot and bothered by the audacity of an alumni for comparing a fraternity to a debate society, yet I do not feel it my place to place a "worth" on either organization and neither did the authors of the SUAB by-laws.

These by-laws determine the disbursement for approximately 65 percent of the Student Union Undergraduate Fee. Clearly stated, eligibility requirements for SUAB funding:

1) The group must be registered with the Student Activities Office.

2) The group must be open to all full-time BU undergraduate students.

3) The group must have an executive board comprised only full-time BU undergraduate students.

4) The group must operate in accordance with all university policies by SAO.

Simply put, Panhellenic and the Inter Fraternity Sorority Council are registered with SAO. Panhellenic and IFSC events, such as recruitment and the Greek BBQ, may not appeal to all, but they are open to all (big distinction). IFSC and Panhellenic E-boards are comprised only of full-time BU students. IFSC and Panhellenic are in accordance with all university Policies by SAO. If they are found in violation — hazing or boozing — obviously they would no longer be eligible. (Currently, IFC/Panhellenic are in good standing with SAO and allowed to host events.)

Having served as an elected student leader, I had the obligation to represent my constituents, and I would hope any victorious slate would leave their personal prejudices aside, thus abiding and advocating the SUAB bylaws. For those filled with passion for or against Greek Funding, take y'all's passion off the pages of The Daily Free Press and become a member of SUAB.
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Adrienne (PNAM-2003)

[KSigkid]

Well, Adrienne has a pretty good handle on what's happening - I was just going to post something about it.

There has been a great deal of discussion lately about Greek Life, more than in my past 4 years at this school combined. The True 2 slate that is mentioned in the articles won the Student Union elections (the other two slates said straight out that they opposed Greek Life at the school, so I'm damn glad they lost). This slate has a member of Zeta Beta Tau on board, and is pro-Greek life; a good start.

As Adrienne said, what's startling about the anti-Greek letters is how much these people buy into the stereotypes and just straight-up HATE Greek life. The letters from Greek members (especially the one from Kerianne) have been solid, calm, and based well in fact. Rob (KSigRC) wrote in a very good letter that did not get published, and I myself am writing in a letter this weekend that hopefully will get in on Monday.

Administration is starting to come around, bit by bit, as there seems to be more support for Greeks on campus than ever before. However, letters like these from the students are frustrating; because we've had such a small Greek system for such a long time, I don't think they realize how good a strong Greek Community would be for Boston U.

I'll post my letter when I'm done writing it, so even if it doesn't get in you all can see it.

Collin

[KSigkid]

This is what I'm planning to send into the newspaper - there may be a couple of edits, but this is the general idea.




What I've seen in the past couple of weeks is more letters about Greek Life than in my past four years at this school, combined. However, I'm dismayed at the hatred some of my fellow students have shown towards an area of Boston University that they know little of.

Making generalizations about Greek Life based on a small number of experiences is just not fair. To say that sororites have earned their stereotype based on a pair of experience ignores the fact that many sorority women are working their way through college, succeeding in academics, and are volunteering for the university and community. In fact, it was a COM student advisor, a sorority member, who was one of the first people to convince me to rush a fraternity. The comments about the Day of Service ignore the fact that there were non-Greeks who did not clean up their trash, and there were non-Greeks who were disrespectful of the speakers that morning as well.

To accuse us of living up to negative sterotypes is to misunderstand who we are. There are school and national regulations that we must follow to be recognized by the school, as well as keep our charters. The fraternities and sororities recognized by Boston University not only follow these regulations, but we give back to the university as a whole, helping with community service, serving as Dean's Hosts and student advisors, and participating in other student organizations around campus.

If you would like to fall back on stereotypes to criticize Greek Life, then I don't know what to tell you. However, if you want to know what Greek Life is REALLY all about, I would say take the time to talk to Seth Rosenzweig, our Greek Advisor, or any of the hundreds of students who are in fraternities and sororities.

[Tom Earp]

Stan, feel not bad on your post!!! It is so right on and to the point!!

KSKID, same goes for you!

I loved both posts!

KSKID, "do not memtion any well known members of Greek Organizations" who give donations and time to the U!

There is a drift there!!

I tell my U everytime they call for a donation, that I am donating to my Fraternity Chapter there for the betterment of the Young men who attend the U!

Gentle well said and let the Academian asswholes know!!

Hell money from Schools for Greeks, I have heard about it but not at PSU!

Dont want to have them put us under the thumb for any reason!!

[adduncan]

Collin--great letter!

There is more sniping going on now re: Greek Life than I remember back in my day as well.

As an alum, I'm trying to stay on top of campus issues, since this is where my donations MAY be going (listen up, SAO....) and I'm recruiting new freshmen to campus from TX.

Here's my vision from the "other side" of graduation:

If more "specialty" housing were instituted, more students would have an incentive to stay on campus. Thus, improving relations w/ Allston-Brighton (the 2 small towns outside of campus where people usually head for their first apartments.) There is already special-interest housing on campus: Russian house, French house, environmental awareness house, etc, etc, etc. (FYI, I lived in "Limited Parietal House" - that was as close to a sorority house as anything got at BU in that day. All female house, limited hours for men, and we created our own activities in our own group, even as we were involved in campus.)

If you put Greek housing under that umbrella, not only would more people be interested in staying, but you'd have someone else adding to the risk-management oversight. Plus, it would open the door for other (insert special interest here) housing as well.

This is just a pipe dream at the moment, it would take some cash, planning, and some legal rangling to make it happen. But if it's possible for Greek life to re-evolve to its current state in the past 15 years, then anything's possible.

Adrienne (PNAM-2003)

[KSigkid]

I hear ya Adrienne, and I think if more alums had the same attitude, we'd be a lot closer to reaching our goals.

Truth be told, Greek life here has gone a long ways in 15 years, from nothing to the biggest student organization on campus. However, as with you, I'd like for, in 15 years, there to be a significant push towards making Greek life an integral part of campus in the administration's view.

We already have been pseudo-recruiting faculty to see the good things in us, and it's helped a bit...but we still have a long ways to go.

[KSigkid]

Another positive article to add; hopefully the onslaught of good articles will outweigh some of the bad comments that have come out.



Dance Marathon planners look to raise $12,000 Saturday

By Jacqueline Policastro
Dance Marathon planners are expecting to raise a minimum of $12,000 for the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation and Camp Heartland this Saturday at Boston University’s first ever Dance Marathon.

One hundred students have registered to dance in the marathon, and numerous others will cheer them on as “moralers,” Dance Marathon officials said.

Sam Sims, an Inter Fraternity Sorority Council official, said the planning committee is hoping to unite the community and start a new tradition at BU.

“As a BU community we are giving a large sum of money to a great cause and two wonderful organizations,” Sims said. “The program has such a great spirit.”

Planners said the total cost of the event will come to $14,000. Eleven-thousand dollars have been donated from sponsors, and the Student Union Allocations Board Monday night agreed to cover the remaining expenses.

Although the Dance Marathon committee officials said they found ways to run the event cheaply, they came across two hurdles over the past several weeks. Organizers have been planning the event since the middle of last semester.

“At the last minute, we incurred two unexpected costs totaling $4,000,” said Remie Ferreira, who is representing the Student Union in organizing the event. “We needed a generator for the evening and we had to abide by a [Student Activities Office] rule that says we must purchase our food from Catering on the Charles.”

The extensive sponsor list includes businesses such as STA Travel, Barnes & Noble, Ben & Jerry’s and many campus student groups, planners said.

“People know that all of this is for charity,” Ferreira said. “None of the performers are being paid and with the help of our sponsors and SUAB, we are now able to donate all of the proceeds to charity.”

The event will also included speakers, raffles, music from Landsdowne Street club DJs and performances from many student groups, planners said. Eric Nies from MTV’s Real World is expected to attend, they said.

Ferreira said volunteers are welcome and can offer their services in four-hour shifts, and anyone can come to the event. Students will be charged $10 to stay on the dance floor for three hours, he said.

Planners stressed that members of campus Greek organizations have played a crucial role planning the marathon. Seventy percent of the sponsored dancers are members of fraternities and sororities, planners said.

“This event comes at the perfect time, just when people are frustrated with Greek life,” said SAO coordinator of programs and Greek advisor Seth Rosenzweig. “Dance Marathon will open BU’s eyes to the Greeks.”

Sims said the event has given students in BU’s Greek system a way to step up into leadership positions and interact with the rest of the BU community.

“We hope that the [letter to the editor] writers can come out and see what the Greeks are like,” Sims said. “Everyone is really excited.”

Ferreira said SAO is hosting a dinner and speaker Friday night in the GSU for Dance Marathon dancers and “moralers.”

“We want to remind participants of the cause and get spirits up before we party all night on Saturday,” he said.

Rosenzweig said he is proud of the event’s student organizers for taking on the project.

“They did an unbelievable job,” he said. “The idea is to bring the BU community together, a challenge that we have overcome.”

[adduncan]

I've "met" Seth on the phone a couple of times to talk about distributing Greek life info to potential BU freshmen.
At those times, and in this article, he really sounds like he has his act together.

I'm going to keep harping on this since it's true: you folks at BU's IFSC have come a looooooong way since I was hiking down Comm Ave every day.

FYI to GC: the Daily FreeP got *hammered* w/ some very well written, positive letters from Greeks setting the record straight. In a weird kind of way, the timing of the Dance Marathon is great: there has been high-profile discussion of Greek life, more than ever, and right away there is a chance for the IFSC and individual GLOs to outshine the naysayers and leave egg on their faces.

Collin, I'll be watching the FreeP online, but I'd be obliged if I could hear some "up-close-and-personal" insights from you and other BU Greeks. The Admissions office (w/ local alum support)is hosting a reception on April 15 for newly-accepted BU students--and I'll be ready to spread the word on Greek life. The more info to share, the better.

Good luck!!!!
Adrienne (PNAM-2003)

[KSigkid]

Just an update for ya'll...the IFSC, along with the Student Union, held a Dance Marathon last night. For all those who don't know, it's a huge charity event, the proceeds for ours went to Camp Heartland, a camp for children with AIDS. We ended up raising $32,000, more than the $12,000 the planners were hoping for. It was a huge success, the best philanthropy I've seen done on campus. (Oh, and KSigRC was a dancer and helped raise a ton of money, along with other guys from the chapter) Many of the volunteers, dancers, and other workers were Greek; a GREAT showing for Greek Life.

$32,000 for kids with AIDS...I guess Greek Life isn't so bad at BU after all.

Collin