Councils unite Greek organizations
Chapters connect on national level
By: Janet Robb
Issue date: 1/20/06 Section: Lifestyles
The Murray State News
(Murray, Kentucky)
Every year brings something new at Murray State and this year is not any different - it is the Year of the Greeks.
The year-long event focusing on different aspects of Greek life - strengths, weaknesses, citizenship and community involvement through philanthropic events - kicked off in August, Don Robertson, vice president of Student Affairs, said.
"Certainly, in Year of the Greek, we are trying to emphasize the strengths, (but) we're trying to address weaknesses also," Robertson said. "We appreciate what the Greeks do provide the campus and the community, so that's why we wanted to have a year emphasis on what Greek life is about."
Robertson said he wants to ensure the system provides the best opportunity for students to experience what Greek life is like. These organizations are important because they provide many opportunities for students to find something to identify with, Robertson said. The system provides a chance to develop leadership, social skills and citizenship.
"What we really stress for students is to have a total experience while it maximizes their academic experience," Robertson said. "That's what they're here for, and the Greeks should be a system that supports academics. But also, there is a lot of learning outside the classroom."
Having a strong Greek system is not the only way to get learning experience outside the classroom, but it is a viable one, he said.
He said it is important for the groups to establish themselves from being just social groups.
"I think it's very critical for the Greeks to establish an identity of what they are really like and that the social is one aspect," Robertson said. "It is much more than that. (It's) the brotherhood, the sisterhood, the leadership development (and) the community service."
The 21 social fraternities and sororities are governed under the Interfraternity, Panhellenic and National Pan-hellenic councils at Murray State. Each council oversees the overall operation of their member chapters and the presidents are responsible for the operation of their respective councils.
Jeff Utley, Interfraternity Council president and senior from Russellville, said via e-mail being governed under one council gives the fraternities a chance to promote Greek life and an opportunity to communicate, provide support and develop consistency between their organizations.
"It is important for there to be a governing body so that our constitution and by-laws are enforced, and we all have an opportunity to work together to efficiently accomplish good things for our community and our college," Casey Humkey, Panhellenic president, said via e-mail.
Humkey, junior from Lexington, said council regulations are the same as those Murray State enforces.
"We are expected to act as mature women and represent our chapters, as well as, our college in a very tasteful and respectful way," she said.
Nicole Defreeze, National Panhellenic Council vice-president, said via e-mail the NPHC requires each sorority and fraternity to have Service Week and Activity Week.
"The main restrictions is that no other fraternity or sorority can have something during someone('s) week," said Defreeze, senior from Bowling Green. "It's important for all sororities and fraternities to work together so that we can benefit the University, student body and community."
Even though three different councils govern the Greeks, Don Robertson said it is up to the students to look at each of the different fraternities and sororities and decide which one is the best fit.
"I think our system is diverse (and) it provides opportunities," Robertson said. "It's up to the students to really explore, evaluate and ask questions, examine and hold the groups accountable to what they say they are all about."
Threaded Mode