While the Greek system has been plagued with associations of "Animal House" antics, a new grant issued by the U.S. Department of Education can help change its image.
The $257,000 grant will be divided to fund non-alcoholic events sponsored by fraternities and sororities.
The amount of funding per event will be determined on a case-by-case basis by a committee of students from the University's Center for Alcohol and Substance Education.
Inter-Fraternity Council president Phil Trout said he believes the grants will benefit fraternity life by strengthening unity among Greek organizations.
"It's a great incentive for chapters from the different councils to come together for service and social events without the usual financial restrictions," he said.
IFC public-relations spokesman, Ryan Ewalt said he believes the alcohol-free mini grants also signal a renewed emphasis on charitable involvement.
"Obviously, de-emphasizing alcohol is a good thing," Ewalt said. "Eventually it sparks philanthropy and community service."
Ewalt said applications now are available for Greek organizations wishing to apply for funds.
"I'd strongly encourage all fraternities to take advantage of these funds," he added.
The money currently is limited to a randomly selected intervention group, including 10 chapters from the IFC, five from the Inter-Sorority Council and all chapters under the Black Fraternal and Multicultural Greek Councils.
"We're starting out small because it's more manageable," CASE director Susan Bruce said. "Next year, the money will be open to all."
Representatives from the four councils will determine the criteria for grant eligibility in the future, Bruce said.
"This just shows that when students are really invested, they can change the fraternity culture," Bruce said.
Aaron Laushway, assistant dean of students for fraternity and sorority life, said the alcohol-free mini-grants send an important message to the University.
"It demonstrates that people can have fun, even when not drinking," he said.
Laushway added that the addition of Phi Gamma Delta, a dry fraternity, suggests alcohol is not necessary during fraternity social events.
"Given the quality of the men, I expect Fiji will rapidly proceed through fraternity procedure to receive its charter," he said.
Fiji officially re-colonized Monday night during a ceremony held in the Dome Room of the Rotunda.
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