THIS YEAR marks 150 years of fraternities at the University. During this period, a small system has flourished into 63 fraternity and sorority chapters under four Greek governing councils. Hereafter, I address most of my remarks to the Inter-Fraternity Council fraternities. Although the fraternity system has received all sorts of attention and criticism, one thing remains the same: The fraternity system is an integral part and key contributor to the University and to the Charlottesville community. Presently, as in the past, Greeks are Jefferson scholars, varsity athletes, the Honor Committee Chairman, Madison House leaders, the Student Council President, U-Guide. . . the list goes on.
The fraternity system's contributions to the University community reach far beyond the undergraduate level. The fraternity experience trains men for success, making an impact that continues to be felt as an alumnus. With the Greek system at heart and the University as a backdrop, fraternity alumni continue to be integral supporters of the school through time, energy and financial donations. For example, the new Special Collections Library and the renovations of the football stadium are largely due to fraternity alumni. The intimate fraternity involvement with the University has not changed.
Recently the Board of Visitors, with the help of a committee of students, faculty and administrators, examined the Greek system, with special attention to IFC fraternities. Thankfully, the Board elected not to neglect the system but chose to offer assistance, for which the Greek community is very appreciative.
The University administration has outlined this investment program having carefully assessed the system's needs and the program's goals. The application and contractual negotiations will ensure that these investments meet the objectives of both the chapter and the University. The overall cap on outstanding loans at any one time demonstrates that this is a pilot program that will be tested on initial applicants. Those who doubt the ability of the University to ensure good use of its investment simply have not done their homework.
The program can provide a much needed opportunity for some chapters. The varying levels of alumni and nationals' support create vast disparities in the physical and financial status of each chapter. In certain cases, this investment program may be the best way to renovate or build houses, which will have a positive ripple effect on the entire chapter, especially for recruitment. This is especially true for Black Fraternal Council and Multicultural Greek Council chapters, whose limited size and resources have precluded housing opportunities in the past. Though some details remain to be worked out, the Board has provided an alternate avenue for the improvement of each chapter.
As a result of the University's financial involvement, one could argue that this program breaches the autonomy of each chapter. This may be true; however, one would be naive to believe that the system is currently an autonomous branch of the University. The move of the formal rush period from the fall to spring by the Office of the Dean of Students illustrates the limited power of the Greek system. Likewise, the changes to alcohol policies, the adoption of Resolution 2000 by Inter-Sorority Council sororities, and prohibitions on pledging for BFC organizations demonstrate the control mechanisms of national headquarters. These changes, whether good or bad, undoubtedly display the broad influences already in place over the Greek system.
The issues of autonomy and wasted investments can be moot if the chapters begin to hold themselves more accountable. The IFC has made progress recently in the effectiveness of its governance, with the concurrent goal of maintaining autonomy for all chapters. For example, the IFC Judiciary Committee is an increasingly reliable student-run body, with more positive steps coming in the near future.
The next phase is the requirement of a functioning Chapter Standards Board within each chapter. These judiciary committees, which internally investigate, judge and sanction brothers, are key to the future of each chapter. These allow chapters to hold individuals accountable for actions that may or may not otherwise be brought to IFC-JC or the University Judiciary Committee. Actions that were hard to police but caused damage will no longer be tolerated.
The time has come for all members of the IFC community to raise their standards and set higher goals for the system that means so much to them. When our brothers act irresponsibly, we should hold them more accountable. I challenge all members to put the good of the system before their own self-interest.
This program is a great vote of confidence by the Board. It clearly acknowledges that the Greek system has been an integral part of the University and affirms the continuance of that tradition for yet another 150 years.
(Phil Trout is a third-year College student. He is president of the Inter-Fraternity Council.)
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