Greek community to release 21st century proposal

The preliminary draft of the InterFraternity Council, BiCultural InterGreek Council and Panhellenic Council's 21st Century Report will be released tomorrow to University students and faculty. The report is an attempt to set up guidelines for Greek life at the University. It provides numerous academic and service incentives, as well as interactive opportunities for the three groups. Fraternity and sorority presidents and members of the three umbrella organization executive boards have been working on the plan since the beginning of the semester, according to IFC President Josh Gottheimer, an Alpha Epsilon Pi brother. He explained that if things go as scheduled, a final draft of the report will be approved and put into effect next fall. Each umbrella organization put forth its own section of the plan, though many of the topics outlined by the individual groups overlap -- such as academics, community service, social enrichment, sensitivity and technology. According to Gottheimer, a College junior, the plan has received widespread student and faculty support. And Greek leaders from other universities and members of national fraternity and sorority offices have already contacted the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs to discuss the plan. Gottheimer added that the University will be holding a Greek Summit in April in response to growing outside interest. "What makes this report different is that it's a grass-roots effort -- it's from the student," Gottheimer said. "When students make an effort rather than the administration telling them to do it, it makes a huge difference." But he added that he is expecting some opposition to the report because it plans to implement change, and "no one loves change." "I would not be happy at the end of this preliminary period if we didn't receive any criticism," he said. The report emphasizes a renewed dedication to academic excellence within the Greek community. The IFC will present awards each semester to the fraternity with the highest grade point average. In addition, it will award three $500 research grants to "Greek individuals or groups that present an academically innovative research proposal in the undergraduate field." Panhel President and Sigma Delta Tau sister Jessica Schreck said sensitivity and social enrichment are the main focuses of Panhel's portion of the plan, though all aspects of the proposal are important. The College junior explained that Panhel has already implemented many of the changes called for in the report. Most of the recommendations suggest the expansion of programs already in existence for the sororities. This contrasts with the IFC plan, which mostly requires the construction of new programs. Sensitivity to others was also cited as an area of major concern for Big-C President George Holt, a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. Both racial and inter-umbrella organization relationships were focused on in the formation of the plan, Holt said. "I know sensitivity should affect a large part of the community because it's an issue that will overall affect everyone," the Wharton junior added. Schreck said that one of the most positive aspects of working on the report was the increased interaction between the Big-C, IFC and Panhel. "In working together, we've seen more than ever before that our goals are the same," she said. "We're all pretty much based on he same values, and in the past we've kind of overlooked that." Gottheimer said the Greek system will hold fund raisers and call on alumni for monetary support of the plan. "We've looked into the costs and a lot of these steps are very reasonable," he said. "Nothing is impossible with a little effort." In addition to the mandates established in the report, the umbrella organizations also made "recommendations" to Greeks, which will not be enforced. "It's very difficult to make a whole report full of mandates," Gottheimer said. "But we believe that most houses will follow along with the recommendations."

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