Greeks gather to discuss new plan

Greek leaders gathered in Chats Tuesday night to discuss the 21st Century Report. And while the majority of those in attendance supported the proposal, some remained skeptical. The report was drafted by the presidents of the Bicultural InterGreek Council, InterFraternity Council and Panhellenic Council, with the input of chapter presidents and members. Calling for an "Ivy League Greek System," the report implements changes in programming for each of the three umbrella organizations, including mandatory community service and educational workshops, interaction between the three Greek councils and increased incentives for academic success. But Pi Lambda Phi President Dante Skidmore, a Wharton junior, expressed concern about the "potential danger" of not enforcing the plan. "It has a lot of good ideas and good intentions, but the key thing here is [to] follow through," he said. "If we put ourselves on the spot, we're raising the guillotine above our heads." Skidmore, who voted against the plan, said he believes some IFC houses are "not keeping up" with the report's 10-Point Membership Plan for pledge education. "Progression is moving faster than a lot of houses can move," he said. "It we falter on our follow-through, it could very easily destroy us." But IFC President Josh Gottheimer, an Alpha Epsilon Pi brother and College junior, said the plan will not be fully implemented for two years -- enough time for houses to make the transition. "It's a slow process, but in the end it will all come together," he said. Psi Upsilon brother and Wharton junior Jason Joe said the plan is "a real step forward." "It raises the standard for everyone, and has a lot of good concepts," he said. "I can only see it as strengthening the Greek system if we make it happen." And Panhel President and Sigma Delta Tau sister Jessica Schreck, a College junior, explained that the plan gives the Greek system the opportunity to show the University community what fraternities and sororities are doing -- and that they are more than social institutions. According to Schreck, all eight Panhel chapters support the plan. She added, though, that student feedback has been minimal. Gottheimer said the University's Greek system, in its current form, is in danger, and that changes are necessary for its survival. "There are things that we do that aren't necessarily moving in the direction that the University is," he said. "Every time one house screws up, we all get hurt."

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