Again I find myself writing a response to one of Chris Jaikaran's columns. Perhaps we have a different view of the state of greek life, or maybe I am right and he is wrong. On Wednesday he asked if the administration cared about greek life.
I can tell you they do. If Jaikaran were to go to the new Office of Greek Life and Experiential Learning and speak with some of the people there, he would be surprised to learn that many of them do care a lot about greek life. Joseph Oravecz, associate dean for OGL&EL, is a former greek, as are many of the individuals who work there.
The university cares so much about greek life they subsidized a weekend retreat for two members of every chapter on campus. Over 80 greeks were in attendance. The cost was in excess of $200 and the purpose of the weekend was to determine what elements of greek life need repair, which ones are fine and what needs to be created.
That weekend we learned a few key things. For one, greek life has the potential to be a great force on this campus. Second, we realized that the best way to make the necessary changes is not by being confrontational and accusing the administration of trying to eliminate us, but by asking them for help when we want to accomplish something. By the way, they are more than willing to help us.
I was at that weekend retreat. The program, called IMPACT, facilitated a dialogue among greeks on how to revitalize greek life. Many good ideas came out of that weekend.
My IMPACT group was committed to the formation of a new, all encompassing greek council to unite the existing five greek councils and implement programs and events for greeks and non-greeks on campus. Not only is there a consensus of greeks behind this idea but, and this might surprise Jaikaran, the administration is behind this initiative as well.
-Joshua Lax sophomore, magazine major vice president, Alpha Epsilon Pi
Be the first to comment on this article!