As one of very few international students who rushed a sorority her sophomore fall, Mariam Malik '98 has some unique perspectives on the Greek system.
And as the newly elected president of the Panhellenic Council, Malik said she is "looking forward to revamping" some of Panhell's existing policies in order to change some of the views students have of sororities.
"There are far too many misconceptions about the organizations and the process of joining them," she said. "I want to focus on correcting these misconceptions."
Malik, a sister at Delta Delta Delta sorority, said by pledging a sorority, she showed the stereotypes students associate with members of Greek houses are not true.
"Just because I was different, that I wasn't the image of a 'sorority girl,' didn't mean I couldn't make the system work for me," she said. "I like to think that I am a part of a system that respects and appreciates diversity."
A vision for the system
Erica Ryu '98, Malik's best friend and vice president of Epsilon Kappa Theta sorority, said she is impressed with Malik's goals for the Greek system.
"She has taken the role of Panhell president not only with enthusiasm and dedication, but with a very clear sense of where she would like to go and how she is going to go about it," she said. "But at the same time she is open to suggestion and advice. That makes people respect her all the more."
Malik said she is concerned that many people think the Greek system is exclusive and has the potential to segregate the campus.
"My background gives me a different perspective. I see how easy it is for someone who isn't a part of the majority to feel isolated," she said. "I see how easy it is to let differences hinder you."
Malik, originally from Pakistan, has traveled all over Europe and Asia extensively. She had not, however, visited America until she came to Dartmouth.
"I had no idea what to expect -- the Dartmouth I had heard about was unaccepting and very conformist," she said. "Now, as increasingly diverse classes come in each year I see a positive change in campus dynamics."
Malik said the Greek houses are becoming more diverse.
"Our diversity is in our goals, hopes and aspirations," she said of Tri-Delta. "Each person has a unique contribution to make. It's not about superficialities."
Malik said being a member of a national house is very important to her.
"Traditions matter greatly to me," she said. "I've gotten to meet incredible women that I would otherwise never have had the chance to."
Malik, who attended an all-female high school through 11th grade, said she values the female friendships she has cultivated through the Greek system.
"Both as a friend and as a leader she is absolutely and totally committed," Ryu said. "She is the type of person that will drop everything in a second if you need her."
An open process
Since some students think Greek houses are exclusionary, Malik said Panhell is reevaluating the rush process so sororities will seem more welcoming to women.
One way for this to happen is if the sororities communicate they are not "excessively selective" and recognize the special qualities of each woman who rushes, she said.
"I encourage people to at least go through rush," she said. "If all else fails, you'll still get to meet some great people."
Panhell recently decided not to have rush this term because of the large size of many of the sororities' pledge classes in the fall.
Malik said the seventh Panhellenic sorority, Delta Omega Pi, will provide another voice for women on the campus.
"I think it's a great move [to start a new sorority]," she said. "Our pledge classes are growing in size, which does away with the uniqueness of the 'new member experience.' It's not fair to the women joining."
As an improvement in the way women perceive the sororities, she noted the number of women from the Class of 1999 who were elected to positions on Panhell.
"We're seeing more and more women wanting to work with other houses," she said.
"Instead of building walls as it's claimed the Greek system does, we're making an effort to broaden our focus and reach out to all parts of Dartmouth society," she continued. "More people are coming together and strengthening our community."
Alcohol monitoring at Greek house events has recently come under fire by the "draft principles" of the College Committee on Alcohol and Other Drugs.
"Our houses are very conscious of the implications of alcohol abuse," Malik said regarding the principles. "We are trying to address these issues to insure students' safety.
"We require students to go through extensive educational programs during their pledge terms," she said.
These programs include discussions and panels on alcohol abuse.
Malik said members of Greek houses are not the only ones to blame for underage drinking.
"You have to understand also that it has to do with the culture on campus," she said.
Malik said the College needs to decide what the goal of the alcohol monitoring system should be.
"As with other issues pertinent to student life here, the Greek houses need to work with the administration," Malik said. "For now that's a priority for the Council."
Juggling many hats
Judging by the hefty planner Malik clutched throughout the interview, she balances her social life and Panhell responsibilities with many other commitments.
Malik dedicates much of her time to student government. She has worked with Milan, the South Asian students organization, Al- Nur, the Muslim student organization and Green Key. As a Presidential scholar, she researches labor economics.
"What spare time?" she responded when asked about her other interests. She describes herself as a "compulsive reader" and writer with a special interest in South Asian art and literature. She also attends art school when at home.
An economics major and engineering minor, she plans to study environmental policy formulation in graduate school. She has worked in environmental consulting firms at home.
Malik said she plans to return to Pakistan after completing her studies.
"I feel very strongly about the third-world 'brain drain' -- too many people choose to stay [in America]" she said about her decision to return home. "There's too much that needs to be done back home."
She occasionally helps the Admissions Office with recruiting international students. She has spoken with many prospective international students who have seen her profile in a College brochure.
International students are "apprehensive" about coming to "relatively conservative" schools like Dartmouth, she said. But she said she draws on her personal experience to make them feel confident about their college decisions.
