Greek leaders were for the most part satisfied with the Board of Trustees' decision released yesterday that called for some significant changes to the Coed Fraternity Sorority system.
Although CFS leaders were disappointed with some statements by the Board -- mainly the moratorium on the creation of new single-sex, selective Greek houses and the movement of rush to Winter term -- they said the Board's report took student opinion into account.
"I thought it was overly positive," CFSC President Eric Etu '01 said of the Board's decision last night. "I know a lot of thought went into what was presented to us [yesterday] morning."
President of the Inter-Fraternity Council Mike Johnson '01 said he generally was pleased with the report, adding the Trustee decision is in the overall interest of the College's future.
Leaders interviewed by The Dartmouth said they were relieved that the Board decided not to completely eliminate the Greek system, but instead had shown a desire to work with the CFS system to improve it.
Comparing the Board report to the steering committee recommendations Etu said, "A lot of things threatening the future of the Greek system have been taken out."
CFS leaders were largely supportive of the Board's decision not to judge the Greek system as a whole, but instead give each Greek house the opportunity to demonstrate its own ability.
The leaders said the Board's recognition is a positive step since the Greek system should not be viewed as a whole, but as a group of diverse organizations.
President of the Panhellenic Council Alex Kremer '01 said she was happy that the Trustees recognized "each organization as
individual and unique with different goals and ideals."
Greek leaders were displeased, however, with some aspects of the Board endorsements.
Most said they were disappointed with the moratorium on the creation of new single-sex Greek houses which prevents the formation of a seventh sorority.
"If there was one thing I would change in the report that would be it," Etu said. "I really do think we need a seventh sorority."
Last year, Panhell was not able to guarantee bids to all women interested in joining a house, and many felt the creation of a seventh sorority was necessary to accommodate all women.
"The demands on the sorority system have gone up so much in the last year," Kremer said. "I wish the Board had taken that into account."
Many leaders were also surprised by the Trustees' decision to move rush to Winter term -- a move that was opposed in the CFS and Student Assembly report.
Many fear that the moving of rush to sophomore winter will cause a financial strain on many houses since there will only be two classes of student members in the Fall term.
Johnson also pointed out that few juniors are on campus in the winter and this will prevent new members from getting to know other brothers of the house.
"I really think moving rush to winter will not accomplish what the Trustees hope to accomplish," Kremer said.
CFS leaders said they hope the College provides some kind of financial assistance in meeting the physical plant standards called for by the Board's report.
"It would be comforting if the College had guaranteed some financial assistance," Johnson said of the Board report. "At the same time I don't think they are ruling it out."
Many leaders also supported the continued existence of the CFS Judicial Committee saying that it acts as a great resource to the Greek houses, something the Trustees are likely to replace with an overarching judicial body for all organizations.
Greek leaders are looking forward to the coming months to work with the College administration in enacting these changes. Kremer said she was pleased that Dean of the College James Larimore has been charged with implementing many of the proposals because he has a better understanding of student life.
Etu said there is a need for a better relationship between the Greek system and the administration, and he will working the next few months towards that end.
