Skip to Content, Navigation, or Footer.
Support independent student journalism. Support independent student journalism. Support independent student journalism.
The Dartmouth
July 17, 2025 | Latest Issue
The Dartmouth

2005 visits unfazed by Zeta Psi scandal

As members of the 2005 class made their first trip to Dartmouth, they were met by beautiful weather and a campus in heated discussion over the most recent Greek-related controversy.

However, according to Dean of Admissions Karl Furstenberg, the future freshmen and their parents "were very aware [of the recent events], but it was not a major source of concern."

Furstenberg said he thought the '05s saw the controversies surrounding Zeta Psi fraternity as "positive, because it was very much in the air and people were willing to talk about it. Dartmouth students really rallied for the occasion.

"The student body was very eager to show [the prospectives] that Dartmouth as more than a place that is preoccupied with their frats," he said.

The prospectives arrived last Thursday, the day after the news of the Zeta Psi fraternity scandal broke and were curious about the incident, but more interested in the campus response, according to Furstenberg.

He said he was glad about the prospective students' reactions to the overall sentiment on campus. The campus was dealing with the issues in such a way that "[the Admissions Office] didn't feel we were in a position where we had to defend community to visitors."

The Admissions Office went to great lengths to give the prospectives a "full view of Dartmouth" through numerous events over the weekend, he said.

The Admissions Office attempted to show the prospectives the full range of opportunities that exist at Dartmouth, he said. Accordingly, prospective students were invited to panel discussions about academics at Dartmouth, showcases of multiple student performing groups, a giant open house for student activities, held in Leede Arena, and there were even '05 hours at the climbing gym.

This year, the Admissions Office also included events involving the Greek system, such as an a cappella concert at Kappa Delta Epsilon sorority, a substance-free dance at Kappa Kappa Kappa fraternity and a Coed Fraternity Sorority Council barbecue sponsored by the coed fraternities.

"Our view is that CFS is part of college life, so it's not wise to put it in background," said Dean Furstenberg. He also reported that the CFS involvement was a success, and to his knowledge, everyone was compliant with the rules not to serve the '05's. "There was only one episode where a student had too much to drink" said Furstenberg, and overall, "the social aspect [of the weekend] went very well."

College Proctor Robert McEwen was unavailable for comment regarding that prospective student, but the Safety and Security BlitzMail Bulletin reported that officers did encounter two '05s drinking alcohol.

Responding to a noise complaint around midnight Friday, Safety and Security officers found two males that were later identified as prospective students consuming "what appeared to be alcohol in the second floor hallway of Lord," according to the bulletin.

Safety and Security located one of the students hosting one of the prospective students. Officers had the students dispose of the alcohol, but the individuals did not appear to be intoxicated.

Prospective weekend is an integral part of the admissions process. Furstenberg said that "generally when people visit, they are much more likely to enroll." This year, a record 500 students came to visit as part of the weekend program, in comparison with last year's 370 students.

The Dartmouth admissions program also rated very well in comparison to other schools' programs, he said. Through reports of the weekend that he received, two things were evident -- the students were much happier with the Dartmouth program than other colleges similar programs, Furstenberg said.

The students cited the level of organization as one of its main attractions. Also, students told Furstenberg that the opportunity to stay overnight was a real advantage. Many colleges, Furstenberg noted, have only a day long program, usually on a weekend, so prospective students do not get to go to classes, nor get to see what daily life is like for students at the college. Getting to stay two days gave the '05s a better sense of Dartmouth, and give them the opportunity to get to know current students.

On a whole, Furstenberg said "we're feeling very good about the class taking shape. It was a very successful weekend, but of course, the proof will come after May 1st."