The Fraternity Advisory Committee took a step in the right direction Thursday night. It made recommendations for recruitment, scholarship, finances, alcohol and alumni/adviser support.
This committee was organized in September 2003 by Douglas McConkey, vice president for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management. Its purpose is to examine the state of the fraternity community at Ball State by addressing specific concerns such as scholarships, finances and chapter management.
During the past 10 years, fraternity memberships have been declining. In 1993, the total membership for all fraternities was 928 and in 2003, membership fell to 542. This decrease could be linked to the loss of six chapters during this time. Recruitment is important for fraternities. They must have members to remain active.
The fraternities that have survived should be grateful to McConkey for noticing problems within the greek system and working to correct them. By establishing this committee, Ball State is working to better its fraternal community on several levels.
By addressing problems facing these organizations, the Fraternity Advisory Committee is helping the greek community as a whole.
The committee is establishing an encumbrance policy and procedure for members who don't pay rent or parlor fees. This policy includes holding grades, transcripts and registration when members don't pay their bills. This is the reason Beta Theta Pi, Delta Chi and Alpha Tau Omega were kicked off campus.
Under finances, the committee wants to provide an exemption to the Premium Plan without penalty, but only when certain criteria are met.
The recommendations will be implemented as soon as fall 2004, which could save some organizations from dissolving.
An alcohol policy was implemented in fall 2001 and has been effective in reducing the amount of partying, fighting and damage to property.
These new recommendations will continue the positive change that has come to Ball State's greek community by promoting responsibility.
Congratulations to the committee for making the right changes to Ball State's fraternity scene.
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