Preventing tragedy

Greek drinking rules show responsibility

When the alcohol-related deaths of several college students received a frenzy of national media attention last fall, the University's Interfraternity Council and Panhellenic Association launched discussions on the risk and responsibility drinking inevitably brings to their social scene.

The result of the self-study was the unveiling last May of a new alcohol policy for the Greek community. The Social Environment Management Policy, currently in effect, states that it "aims to provide the safest possible social atmosphere for the members of the Greek community and their guests while allowing those attendees to exercise the personal responsibility afforded to college students within the limit of the law."

The rules are stiff. All attendants at a party who are not members of the hosting fraternity or sorority must wear a wristband and no "Friends" parties where alcohol is present can be held before the end of fall fraternity rush.

All houses must either attend or sponsor at least one alcohol education program each semester. Fifteen weeks of social probation will be enacted if a keg or other common source of alcohol is found at a party or a "Friends" party is held before rush.

While the heavy partying associated with the Greek system often puts fraternities and sororities in an irresponsible - and dangerous - light, it is also the community on campus that receives the most attention for drinking. Excessive drinking also happens at house parties and in residence halls; the Greek system can not be held responsible for the so-called "binge-drinking" epidemic.

The University administration is asking for trouble by having first-year students move into residence halls in late August only to not begin classes until a week into September. New students need a day or two to adjust to their new surroundings before classes start, but nine or 10 days is excessive. Restless incoming first-year students - the vast majority of whom do not have extensive drinking experience or the desire for moderation on their side - have little else to do night after night than follow their entire floor to parties. Before finding their own roots, first-year students spend the early weeks of the school year looking for any open party - and there is never a shortage of sprawling house parties, especially during football season.

While the new Greek policy is thorough and thoughtful, now is when it will be tested. Self-policing isn't fun or easy. Some may feel these rules are overly stringent, but the Greek community should be commended for exercising the responsibility required to create self-imposed standards. The hardest part - enforcing their regulations - has yet to come.

But the actions are a reminder to the many non-Greeks on campus that drinking, in any situation, needs moderation. Fraternities and sororities will hopefully embrace this chance to not only demonstrate leadership, but help prevent tragedy.

09-10-99