This academic year has been an important turning point for Greek-letter organizations. Contrary to what some may have you believe, the Interfraternity Council and the fraternity system at GW are not in disarray. Rather, we are stronger in many ways than we have ever been. As with every community, there will of course be setbacks. However, we continue to be proactive and to accept the many challenges that confront us. On Tuesday, the Presidents’ Council of the IFC unanimously endorsed a policy of self-governance. Through this policy, GW fraternity members reaffirm their strong support for fraternal ideals such as responsibility and accountability.
Always a demanding task, the challenge of self-governance is even more complex at GW because of organizational constraints of the University and the fraternity system as well as the exceedingly narrow approach that has been adopted over the years. Most administrators and many undergraduates restrict their definition of self-governance to include only autonomy in a chapter’s daily operations and/or supervision over the judicial process. The definition of self-governance used in this policy, by contrast, is more encompassing, including both an educational component and enforcement procedure. Previous attempts at formulating a policy of self-governance have either been misguided or ineffectual. In particular, although it has had the best intentions, the University and fraternity members in particular have consistently been reluctant to participate in the plan.
Our approach is fundamentally different. We empower fraternities to be a part of the decision-making and judicial process, thereby encouraging involvement, ownership and safety. We give fraternity members the capabilities and the confidence to make their own educated choices. Finally, we have developed a system by which to hold each other accountable for our actions. In addition to fraternity members, the IFC has and will continue to work extensively with members of the Office of Greek Affairs and the Office of Student Judicial Services. I want to personally thank everyone who has been a part of the process for their advice and support.
So, what steps are necessary to carry out effective IFC self-governance at GW?
First, the educational component of the policy assures that training, hearing procedures, and judicial sanctions are educational in nature for the chapters involved. By training and educating all fraternity members in risk reduction and risk management, fraternities will understand the need for and have the ability to create a safer environment. Second, the enforcement component identifies the need to confront behavior that violates fraternal ideals, IFC rules, and University policies in a quick and efficient manner. Finally, the judicial component affirms that Greek-letter members are responsible enough to identify and deal with violations in a fair, non-adversarial manner.
I believe that through its self-governance policy, the IFC has modeled the way for the GW community. It is my hope that in the future the University adopts a policy where Greek-letter organizations are not the only student groups on campus held to a strict definition of what constitutes a group activity. A standard must be set to determine the level of responsibility other student groups have for a specific event. The Code of Student Conduct applies to everyone, not just to members of the Greek-letter community. Education and responsibility are central to the University’s mission. The IFC self-governance policy embodies these and all other principles of the Community Living and Learning Center and GW.
The IFC recognizes than an effective policy must be dynamic. As new problems or opportunities present themselves, we will need to make adjustments. I believe that we have developed a policy with that flexibility. The implementation of this policy has only just begun, but already the feedback has been positive. Under the leadership of President-elect Jason Levin and the rest of the incoming executive board, I am confident that this self-governance policy will be around in years to come.
-The writer is IFC president.
