3 minute read
24 hour computer labs and service
by The Vista
By Pete Alfano CollegePressWriter
The concept is admittedly radical, maybe even unAmerican. Fraternity houses, long regarded by some educators as the anti-culture on college campuses, are going alcohol-free. No more keg parties, drink-filled rushes, or all-around unruly behavior. Someday, Animal House may exist only on video at your local Blockbuster.
The movement is in its infancy, and though not all fraternities are jumping on the bandwagon, the wheels are in motion. Fraternities are being influenced by a series of alcohol-related incidents, most recently at Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos, where a pledge was beaten to death by a former student after a fraternity party.
Student deaths at MIT, Frostburg State in Maryland, Texas A&M, Michigan State, the University of New Hampshire and Louisiana State during the past two years have cast a shadow over fraternity life, which in reality is not as harmless as depicted in John Belushi's "Animal House" in 1978.
Fraternities know there is a public perception that they have evolved primarily as drinking clubs for students whose gradepoint average is comparable to their blood alcohol level. Quoting from generations-old mission statements, some national fraternity leaders advocate a return to traditional values and helping young men develop social skills and provide community service.
The issue involves more than just accidental deaths. There also have been numerous cases of alcohol poisoning resulting from binge drinking. Undocumented are the number of fights, sexual attacks, lost class time and other disruptions that can be attributed to students getting wasted.
Not all these problems can be placed on the welcome mat of frat houses. But because of their image, fraternities are a lightning rod in the ongoing debate about excessive drinking by college students, particularly binge drinking.
The incidents have strengthened the case made by the National Interfraternity Council, which adopted a resolution in January of 1998 encouraging member fraternities to pursue alcohol-free chapters. The organization represents 67 fraternities on 800 campuses in the United States and Canada.
Phi Kappa Sigma, Phi Delta Theta, Sigma Nu and Phi Gammma Delta are among major fraternities that will implement an alcohol-free policy on July 1, 2000.
David J. Glassman, director of insurance and risk reduction at Sigma Nu, said the alcohol issue has prompted fraternities to change focus and reemphasize principles such as love, honor and truth. "We're trying to make our fraternities appetizing to highquality potential members, those chased off by that wonderful documentary, 'Animal House,"' Glassman said. "We want to give students a chance to get involved and help our organizations do the right thing."
Despite the national publicity generated by drinking-related deaths, there is a prevailing attitude at many universities that "It can't happen here," until, of course, it does.
In the aftermath of the pledge's death at Southwest Texas State, which became a double tragedy when the suspect committed suicide two days later, a 60-day moratorium on social functions was imposed.
Officers from several national fraternities also visited the campus, meeting with administration officials and undergraduate chapter members to discuss making Southwest Texas State's fraternities alcohol-free. "The proposal is on the table. It's going to require a total change in the culture of expectations when students arrive on campus," said John Garrison, dean of students at Southwest Texas State.
Garrison said that campus life had not returned to normal. "There is still a sadness about this campus that will take awhile to go away," he said. • See ALCOHOL, Page 7
Daniel Harris for UC Student Association Vice President,
• Residents Hall Association • East Hall Council *Fellowship of Christian Athletes • UCO Student Association Chief of Staff for for two years • ACACIA Secretary • Presidents Committee for Home Football
Playoff Games • Chairman fo the UCOSA Election Committee • ACACIA Interfraternity Council Representative • Intramural Sports • 1997-98 UCOSA Oklahoma Student
Government Association Delegate • 1998-99 Oklahoma Student Government
Association Conference Personnel Director
My Five Goals to Improve Student Life: 1. 24 hour computer labs and service 2. Offer better phone service available to students 3. Computer labs in dorms for residents 4. Equal student representation on every university committee 5. Improve student parking
