<p>I think that most students think it's just stupid.</p>
<p>E-mail received from President Hatch today:</p>
<p>To Alumni of Wake Forest's Sororities and Fraternities: </p>
<p>In recent weeks, some anxiety has arisen about the status of Greek life on campus. I am writing to assure you that it is my intent and that of my administration to have an active, ongoing Greek presence on the Wake Forest campus. Having the correct information will be helpful to you in talking with your Wake Forest friends and classmates who may have concerns. </p>
<p>During the course of the past year, we engaged a well-known higher education research firm The Art and Science Group, from Baltimore to evaluate our undergraduate recruitment process. Their study engaged many members of the campus community. They also conducted extensive research that included interviews with high school students whose academic credentials qualified them to be in our prospective student poolsome who had visited or applied, others who had not. The research included interviews with current students at Wake Forest, as well. We held forums on campus throughout the year to report on what we were learning from this study. </p>
<p>Some of the findings confirmed what we have long recognized as strengths and challenges for Wake Forest. Others brought us new insights into the perception of the University as seen by those considering college application and enrollment. All of the information was quite helpful to us in strengthening our recruitment strategies. </p>
<p>In some cases, we could make relatively small adjustments and have a large impact, giving prospective students a fuller and more accurate understanding of this special place. </p>
<p>One such adjustment was based on a clearly-articulated perception of prospective students who had visited campus: the large Greek organization letters on our residence halls leads some visitors to assume that each of those buildings is entirely devoted to fraternities and sororities. For some students those most interested in Greek life before they come to campus the signage is not problematic. But for those who are not necessarily interested in joining a fraternity or sorority, this perception often leads to their not applying at all. </p>
<p>Clearly, Wake Forest has always offered a wide variety of choices in student life and extracurricular activities because we believe it is of great benefit to students to have many social outlets, including Greek life. And we want to represent the strength of our student life as accurately as possible to those who show interest in our campus. </p>
<p>Thus, we made the decision to change the positioning of Greek letters on the residence halls. We originally decided to have plaques made for each organization. After hearing from a number of Greek and independent student leaders, as well as Greek alumni, I am pleased to share with you that the University has decided to supplement the plaques with Greek letters above the entrances to leased lounges. The addition of the letters will appropriately identify the areas as Greek lounges. In most cases Greek letters will be placed above lounge entrances on external porticos. For those groups that have internal building lounges, they will be placed above the door to the lounge. This decision will balance the need for Greek identity with the need to be welcoming to all students. </p>
<p>Our students have told me that Greek life at Wake Forest is far better integrated into campus life than is the case at other colleges and universities, and I agree with them. Our Greek organizations occupy many different residence halls on campus and the close contact with Greeks and independents is a benefit to all. However, the signage for Greek organizations was indicating something different to prospective students, which prompted this realignment of our Greek letter placement so that it better reflects the reality of our campus community.</p>
<p>Be assured that I am well aware of the important role Greek organizations have played and continue to play in the lives of students and alumni. Thank you for your support, your leadership, and your devotion to Wake Forest. I hope this information is helpful to you, and I wish you a pleasant summer. </p>
<p>Sincerely, </p>
<p>Nathan O. Hatch
President</p>