<p>I am wondering why Vandy SAE hasn't been talking about changes allegedly occuring in the administration's policies on greek life. According to my daughter, a sophomore sorority member, there has been a huge crack-down on fraternities, with probation and other sanctions for hazing and underage drinking. She says that the party atmosphere has all but disappeared from campus -- in fact, she is encouraging her brother to reconsider attending, since he was attracted to what they both insist was Vandy's unique mix of academic rigor and hard partying. Although as a parent this new turn of events sounds interesting, I'd like to hear more. Vandy SAE -- can you tell the nosy parents on cc what is going on?</p>
<p>Sure. Well, one of the things your daughter is probably thinking about is the “Delta Force” plan. This consists of all sorts of neat things like a slightly higher GPA requirement, a $5 increase in everyone’s dues to pay for scholarships for prospective members who otherwise might not be able to afford Greek dues, as well as other stuff I don’t really remember. I think I safely speak for most people affiliated with Greek life when I say that none of these things are really very interesting. Oh yeah, houses now have “diversity chairs”, forgot that one. Basically, this is all fine and dandy and the initiatives passed unanimously because in reality, nothing is really going to change except for the increased likelihood that I’ll feel comfortable slapping my fraternity on the ole’ resume. </p>
<p>She is right, the “party atmosphere” has kind of disappeared from campus over the past few months largely as a result of many of the better fraternities being placed on probation (which usually happens around this time of the year, post-pledgeship). Your daughter will find that it has moved to bars; there are several new bars (Wild Beaver being the newest, very weird business model…it’s all Vandy girls that bartend) that are all getting packed houses in addition to all the old spots as well as off campus houses. It’s the same old “rage” as usual. We all do what we can to appease Kristen Torrey and the gang by moving the fun off campus for the month or so prior to Rites of Spring in order to avoid having to deal with new fire breath. This weekend is expected to be filled with all sorts of shenanigans.</p>
<p>Lastly, I would highly encourage you to encourage your daughter to resist scaring away the newbies. The school has been “cracking down” forever, and if any of this really meant anything other than decreased liability, our Greek system would have been gone at least a few years ago.</p>
<p>do the better frats often get put on probation at this time of year?</p>
<p>when you say they get put on probation, how long does that last? is it really an expected thing every year?</p>
<p>^ same question</p>
<p>The time varies, usually a few months, but it’s common for them to give 6 months to a year. If they consider an infraction to be serious, they’ll suspend the fraternity completely for a few years, which usually ends up being about two after alumni throw some weight around.</p>
<p>Yes, it really is essentially an expected thing every year. Obviously we would be happy for them to pick a new cause, but it’s pretty obvious how it’s a great risk management policy.</p>
<p>Also, if any of you were on campus this weekend, I think we can agree that my assumption about the level of festivities was accurate.</p>