The Inter-Fraternity Council, Inter-Sorority Council and Office of the Dean of Students held a Greek orientation and leadership seminar Saturday. The seminar addressed ways to improve relations between the IFC, ISC and the University and weaknesses within the Greek system.
Spanish Prof. David T. Gies was the featured speaker for the conference, which was held in Newcomb Hall Ballroom.
His speech, entitled "Sorority and Fraternity Field of Dreams," focused on making fraternity and sorority members aware of their capacity to impact the community, Gies said.
"People who are in positions of leadership today really can make a difference," he said. "If you build it, they will come. If something is perceived as worth our while ... then we'll go for it."
Gies also addressed some of the weaknesses in the Greek system, including poor housing conditions, the disarray of finances and bad publicity need improvement, he said.
Asst. Dean of Students Aaron Laushway said the seminar demonstrated the University's dedication to the Greek system.
"It was a very good example of how the administration and faculty supports fraternities and sororities," Laushway said.
Gies offered suggestions for ways to improve the relationship between the University and fraternities and sororities and encouraged Greeks to take advantage of University resources.
The Greek system has held conferences like Saturday's in the past but has not sponsored one for several years.
"I thought the idea of this was extra-positive, and I applaud the [Office of the] Dean of Students for rekindling it," Gies said.
During the conference, members of the Greek system divided into groups led by University officials based on the positions each held in their respective fraternity and sorority. This was a new format compared to past conferences, outgoing IFC educator Tim Roscoe said.
Among the University officials speaking were Jay Levine, associate vice president for health systems; Patricia Lampkin, associate vice president for student affairs; and Assoc. Finance Prof. Mark White.
"I think it went pretty well," Delta Sigma Phi President Matt Rice said. "I think I learned just as much from fellow fraternity members as I did from the presenters"
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