As part of an ongoing effort to strengthen interaction with first-year women, the Inter-Sorority Council has enforced a new contact policy for this fall.
The revisions allow the incoming female class to participate in sorority-sponsored philanthropic events that were previously off-limits to first-year women.
The changed bylines, voted on last spring, arrive as the ISC launches a new campaign to improve first year's understanding of sorority affairs.
"By opening philanthropic events to first-year women, they will have a firsthand experience of what sorority women plan and participate in together," ISC President Whitney Eck said. "It will give them a positive reflection of sorority life."
Before this fall, first-year women were barred from all involvement in sorority-sponsored charity and community programs.
Most sorority houses seem comfortable with the adjustments made, Eck said.
Third-year College student Liz Huneke, a member of Alpha Chi Omega, said she thinks the reforms could increase rush numbers.
"It might help prevent them from seeing the Greek system as superficial," Huneke said. "This shows them what sororities can do for the community."
Although the revised bylines open participation in philanthropic events, restrictions remain in place to prevent sororities from directly marketing to first-year women.
"For instance, we can't sell them T-shirts or advertise in first-year dorms," Eck said.
These restrictions have been maintained to ensure a fair rush process in the spring, she said.
This is not the first time the ISC has revised its contact policy.
During the fall of 2000, the ISC lifted regulations completely barring contact between first-year women and sorority members. This was modified the following year, limiting formal interaction to contact on Grounds, and only in small groups.
But the latest policy change accompanies attempts to foster communication between the ISC and potential rushees throughout the fall semester.
In addition to issuing first-year women letters that explain sorority contact procedures, the ISC will field questions and concerns during an open meeting next week.
"Often, there's confusion about why regulations are in place," Eck said. "Talking about sorority life face-to-face is more valuable than just having the first-year women read about it."
In addition, the ISC will continue to support "Go Greek Night," to be held in late October. This is another opportunity for first years to receive information on Greek life at the University.
"We know how important it is to find your niche at the University," Eck said. "That's why we want to help them in making that decision."
Read More
Archivist Report on Jim Ryan
By Finn Trainer and Clara Franklin | 22 hours agoArchivists Finn Trainer and Clara Franklin recount Jim Ryan's tenure as the 9th President of the University.
Why did Student Council vote no confidence in the Board of Visitors?
By Lauren Seeliger | 2 days agoUltimately, Dickerson said during the Aug. 8 meeting that the decision to draft this resolution was not easy but was necessary so as to fulfill Student Council’s role.
U.Va. to seek external firm in search for 10th president
By Brendon Bordwine | 6 days agoExternal search firms are often retained by universities to identify and recruit candidates for top leadership positions.
