Few of those familiar with the University's Greek system would dispute that drinking remains a prevalent activity at fraternity social events.
Yet with the establishment of two alcohol-free houses -- Phi Delta Theta fraternity and Phi Gamma Delta fraternity -- and the enforcement of alcohol policy reforms, many Greek leaders say they anticipate the declining importance of alcohol at fraternity functions.
Phi Delta Theta President Steve Reis said that as fraternities face the legal complications of serving alcohol -- including the potential loss of individual chapter charters -- Greek organizations are beginning to de-emphasize drinking.
The Inter-Sorority Council passed a resolution in 2000 banning alcohol at sorority events held on fraternity property.
In addition to Phi Gamma Delta and Phi Delta Theta, the national headquarters of four other University fraternities have implemented some variation of alcohol-free housing, Reis said.
According to Reis, other fraternities plan to phase in these changes as well. Such steps are "a sign of where the Greek system is going," Reis said.
Phi Delta Theta's and Phi Gamma Delta's insurance premiums plummeted after the fraternities banned alcohol consumption in their houses.
"As a result, our dues are less than any other fraternity," Reis said. "The number of incidents of people being hurt has decreased nationwide, and nationally, our pledge numbers have risen 5 to 10 percent."
Reis says his fraternity has benefited from the new policy in other ways. "It has made the physical structure of our house in better shape," he said. "It's a place where parents, girlfriends and family feel comfortable."
The alchohol-free policy has shifted the fraternity's focus back to its founding principles, Reis said.
"When we go to the house, the focus is more on brotherhood," Reis said. "It becomes a place not solely for partying."
Aaron Laushway, assistant dean of students and director of fraternity and sorority life, agrees that effects of going dry have proved beneficial for organizations that have made that decision.
"A return to fraternal roots and values is an important part of the success of Phi Delta Theta and Phi Gamma Delta," Laushway said.
The concept of a dry fraternity, however, is not necessarily practical, according to one fraternity member who wished to remain anonymous.
"I think alcohol will always be a major part of fraternity life," he said. "Even if a house goes dry, drinking still occurs."
Reis said being dry has not altered the atmosphere or purpose of his fraternity. Instead, he says Phi Delta Theta has been enriched by stronger unity, less liability and traditional principles.
"I wouldn't think of dry housing as changing Greek life, but adding another dimension," Reis said. "Fraternities have been around 150 years at the University, but alcohol hasn't played a role until recently -- we're getting back to the real reason fraternities were founded."
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