Purdue News
Purdue NewsFebruary 27, 1998
The Purdue Interfraternity Council and Panhellenic Association worked six months to draft the new policy, which goes into effect April 1. It includes two key elements, said Miles Green, president of the IFC: It limits the number of people who attend parties at Greek houses to three per resident of the house, and it restricts the amount of alcohol that can be available at those parties.
The organizations also agreed to take steps to ensure that only those people who are invited are allowed entrance. All invitations will be in writing, and before guests may enter, they will be checked against an invitation list kept at the front door.
The organizations also decided that they will not provide alcohol. Visitors age 21 or older may bring their own beverages, with a limit equivalent to six 12-ounce beers or four wine coolers per person.
"These are very significant steps and a sign that student leaders at Purdue take the alcohol issue seriously," said Andrew Robison, assistant dean of students.
Such "bring your own beverage" efforts are part of a growing trend. Most Greek organizations at other institutions have implemented similar policies.
The revisions were tried at Purdue in January when Sigma Phi Epsilon and Kappa Kappa Gamma threw a "model party" using proposals that became part of these new regulations.
"The model party was a huge success," Robison said. "Both organizations and all people attending the function had a great time. They had plenty of nonalcoholic drinks available and a good system for checking IDs and handling any alcohol that was brought into the house by guests age 21 and over. They also had fun with games and music. For example, they did their own version of 'Singled Out,' an MTV version of the 'Dating Game' show."
Since then, several other Purdue chapters have hosted model parties and reported success.
The revised policy also calls for function hosts to have members serve as door monitors and designated drivers. Chapter members also will be responsible for collecting alcoholic beverages at the door and distributing them to guest age 21 and over. Function workers may not drink alcohol at any time during the event.
Alcohol may not be served during events involving membership recruitment, membership education or philanthropy.
Policy violations will result in the organization being placed on social probation for three to seven weeks. The Greek Judicial Board, consisting of seven students, may also fine the chapter and impose restitution or community service. In severe cases, the chapter may lose use of university facilities and be suspended or expelled from the Interfraternity Council or Panhellenic Council.
The policy also spells out many of the rules the Greek social system first implemented in 1991. "The students initiated the original policy seven years ago," Robison said. "They also took the lead in this instance."
Green, who is the past director of risk management for the IFC, said it just makes good sense.
"This has been a big issue for me since I became IFC president," he said. "I was familiar with the risk management issues and started looking to revise the campus policy a long time ago. Greek organizations are setting precedents with the issues of alcohol use on college campuses. Members are thinking responsibly. You see this attitude throughout the Greek system."
Laura Hayes, president of the Panhellenic Association, said Purdue's Greek social organizations have been responsible and self-regulating. "The IFC and Panhel have and are addressing situations proactively. We want to assure our members that they can have fun and safe parties with specific policies regarding alcohol use."
Sources: Miles Green (765) 494-2717; e-mail, skifast@expert.cc.purdue.edu
Laura Hayes (765) 494-2712
Andrew Robison (765) 494-1747; e-mail robison@purdue.edu
Writers: Jeanne Norberg (765) 494-2096; e-mail jeanne_norberg@purdue.edu
Mike Willis (765) 494-2096
Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; e-mail, purduenews@purdue.edu
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