Earlier this month, Michigan State University Interfraternity and Panhellenic councils made an announcement that they were going to pursue better enforcement of the joint Social Policy from here on out. Although the strict rules involving alcohol content, sober monitors and guest lists have been in place since 2006, members of many chapters were outraged with the sudden transition that would come to their party scene following the intense change of enforcement.
On Feb. 6, 2015 a note was sent out to all chapter members informing them that starting February 25, 2015 their chapters were going to be required to adhere to the social policy in place or face heavy fines. The rules had five main points to be noted:
1. All organizations will be expected to register social events, not just IFC fraternities.
2. Fraternities and sororities will be required to have at least one responsible party from each chapter at social events.
3. There will be one entrance to all social events.
4. Guest lists must be filed within 24 hours of socials.
5. Alcohol with a content above 10 percent will not be present at social event. All forms of beer and wine will be permitted.
The rules inspired outrage, but more importantly, questions from students in all chapters. For example, imagine that you are a perfectly legal 21-year-old chapter member who happens to reside in a fraternity house where you pay dues that include the rent of the house. Now you find out that rules are in place that prohibit you from drinking the hard liquor that you are legally entitled to drink at your own social event in your own house.
What about tailgates? These are pivotal times in our careers here at Michigan State University and the spirit of game day is a key reason for many people to come to MSU. IFC and PC recognize that these are special situations and, fortunately for them, they have the summer to rectify a solution to a messy situation.
And then there is the issue of who is chosen as social monitor. Someone will carry the burden of meticulously checking off each male and each female member that enters a social event while monitoring the situation inside to make sure it is following protocol. How do you choose? Is there the possibility that this new role will play into the unfortunate hazing of chapter members as we have seen in the Greek system in the past?
In the past year, the Greek community throughout the country has had countless unfortunate events that have been alcohol related, so the new enforcement of these rules are our PC and IFC's way of keeping us safe in the little time we are given at Michigan State University. As Lauren McGuire, Executive Vice President of Panhellenic Council stated in her note to chapter members, "Enforced policy stem directly from our deep concern regarding your health and our liability as a Greek community. Starting February 25, 2015, our councils will being checking parties for these five regulations already in existence in the Social Policy in addition to what we currently look for when walking through parties."
Ultimately, the rules were put in place and are now being regulated for the safety, both physical and fiscal, of chapters and chapter members. If handled the right way, this controversial transition will only lead to better things for Greek members and their affiliated chapters.
