2008 Woodie Awards
Greek Life Conduct Board streamlines Greek system policies
Online exclusive
Derrick Neuner
Issue date: 9/14/07 Section: News
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Controversy over Saint Louis University's student conduct system-exacerbated by Pi Kappa Alpha's removal from campus last year-has prompted an overhaul of the system's approach toward Greek students. The changes were initiated this summer and went into effect with the new semester.
Before the new policies went into place, there were five possible boards that could have received a hearing after a Greek student violated campus policy: the Interfraternity Council, the Panhelinic Council, the Greek (or DeMattias) Hall Council, the University Committee on Student Conduct; or the Student Conduct Board. Many alleged that the system created a mass of confusion; often, major cases went to the UCSC with no input from Greek students on the ruling. That put junior Scott MacArthur over the edge.
"It was a critical time for our system," MacArthur said. "The decision could have gone one way or the other. Most Greeks think that the administration is out to get them. That's not a true fact at all. I've had talks with University officials, and they aren't out to get Greeks; they have a job to do."
MacArthur is the Interfraternal Council Internal vice president, chairperson for Greek Residence Standards Board and a student representative on the UCSC.
Following the Pi Kappa Alpha ruling, members of the Greek community approached Vice President of Student Development Kent Porterfield, Ed.D., about reviewing the Greek conduct policy. Porterfield said that he was willing to do so.
"I asked the Greek conduct system to come up with some recommendations as to what to change. They worked really hard. There was involvement from Student Life and Student Conduct, as well. I reviewed their suggestions and signed off on the changes," Porterfield said.
MacArthur was the architect behind the new policies. The first, and perhaps biggest, change to the system was to consolidate the Greek conduct boards into one board. MacArthur explained that now a central board represents all of Greek life, with the members coming from the IFC and Panhellenic Council. Because fraternities outnumber sororities on campus, the board holds a two to one ratio of women and men respectively.
Before the new policies went into place, there were five possible boards that could have received a hearing after a Greek student violated campus policy: the Interfraternity Council, the Panhelinic Council, the Greek (or DeMattias) Hall Council, the University Committee on Student Conduct; or the Student Conduct Board. Many alleged that the system created a mass of confusion; often, major cases went to the UCSC with no input from Greek students on the ruling. That put junior Scott MacArthur over the edge.
"It was a critical time for our system," MacArthur said. "The decision could have gone one way or the other. Most Greeks think that the administration is out to get them. That's not a true fact at all. I've had talks with University officials, and they aren't out to get Greeks; they have a job to do."
MacArthur is the Interfraternal Council Internal vice president, chairperson for Greek Residence Standards Board and a student representative on the UCSC.
Following the Pi Kappa Alpha ruling, members of the Greek community approached Vice President of Student Development Kent Porterfield, Ed.D., about reviewing the Greek conduct policy. Porterfield said that he was willing to do so.
"I asked the Greek conduct system to come up with some recommendations as to what to change. They worked really hard. There was involvement from Student Life and Student Conduct, as well. I reviewed their suggestions and signed off on the changes," Porterfield said.
MacArthur was the architect behind the new policies. The first, and perhaps biggest, change to the system was to consolidate the Greek conduct boards into one board. MacArthur explained that now a central board represents all of Greek life, with the members coming from the IFC and Panhellenic Council. Because fraternities outnumber sororities on campus, the board holds a two to one ratio of women and men respectively.
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