#Dartmouth social scene full

This unique networking system between past, present and future students helps create opportunities as small as shared housing and as big as future employment opportunities.Ģ) Entertainment: From formals and cocktail parties to an amalgam of other events that are associated with Greek life (including community service events), the social opportunities presented to those in a Greek house are innumerable. Aside from having strong ties with current students, Greek organizations are also great ways to connect and network with past and future students not only from the chapter of the school you attended but also chapters from other schools. The following are four reasons why I believe Greek organizations have enhanced life on campus for millions of students:ġ) Camaraderie: The first and most important reason why Greek organizations are valuable to colleges and universities is the brotherhood and sisterhood that they foment.Īlthough the word “camaraderie” is a cliché defense of fraternities and sororities, the bond that is created between members as a result is certainly visible, durable and genuine the relationships between brothers and sisters are bonds that last a lifetime. There are many positive aspects of Greek life that go unmentioned in these exposés that I have especially observed as a student at Dartmouth. For example, Rolling Stone ’s article on hazing at Dartmouth bashed the school’s Greek system, stating that it was “at the core of the college’s human and cultural dysfunctions.”Īlthough many of these activities are unfortunate, they are not wholly representative of the vast majority of outstanding fraternities and sororities throughout the country.

Report after report has been released documenting the trials and tribulations of past and current students during their pledge terms. This video includes images from Getty Images and Kane5187.Fraternity and sorority Greek organizations across the country have received plenty of negative press recently regarding safety and health violations arising during the hazing process. The new policies at Dartmouth were recommended by a committee created by Hanlon after he vowed 'enough is enough' last April, saying it was time for change.

That's the introductory period before a student becomes a full member - and the time they're most likely to be hazed.Īccording to The New York Times, 'The Greek houses tend to dominate Dartmouth social life more than half of the students join a fraternity or sorority, and other spaces for social events are severely limited.' Other reforms to Greek life include doing away with pledging. This change is an effort to foster further 'inclusivity.' Now, as far as the new housing program, which will begin in the fall, it will require students be assigned to a specific dorm where they will live throughout the remainder of their college career.

'It became the first university to require students to complete a four year sexual violence prevention program,' reports CBS. Zerlina Maxwell of Essence answered, 'I think this is an overreaction because alcohol doesn't cause sexual assault, rapists cause sexual assault.'īut in defense of the new Dartmouth policies, Hanlon did outline a strict program that is directly meant to combat the issue of sexual violence. 'Good call or over reaction?' asked Sharpton. MSNBC host Al Sharpton implied the booze ban, which will be implemented in the spring, is also a step to help fight sexual assault on campus. In May 2013, Dartmouth became one of 95 colleges and universities around the country being probed by federal civil rights investigators over its handling of sexual assault reports.ĭuring his statement, Hanlon claimed the hard alcohol ban will help promote a 'safer and healthier campus environment.' Fraternities and sororities will need to live under tougher rules.' Hanlon said, 'We will move forward aggressively with a new housing model . Things like chugging vinegar, swimming in a kiddie pool of what we were told were bodily fluids.'Īnd a number of rape allegations on campus, which helped spark this announcement from college president Phil Hanlon Thursday. There've been jaw-dropping testaments about Greek life: 'A lot of drinking, a lot of hazing.

'Dartmouth has a problem, ' chanted student protesters. Over the past few years, Dartmouth College has received a great deal of backlash from both the student body and national critics.

Dartmouth social scene