MU task force recommends changes to Greek system
The University of Missouri announced Tuesday that leaders received a comprehensive a report with recommendations from a task force regarding potential safety improvements to the campus’ sorority and fraternity system.
The 18-page report lays out ways the school could make the Greek experience more diverse, inclusive and safe. It follows a December report from consultant Dyad Strategies that highlighted a lack of trust between the Greek community and the school.
The recommendations stem from the following five focus areas:
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION Secure funding for a new full-time staff member within the Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life (OFSL) to focus on diversity and inclusion education and support culturally-based organizations within the fraternity/sorority community. Create a diversity and inclusion experience for all FSL members, incorporated into the OFSL Chapter Experience accreditation plan. Funding for permanent, year-round Greek Ambassadors program
Develop a framework for inter-council programming
Redesign a more open workspace in OFSL
HAZING PREVENTION AND MEMBER EDUCATION Mandated maximum six-week new member period (from beginning of new
member process until initiation) Develop policies to encourage self-reporting of hazing incidents Implement regular training for fraternity and sorority new member educators facilitated by OFSL Develop fraternity/sorority new member orientation program, facilitated by
OFSL and governing council leadership All chapter new member processes should be reviewed by OFSL staff each academic year and must be approved before new member education can begin RECRUITMENT AND ACADEMIC CALENDAR OFSL should support a growing and thriving fraternity/sorority community
by helping connect prospective members to chapters All recruitment/intake periods should be organized in a manner that promotes student safety and does not interfere with a potential new member’s ability to be fully integrated
into the social and cultural fabric of the broader university community. Develop parameters related to recruitment events taking place outside of the structured primary recruitment process for each council Develop parameters related to timing and frequency of chapter-sponsored
social events with alcohol Ensure that the first week of each academic semester is viewed as academically rigorous. FRESHMEN IN GREEK HOUSING Three-tier accreditation levels associated with freshmen residency Annual review process and incorporation of Chapter Experience
accreditation program SOCIAL EVENT RISK MANAGEMENT Develop specific parameters related to tailgates at chapter facilities Edit social audit policy to address concerns outlined in Dyad report Joint-governing documents Create preferred venue list that follows safety and pricing guidelines Explore developing an MOU between University of Missouri and City of
Columbia police departments related to policing and enforcement in Greek town.
You can find the full report here.
