The Interfraternity Council’s meeting on February 4 commenced with the announcement by President Jesse Barr ’10 that the previous Monday was the first joint meeting between the IFC and the Panhellenic Council. The current plans are to try to hold similar meetings once a month, when possible. In addition, Barr expressed his wishes to set up one-on-one meetings with the greek houses on campus to help foster a more personal relationship.
Executive Vice President Michael Lind ’10 spoke. Lind thanked everyone who had come before the meeting and expressed an interest in becoming more involved in some of the work done by different IFC committees. The committee Lind is leading is responsible for updating the IFC’s constitution; he encouraged feedback and ideas for the team. Finally, he noted that the selection committee for greek representatives to the Judicial Board will meet next Thursday to select members.
Following Lind, Vice President of Rush Demetri Karanikos ’11 reminded those present that last Friday was the earliest available date to retrieve bids from the Dean of Students’ Office. He announced to the assembly that 24 hours’ notice is required in order to allow DOSO time to prepare bids; afterward, he requested feedback about this most recent rush period.
Two boards will be formed: a general committee and a rush planning committee. The goal of the general committee will be to increase recruitment in the upcoming fall rush period by assessing this last rush period. The planning committee will be charged with the task of further updating the rush policy. Additionally, an idea is still needed for a joint IFC and Panhel event for Navigating Rensselaer and Beyond.
Barr requested more help with the planning of Greek Week, stating that additional support or interest would be appreciated, as Vice President of Social Ryan Koehler ’11 was unable to attend the meeting.
Vice President of Philanthropy Ken Hutchison ’10 brought to the attention of the assembly a fasting event that will take place later this month, with additional information to come. Barr attempted to encourage support, asking those present to “imagine if, on top of the cold, you didn’t have a home or food to eat.” He suggested that taking money for dinner one evening from each house’s budget and bringing it to the cabinet to be donated would be a worthy cause.
Vice President of Risk Drew Fineberg ’11, was also unable to attend. He spoke on the proper course of action in helping someone that you see drunk and in need of assistance while avoiding getting in trouble for doing so will be addressed,
Barr also mentioned the finalization of the CPR and AED training plan and proposed that every house send at least one person; in the event that there was a crisis, he said, having one person trained would be beneficial to everyone. He also suggested that at least one person from each house attend the upcoming Good Samaritan law seminar.
The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Administration representative, Richard Morris ’09 announced that Fred Van Strander will be filling in as Dean of Greek Life part-time and said that Van Strander expressed an interest in attending one of the IFC meetings.
Morris noted that the time and date of weekly meetings, however, may need to change to accommodate Van Strander’s schedule.
Undernew business, the IFC budget was brought up for approval. The budget was on par with last year’s, and accordingly the motion was approved for a vote, which was passed by the council.
Before the conclusion of the meeting, upcoming events were brought to the gathering’s attention. Theta Chi announced the house’s plans to sponsor RPI’s first Biggest Loser, an eight-week-long event to benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Troy. Additionally, Pi Delta Psi and Lambda Upsilon Lambda are co-sponsoring a bone marrow drive February 17-18. Pi Delta Psi is also selling roses February 13 to benefit the March of Dimes.
