The meeting of the Interfraternity Council on Wednesday began with President Jesse Barr ’10 announcing that he has spoken with Dean of Students Mark Smith regarding the creation of a comprehensive plan for the progression of greek life. It is anticipated that a draft of a plan for approximately the next five years will be finished by the end of the semester.
After Barr spoke, Vice President of Recruitment Demetri Karanikos ’11 announced that a decision had been reached about the premise of a Navigating Rensselaer and Beyond event in conjunction with the Panhellenic Council. The event will follow an Amazing Race theme; there will be three different stations around campus with different activities, similar to those featured in summer camps. Additionally, there will be increased efforts to improve recruitment numbers that seem to be dropping annually, even as the number of students in subsequent class years increases.
Following Karanikos, Vice President of Social Ryan Koehler ’11 reminded everyone that Thursdays are letter days, on which greeks are encouraged to support their houses and wear their letters. In an attempt to help increase attendance at women’s sporting events, there will be weekly reminders of upcoming events at each meeting. Finally, the logistics of a weekly greek movie night are being discussed. The assembled delegates showed enough interest to provide Koehler with the incentive to look further into the idea.
After Koehler spoke, Vice President of Philanthropy Ken Hutchison ’10 presented an opportunity to assist a local animal shelter. The shelter said it would appreciate help in sorting all the empty cans received from its can drive. For more information, students were asked to contact ifc.rpi.phil@gmail.com. There will be more information about the upcoming fasting and giving circle events next week.
Vice President of Risk Management Drew Fineberg ’11 announced that there will be a trial run of the proposed CPR certification class with members of the E-Board. Additionally, the upcoming Good Samaritan Law seminar will attempt to clearly define when it is appropriate to contact emergency personnel on behalf of an intoxicated person.
Vice President of Public Relations Patrick McAndrews ’12 then took the floor to announce a public relations committee meeting today at 9:30 pm. Anyone interested in becoming more involved is encouraged to attend. Also, there will be a video contest for Greek Week; the goal is to submit a roughly one-minute video clip highlighting greek life. The winning submission will be posted online and used to help advertise for Greek Week.
Greek Senator Jonathan Babiec ’09 was unable to attend last week’s student senate meeting; therefore, Grand Marshal Kara Chesal ’09 attended the meeting to update the delegates on the topics that were discussed. A few changes have been made concerning when vote solicitations can begin and how many votes are needed to elect the vice president, president, and senators. There are also currently discussions about decreasing the compensation for resident assistants from $11,000 a year to a $5,000 annual stipend. Chesal also mentioned that she will be meeting with Provost Robert E. Palazzo to clarify rumors that one-third of the adjunct faculty will not be rehired when the time comes to renew their contracts.
Delta Tau Delta will be hosting a Greek Band Night on Friday, March 27, featuring various bands composed of brothers. In addition, there will be an 80s Dance Party this Friday at Revolution Hall to benefit Joseph’s House and Shelter. A ticket is $7 at the door and $5 with a canned food donation. There will be drink specials and the event will be from 8 pm–12 am.
