Friday. May 3, 1963
University Daily Kansan
Page 3
Ideal Fraternity Stresses GPA
By Willis Henson
(This is the last article in a three part series.)
If fraternities are corrupt, their members have corrupted them.
The basic purpose behind a fraternity is good.
A fraternity ideally exists, as the "Fraternity Life" booklet points out for educational excellence.
"Each house heps its members realize that the university is primarily an educational institution and that a broad education is most important to each individual . . ."
The terms fellowship, honor, service, faith, leadership, scholarship and athletics theoretically mean more to the fraternity man than to those outside of it.
"In a small well-knit living group, such as a fraternity," this year's rush folder reads, "a pledge may look forward to:
- opportunities for individual attention.
- year-long assistance from interested upperclassmen.
- well-rounded orientation to the campus community.
- developing personal initiative and confidence.
- a wife circle of friends."
BUT TO WHAT extent are the purposes carried out; how seriously are they taken by a fraternity man?
Through the years, fraternities, acting collectively through the Interfraternity Council (IFC) or as individual units have proven their worth in the area of service.
In 1951, after the Kaw River flooded North Lawrence as far north as U.S. Highway 40, seven hundred fraternitymen helped in the mammoth clean-up.
The Interfraternity Pledge Council participated in the Lawrence Community Chest drive for money to aid in the clean-up campaign. Over 300 pledges helped the drive exceed its goal. It was the first time in three years that Lawrence met its quota.
In that same year, the IFC donated the money usually spent on Homecoming decorations, about $1.250, to the clean-up program.
The area of service seems to still be a favorite of the fraternity system. In March, 1960, the IFC assisted Lawrence voters in getting to City Hall to register.
This year, 75 men from one fraternity donated over 100 pints of blood to the Lawrence Memorial Hospital blood bank.
In March, a grass fire burned out of control at 12:30 a.m. at a farm six miles west on U.S. Highway 40. There was little water available, little chance of getting any manpower.
Sheriff's deputies called KU.
FIVE fraternities and several dormitories responded. About 200 men in all were working at the fire scene.
Scholarship, of course, is another area in which fraternities excel.
In recent years, the fraternity grade point average has been consistently higher than that of the all-men's g.p.a. The 1961-62 fraternity average was 1.35 compared to the men's dormitory average of .90.
Last semester, the all University average was 1.43; all men, 1.34; all fraternity, 1.42; men's scholarship halls, 1.90, and men's residence halls, 1.18.
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The highly selective membership process of the fraternities must be considered, Donald K. Alderson, dean of men, pointed out.
Dean Alderson said that the fraternity g.p.a. would naturally run high because they have the option of choosing the men they want.
Fraternities do not stress grades alone. A concentrated effort is made to help a man develop socially. Most fraternities have an average of four major parties a year.
Attendance at major functions is usually required of both actives and the pledges.
If any irregularity should occur at any fraternity party, Dean Alderson said, the involved parties are subject to the University disciplinary committee or the ASC social committee. He said no immediate problem is apparent now with fraternity parties.
FRATERNITIES here have made an attempt to keep in accord with the changing times. In 1952 it was decided to drop the "discriminatory" clause from the FIC constitution.
Actually only the word national was only dropped from a section of the constitution reading: "Only members of recognized national social fraternities will be accepted in the IFC."
In 1946, it was decided that "hazing" and "hell week" would be abolished here because the practice was inconsistent with the aims and ideals of the fraternity system.
During 1946 the committee on housing inspection decided to wage a campaign designed to improve the over-all conditions of the fraternity house. Periodic unannounced inspections were made of houses to satisfy state fire requirements, stimulate fraternity morale and to improve the appearance of the house
Today, residence halls vie for a man's time. Accordingly, fraternity houses must be attractive.
With the exception of 1959, the year the dormitories began to open, the number of men participating in Rush Week has continued to rise. The rush figures look like this: 1957, 610; 1958, 518; 1959, 439; 1960, 504, and 1961, 570.
It is said that ties of brotherhood and fellowship go beyond simply doing things together. Working together toward common goals can form lasting bonds of friendship. The concept of brotherhood is advocated by all fraternities.
It is not enjoyed exclusively by Greeks but friendships are developed more easily and quickly in
a small living group of about 60 men.
One final activity of the fraternities here includes Help Week, the offspring of hell week. According to John Mays, Lyons freshman and chairman of the project, Help Week will be to "provide beneficial services to the community . . . worthwhile projects."
THE PROGRAM is designed to strengthen community-fraternal relations.
Mays said fraternities may work on any worthwhile project during the school year except a week before and after Greek Week. A traveling trophy will be presented to the fraternity whose project will be judged on its merit and benefit to the community.
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