The InterFraternity Council is returning to the Boston University campus after a busy fall semester for the newly elected Executive Board. With only one returning member from last year’s assembly, the Executive Board has developed a new direction with promising new goals. Fraternity chapters grew a combined 33% in the fall and the IFC is very content with this growth. Fraternities have placed an increased emphasis on philanthropy throughout the semester by hosting individual chapter events to raise money for a cause. This past semester, the IFC has significantly improved relations with the BU administration, allowing the IFC to work with BU on improving safety and increasing fraternity exposure on BU’s vast campus. The IFC has also worked to strengthen ties with BU Athletics and provide a united front to the student body. Finally, with a newly established budget, the IFC is looking to host events for the student body at BU this spring.
Earlier last semester, the Executive Board unanimously approved a strict ‘dry’ recruitment mandating that no fraternity on campus may serve alcohol at any recruitment event. The IFC and fraternity men on campus believe that this is the best way to attract new members into our organizations. The decision was successful, as member fraternities recruited members who emphasized scholarship, leadership, philanthropy and brotherhood.
Philanthropy has been a constant theme amongst BU fraternities throughout the fall semester. IFC affiliated chapters have regularly hosted fun, exciting events that raise money for a respected charity. These events not only appeal to the Greek community at BU, but also the student body as whole. Chi Phi held their annual Haunted House raising $1,800 for the Jimmy Fund. Sigma Chi held a canned food drive and a volleyball tournament with Gamma Phi Beta that raised $600. The Kappa Sigma fraternity raised money for charity through delivering candy grams and hosting its annual Kick for a Cure competition with Gamma Phi Beta. Sigma Alpha Mu held two significant philanthropy events this past semester; first, a concert headlined by White Panda and second, a Midnight Dodge ball competition. Combined, the events raised over $3,000 for the Alzheimer’s Association - Judy Fund. LCA’s Pumpkin Bust philanthropy event was successful, raising over 2,000 pounds of food for the North American Food Drive. Lambda Phi Epsilon had a joint walkathon with its New York chapters for the “Community Walks Today for the Youth of Tomorrow” walkathon. ZBT is looking forward to its “On the Ball” philanthropy event that raises money for the Children’s Miracle Network.
The IFC and Panhellenic Council teamed up with the Student Union to hold ‘Greeks Give Back Week.’ The weeklong event focused on events that ranged from strengthening ties with the athletic department here at BU and increasing civic engagement by holding a voter registration. Pi Kappa Alpha also held their Pike-a-Thon in front of the GSU that raised over $2000 for Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America. Fraternities on campus also made an effort to attend several athletic games. Finally, the IFC joined Triad Trust in an effort to raise awareness for AIDS-related deaths. The IFC and the athletics department sold wristbands raising close to $1,000 over the course of one week.
Earlier in the semester, the IFC passed a resolution increasing dues $5 a member. The move increased funds significantly and is great news for the BU student body. The IFC is in the midst of planning events this spring including a student ball and concerts headlining big named artists. The revamped treasury will definitely help.
One of the goals of the IFC is to continue to grow and expand. The IFC hopes to expose Greek life to as many college men as possible. To this means, the IFC recently approved the colonization of Sigma Phi Epsilon. They will be taking part in recruitment along with the rest of the member fraternities this spring.
Finally, the IFC this fall has worked with BU administration to improve overall relations. This has helped open a line of communication that is beneficial for both sides. Over the course of the semester, the IFC has met several times with BU Administration to help facilitate discussion that would help improve safety among BU fraternity members and students alike. At a joint IFC-Panhellenic meeting, Dean Elmore and John Battaglino spoke about taking full advantage of Greek life here at BU. The IFC also met with Dale Robbins, Director of BU Judicial Affairs, and Al Brust, Assistant Director of BU Judicial Affairs. These meetings were productive, as member chapters voiced their safety concerns about the streets in Allston. Robbins and Brust were very attentive and gave tips on what students can do to be better prepared.
The IFC looks at the fall semester as a success and is excited about the upcoming spring recruitment. The first event is the Tour of Greek Life on Wednesday January 26th in the GSU Alley next to BU Central. Come eat free pizza and learn more about each fraternity. Please follow us on twitter @BU_IFC and add us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Inter-Fraternity-Council-at-Boston-University/155754063222) to keep up with all the exciting new things planned for spring!
