The George Washington University will create a new task force to explore the Greek life experience of GW’s sororities and fraternities, according to a Division of Student Affairs presentation given at the annual Greek Leadership Conference on Saturday.
“On many campuses, Greek life is at a crossroads, but at GW, we strive to support a vibrant and engaging experience for our students,” said Vice Provost and Dean of Student Affairs Peter Konwerski. “In our effort to focus on the strength of our community, Provost Steven Lerman will charge an interdisciplinary Greek Life Task Force to develop recommendations that will continue to improve the experience and opportunities for the university’s Greek community.”
The committee will include representatives from national fraternities and sororities, faculty and staff members, parents and students, alumni and volunteers who represent the three Greek councils—the Inter-Fraternity Council, the Panhellenic Association and the Multicultural Greek Council.
Task force members will be selected from a diverse pool of recommended candidates from all of GW’s core constituent groups. Those chosen will meet bi-monthly in working groups to conduct research on policies, recruitment intake, membership education and development, academic scholarship, leadership and chapter excellence, values, brotherhood and sisterhood and philanthropy and service.
The findings will be compiled for a final report by summer 2015.
“We spoke with student and university leadership and both agree there are ways to improve the Greek experience at GW—the task force is a direct result of those conversations,” said Associate Dean of Students Tim Miller. “This committee will examine Greek life on different levels to support organizations in exceeding the expectations of both the university and their national organizations, while providing an unforgettable experience that will positively shape the personal and professional lives of our students.”
The progress of working groups will be reviewed at monthly meetings and a final report will include a five-year plan of action to address the recommendations.
The committee’s recommendations will be based on research of the more than 3,000 students who participate in Greek life on GW’s campus and peer colleges and universities.
“The great thing about the task force is that it will be composed of individuals with varying positions, backgrounds, views and experiences,” said IFC President Tim Stackhouse. “I am extremely optimistic that this committee will be able to come up with creative and effective strategies to improve the overall quality of our campus.”