Damien Coulon

ENC 1102
Assignment 4
Road To Improvement
Introduction:
For many years, fraternity life has been looked down on. Through movies and
negative media the public have been led to view only the negative side without seeing the
many positives fraternities bring to campus. The problem is that instead of working
together to create a better fraternal community and change the way that greek life impacts
their community, they make a bad reputation for themselves and their community. Our
research includes seeing the impacts that fraternities have on campus, as well as how to
create a solution to boost a school reputation from the better. Beyond just investigating,
we will try to enact our proposed solutions to try to improve the image of the UCF
fraternal community. We strongly believe that this problem can be amended over time
with some hard work.
Literature Review:
In general you hear more about the trouble, recklessness, or outright unlawful
incidents that some of these fraternities have been found guilty of. Some of these
incidents can bring to ruin the reputations of even the most prestigious schools.
With all this liability and bad publicity you tend to ask the question, What are
the types of impact these fraternities are having on our nations college
campuses?

To effectively find the solution to this question we have to first analyze the
college culture and how fraternities fit into this culture. The college culture is
defined as a peer culture. A students peer group is the single most potent source
of influence on growth and development in undergraduate years (Dalton and
Petrie 1993). Through these peer groups students determine which peers with
whom students spend time and from whom they seek approval. (Whitt 1996)
The influence in this culture can alter a students values, attitudes and what they
choose to accept or reject. Fraternities are some of the largest organizations on
campus as well as the most exclusive. Those two qualities make college
fraternities very powerful and influential over the schools student population.
However, (Kuhh 1996 p.141) places a large amount of responsibility in school
administrators to monitor and influence students to create learning communities
within fraternities.
Knowing now the potential power that fraternities may hold over the
student population, we will look into what fraternities choose to do with the
influence they possess. Every fraternal organization has its own adopted
philanthropy or charity that they make contributions towards. No other segment
of the student population raises as much money or volunteers as much time to
charity (as fraternities do) (Chris Blake, Demand Media). Here at the University
of Central Florida Sigma Pi Fraternity hosted Sigma Pig Roast, the biggest wet
philanthropy in school history benefiting the Ocean Foundation. Fraternities also
use their power to influence members within their organizations to excel as
individuals. Involvement in fraternal organizations facilitates establishing and

clarifying purpose, and developing mature interpersonal relationships, intimacy,

and academic autonomy (Hunt & Rentz). An interview of Liam Moran, member
of Sigma Pi at UCF, reveals the expectations of his fraternity, Each member in
Sigma Pi is required to maintain a 2.7 GPA or be removed from the fraternity until
satisfying the requirement. These sort of requirements make fraternal members
more driven to achieve higher grades. A study by the U.S. Department of
Education data revealed, members in fraternities graduate at a rate in excess of
70%, while just over 50% of non-Greek students go on to graduate. I
interviewed Kyle Bryant, who is not in a fraternity, to gain some insight as to
what he thought about fraternities, Fraternity guys have a big advantage over
guys like me who arent in fraternity. They have they ability to work with upper
classman and get help. Its hard to compete academically and career wise with
them. They have alumni that have graduated that are in companies and continue to
give advice and offer up connections to them. Theres no way I can compete with
that.
Schools are liable for the actions of the numerous and large fraternal
organizations. All too often you hear about the same reoccurring accusations
levied against a fraternity. KPBS News did a video investigation into fraternity
sexual assault. They revealed that many fraternities have large insurance policies
to cover sexual assault charges. Some policies also included coverage against
hazing policies. Hazing is the leading reason for fraternities being removed from
campus and individuals being arrested. At Oklahoma University, Sigma Alpha
Epsilon was immediately removed and upon further investigation many members

expelled from school for creating a video of members chanting racial slurs. These
problems hold power to ruin a schools reputation. A study by the Higher
Educations Center for Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention showed that,
Fraternities and sororities are among the key groups that foster this culture of
drinking on campus. Their members drink far greater amounts of alcohol, and do
so more frequently than other members, setting a norm for heavy drinking. A
national study on college drinking found that fraternity members were much more
likely to engage in heavy drinking than their non-fraternity peers. That kind of
negative influence can do real damage to a school if the administration doesnt
hold high regulations. f schools maintain a high level of involvement and
regulations of college fraternities then the capacity for these organizations to
influence negatively is severally reduced.

Research Method and Results:

There were several methods to our research, which included: Interviews with
important fraternal and Greek life leaders, survey of members from numerous fraternal
organizations, and a compilation of statistics from online sources. We had the ability to sit
down and interview with the presidents of Sigma Pi, Kappa Sigma, Delta Sigma Phi, Tau
Kappa Epsilon and Theta Chi individually. Through these interviews we gained an inside
look into each fraternities philosophy on approaching community personal representation
as well as fraternity cooperation. We witnessed a wide a ray of responses from these
fraternal presidents. Refer to Appendix 1 to see the presidents responses. Below are the

results of a survey that each president took. The scale was 1-5, where 1-strongly disagree
2- Somewhat disagree 3-Unsure 4- Somewhat agree 5-strongly agree.

6
5
4
3
1
0

Sigam Pi

Theta Chi

Delta Sigma Phi

Kappa Sigma

That same survey was given to over fifty different fraternal men in different fraternal
organizations. The identities of the individuals and the organization they belong to in this
survey will remain anonymous. The responses revealed that many fraternity men felt that
the UCF fraternal community is unsupportive of one another.
Proposed Solution
To reduce stereotypes and a negative view of fraternities here at UCF we propose
to strengthen the relationship of fraternities by placing more power in the Inter Fraternity

Tua Kappa Epsilon

Council. The IFC board is a monthly meeting of the fraternities which is lightly attended
by only several of the fraternities on campus. Through this new empowered IFC they can
force fraternity organizations to send a certain percentage of their membership to attend
these meetings as well as informational seminars. These seminars can include Alcohol
awareness where fraternity men will be talked to buy lawyers and important facility
members about the dangers of alcohol abuse. These seminars will also offer incentives to
the fraternities. These can range from hanging your flag in the football stadium to simple
gift cards handed out to the most interactive groups. I also believe that lack of fraternity
involvement in IFC should lead to immediate probation until the organization proves
involvement in the community. Fraternities will also have to adhere to a point system.
You will earn points by going to seminars and participating in each others philanthropies.
Failure to earn a certain amount of points will lead to suspension of all social activities
and even up to out right suspension for a semester. By taking away social interactions
from the uninvolved fraternities you force them to strive to be better. It is the fraternities
who fail to interact with other fraternal organizations that tend to spark the most issues
for the community and the university. By eliminating or forcing change you ultimately
weed out the bad members of organizations. This is how you will bring negative outlooks
on fraternities to a grinding halt by bringing fraternities together. Another proposed
solution would be to have monthly or seasonal events put on by the fraternities for the
surrounding community. For example, having a BBQ or chili cook off where fraternities
will have a friendly competition to have the best food and games. Inviting the community
for food and carnival games is a good way to interact with the fraternity men of UCF.
This will boost the reputation of the UCF fraternities.

Opposing View
The biggest opposition would be that of the UCF administration who wants to
dismiss all fraternities all together because they pose too much liability. The best way I
can address this is by making a point that every club and organization at UCF poses a
liability. It is not in UCFs best interest to get rid of fraternities. Fraternities at UCF
account for nearly forty three percent of UCFs charitable donations as well as
community service hours logged. I think that the solution to this is to get the
administration involved with IFC. Letting IFC know what the schools expectation or
concerns will definitely put some minds at ease. I think by having Administrators voicing
their concerns and more hands on with the mechanics it allows for better support and
guidance to fraternity members.
Its Time for a Change:
An increase in the power held by the Inter Fraternity Council will help foster the
growth of cooperation among the fraternities at UCF. If let be the fraternities will
continue to be over competitive and continue to allow bad situations to occur. Alcohol
abuse as well as the amount of DUIs will continue to exist in numbers within fraternity
members without the proposed solutions being put into place. Our solution is the best
solution because it forces fraternities and its members to change or otherwise removed
from campus. This system will cut out the negative aspects most attributed to fraternities.
By putting on frequent carnivals for the public, you allow for a good reputation to bloom.
By getting administrators more involved and offering more feed back this system allows
for fraternity members to understand the expectations of the school. Our proposed system

will bring the fraternities together and start to build the reputations of the fraternities of
UCF. This is how we will solve the stereotypes against fraternities.
Conclusion:
The fraternities here at UCF have so much potential to grow and help further the
reputation of our amazing school. In order to tap into that potential we must diffuse these
stereotypes. Cleaning up and refining the way fraternities and their members act is a
cause worth investing in. Imagine all the fraternities at UCF getting along together,
supporting one another and putting their heads together to help benefit UCF and the
surrounding communities. The possibilities are endless with that amount of man power
working together. I ploy you to support this new system and help awaken the sleeping
giant of community outreach that is the University of Central Floridas Fraternal
community.

Appendix 1

1. Below are a set of questions that we asked among UCF Fraternal Presidents. Below are a
few responses that we received that as a Sigma Pi, we strongly agree with.
1. Rate the cooperetion of Fratenities at UCF
1. Here at UCF, we feel that among fraternities we do not have a strong base of
togetherness, that could get better over these next years. But, individually our
participation for events are strong. When there is a philanthropy, I know that I will
be going to an event and each fraternity and soritiy will be there. It is nice to know
that each members, not matter which organization in which a person belongs to, we
all have a purpose to better our community. -Tau Kappa Epsilon

2. Rate how you think the UCF Student body views Fraternities
1. Here at UCF, I would definitely say that UCF student body looks at fraternities
here with excellence and diversity. Having numerous greek affiliated members be
apart of SGA, Student Gvernment like our most recent elected Vice President,
Jarrell Jones, Sigma Pi, doesn't put a strain on greek life. It proves that these leaders,
whom take the initiative to become one with UCF as well as still maintain well
grades, as well as be in a fraternity labels a fraternity as being driven to succeed.
-Sigma Pi

3. Rate how you think the UCF Facility view Fraternities

1. My professor for American History, is an alumni here at UCF. When i told him that
I had recently joined a fraternity he was eager to hear which one. After telling him,
Phi Delta Theta, he ws overjoyed to tell me that he is an alumni of Phi Delt here at
UCF. It was very neat to be able to give my own professor our secret grip as well
as be able to hear the stories he encountered while here at UCF. Although not all
facility may have this approach. It was nice to know that the legacy he left, is still
happening. -Phi Delta Theta

4. Rate how the surrounding communities view fraternities

1. Although I cannot speak for our community as a whole, the amount of work, as
well as money that greek life has raised just this past year for our community is
incredible. This type of recognition proves to us that the work that we put in and the
dedication to participating in these certain events really does help and make a

difference. For example going to a hospital and visiting ill children, although we do
not have the same stories as these children -Alpha Tau Omega

5. Fraternity members are more likely to become alcoholics.

1. This type of question is more of how you handle yourself, as well as using
moderation. This is like saying persons who study less, get worse grades.
Personally within our chapter, we make it a point to always make sure your
academics, as well as personal life is always in a good standings. -Kappa Sigma

6. Fraternity members are involved on campus.

1. Among our chapter, the last two Vice Presidents have been a part of our chapter.
Now, is this because that person is dedicated towards their own goals, or does being
in a fraternity help to want to make a bigger difference. The answer would be both,
when I joined Sigma Pi, all I wanted to do was make our chapter have a prestigious
name. And, after this past election and winning Vice President I can truly say I
achieved that goal, and from here on out allI want to do is make this campus, as well
as overall all greek life have a prestigious reputation. -Tau Kappa Epsilon

7. Fraternities help build each other up.

1. After this past year, we were honored to receive Chapter of the year. This type of
recognition would not of been possible if it was not for each of the 135 men that
make up our Theta Chi Chapter here at UCF. The things that we have accomplished
would of not been possible without each members dedication as well as strive to
make each of us a better man each day out. -Theta Chi, Ryan

2. This chapter has molded me to be the man I am today and I would not have held
positions that I have, as well as gotten my dream job to serve this chapter on a
national level. The things that I have accomplished are way past what I ever thought
I had the ability to achieve. This chapter, Sigma Pi, is not just a college experience
with many memories, but a start to what my life has in store for the rest of my life.
This is only, yet one chapter of the many that I will create, but this one was the best
and the start of everything and I am foveae grateful for these men, my foveae
brothers. -Joey, Sigma Pi

8. Hazing is an important part of fraternities at UCF

1. Here at UCF there is a no hazing policy, although at times it may not be followed,
like Lambda Chi Alpha, but when not followed there are consequences like getting
your chapter revoked. Hazing is a serious subject that should not be take lightly,
which is why we have workshops once a month, as well as new member education
so each member understand the repercussions that may happen if these rules are not
followed. Delta Upsilon, Creg
2. It saddens to see chapters here at UCF get revoked, but it is also a eye opening
situation because it proves to each member that these rules must be taken seriously.
-Alpha Tau Omega, Ross

Annotated Bibliography:
Campo, S. (2005). Prevalence and profiling: Hazing among college students and points of
intervention. American Journal of Health Behavior.

Academic Standards. Sigma Pi Fraternity. 21 Jan. 2015. Web. 19 Apr. 2015.

<http://sigmapi.org/about-sigma-pi/academic/standards/>.
"Sexual Harassment and Assault." Sigma Pi Fraternity. 21 Jan. 2015. Web. 19 Apr. 2015.
<http://sigmapi.org/about-sigma-pi/policies/sexual-harassment-and-assault/>.
"Greek Councils." Fraternity & Sorority Life UCF. Web. 22 Apr. 2015.
<http://fsl.sdes.ucf.edu/councils>.
"Ifc.ucf.com." - Home. Web. 21 Apr. 2015. <http://www.ifcucf.com>.
Pearce, Matt, Hailey Branson-Potts, and Nigel Duara. "Racist Fraternity Chant May Not Be
Limited." Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles Times. Web. 16 Apr. 2015.
<http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-oklahoma-fraternity-racist-chant-20150311-story.html>.

"Fraternity Statistics | North-American Interfraternity Conference | Indianapolis, IN

46268." - North American Interfraternity Conference. Web. 21 Apr. 2015.
<http://www.nicindy.org/fraternity-statistics.html>.
"Fraternity and Sorority Affairs." Fraternity and Sorority Affairs. Web. 18 Apr. 2015.
<http://info.umkc.edu/getinvolved/fsa/>.