Greek Housing Offered in Fall '03
By Audrey Christopher
Broadside Staff Writer

Beginning in fall 2003, social Greek organizations can take advantage of new on-campus housing opportunities. The plan, which is supported by student body president Shirene Rasheed and Assistant Director of Greek Life Juliet Blank, calls for a Greek Life Learning Community. The Greek community members who participate will be required to complete an on-campus service project throughout the year. In the future, the program will require students to take a credited Greek leadership course, to sponsor an on-campus social and to host a leadership retreat and another event in which faculty advisors will interact with floor residents.

Director of Housing and Residence Life Paul Barkett said, “We’ve actually made this same offer to the Greek community for the past couple of years, but no groups have expressed interest.” Rasheed agreed, “Since this initiative has been introduced for many years, I wanted to make sure we were supporting and representing exactly what the Greek community wanted.” She then went on to say that a task force of representatives from different organizations has been introduced to the on-campus learning community, so that Greeks can be properly informed of all progress. Requirements for Greeks who are considering this program are the same as any other regular on-campus student. Greeks who choose to live in this community must already live on-campus, must abide by all rules, must sign a contract for the entire academic year and must make a deposit of $300.

Floors in Amherst and Brunswick Hall in University Commons will be reserved for fraternity and sorority students. Since only students that already live on-campus can participate, Rasheed predicts that only a small numberof students will participate in the program in fall 2003; additional chapters will join in fall 2004. Associate Dean of University Life Mark Dean feels a program like the Greek Life Learning Community will have lasting benefits. “[The program will give] the opportunity to strengthen bonds, create [a] stronger sense of camaraderie, provide for more visible presence and contribute to the sense of community [among] the students at George Mason University.” Likewise Rasheed said, “The effect will be positive. Greeks as a community will have the ability to grow together and participate in service projects for George Mason University. They will have the opportunity to be visible and engage with the entire student body.”