Greeks set to discuss alcohol issues

More than 1,100 Greek System chapter leaders, officers and new members will meet Saturday, Oct. 20, for a discussion of the role of alcohol in UWn-Madison fraternities and sororities.

With the theme “New Horizons of Responsibility,” Alcohol Issues Summit 2001 aims to educate students about university alcohol policies while placing a renewed emphasis on personal accountability, says organizer Ed Mirecki, fraternity and sorority adviser in the Student Organization Office.

The daylong summit will be held at Grainger Hall, 975 University Ave. and at the Wisconsin Union Theater, 800 Langdon St. UW–Madison Chancellor John Wiley and Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Paul Barrows will address a 10 a.m. opening session in the Grainger Hall auditorium.

National experts on risk management, drug and alcohol abuse, and sexually transmitted diseases will address several informational seminars. Although all sessions will be geared to members of the Greek community, the general public is welcome.

Alcohol is gradually becoming less prevalent in UW–Madison Greek culture, Mirecki says. Last fall, the Panhellenic Association, which governs sororities, agreed to end its co-sponsorship of fraternity house events that include alcohol. Fraternity men and sorority women have implemented changes in their social structures as a result.

In addition, during the past few years, several houses have ended their use of alcohol entirely.

Mirecki says that support for these and other alcohol initiatives must be rooted in personal responsibility and a caring for the well-being of members instead of the fear of breaking university rules.

UW–Madison has 27 fraternities, 11 sororities and seven multicultural fraternal organizations totaling 2,500 members. The summit is sponsored by the Chancellor’s Office, the Student Organization Office, the Interfraternity Council and the Panhellenic Association.