Hartwick College has announced that its Greek Life Task Force, which was appointed in fall 2006 and composed of alumni, students, faculty, and staff, has completed its work in assessing the condition of Greek Life at the College. President Richard P. Miller, Jr. and the Hartwick College Board of Trustees discussed the findings of the Task Force, as presented in its formal report, in the first week of February during a regularly scheduled Board meeting. Based on the report and discussions during the Board meeting, the decision was made that Greek Life will continue at Hartwick, contingent on organizations meeting criteria established as part of a new accreditation process.
Building on the work started by the Task Force, the College will work with Greek organizations to review all policies on Greek Life at Hartwick to ensure that the organizations and their members are supportive of a positive College climate. Any behavior that endangers the welfare and safety of students will not be tolerated.
Vice President for Student Life Greg Krikorian has been charged to work with a group of students (Greek and non-Greek), alumni, faculty, and staff to conduct a process to review and update the existing Greek accreditation system so that it fairly and accurately assesses the viability of each organization on an annual basis. This process is to be completed by the end of the spring semester.
The criteria for assessment of the Greek organizations will be established with an eye toward academic standards, risk management, and the practicality of the rules. The Task Force recognized that a key component in the long-term success and operation of the Greek organizations is the positive involvement of alumni. In that context, a specific criterion for continuing accreditation will be documentation of ongoing constructive alumni involvement. In this comprehensive review, the College also will benchmark other Greek accreditation systems and integrate practices that best fit the Hartwick system.
Two fraternities have been charged to move quickly to resolve outstanding debt issues. Alpha Delta Omega and Alpha Sigma Phi must settle their debts by the beginning of the fall 2007 semester to remain a recognized Greek organization.
Greek student leadership will work collaboratively with Vice President Krikorian to ensure the successful implementation of all recommendations put forth. It will be incumbent upon the Greek system and the College to develop a concept of shared governance and shared responsibility.
President Miller commented, "I believe that Greek Life can add value, not only to current and past members of the various organizations, but also to the College as a whole. I strongly encourage those Greek organizations that are accredited to look for activities that add value to the institution and aggressively promote their contributions." Miller added, "I am hopeful that our efforts will lead to a vibrant and exemplary Greek system at Hartwick College; we certainly have the potential—what we need is a serious commitment from all parties involved."
Greek Life at Hartwick is based in a rich history dating back more than 80 years. Currently, Greek Life at the College consists of three recognized sororities and three recognized fraternities. Of these organizations, Alpha Omicron Pi (sorority), Alpha Sigma Phi (fraternity), and Tau Kappa Epsilon (fraternity) are nationally affiliated. Gamma Phi Delta (sorority), Phi Sigma Phi (sorority), and Alpha Delta Omega (fraternity) are local chapters. Approximately 10 percent of Hartwick students are members of Greek organizations.
