2008 Woodie Awards
RSSSurvey on Greek life evaluates perceptions
By Martina Russial
Issue date: 11/9/07 Section: News
The office of fraternity and sorority affairs is conducting a survey in order to gauge community observations and perceptions of Greek life on campus.
The survey is part of a periodic assessment of how perceptions have changed.
"As higher education professionals, we are taught to conduct assessments on a regular basis so that we have honest and constructive feedback to make continued improvements as needed," said Tiffany Showalter, a Greek life coordinator involved in the project.
The office of fraternity and sorority affairs implemented the strengthening Greek life process three years ago. The office wants to analyze how perceptions have changed since the initiative's implementation, said Director of Residence Life Tim Wilkinson.
Wilkinson said the survey will be available to the public after it is processed.
Showalter and Wilkinson said there will be no punishment imposed on the Greek community if the survey results are negative.
"This survey is just to see where the office and Greek organizations should go next," Wilkinson said. "The office is fully interested in taking steps to further educational standing, promote philanthropy and show the community the positive effects Greek life has on Lehigh."
Fraternities and sororities are sometimes misunderstood, Wilkinson said.
"The media and popular culture generally promote the partying, drinking and careless attitude of Greek organizations," Wilkinson said. "In reality, Greek organizations are more focused on qualities of leadership, philanthropy and academic excellence. These institutions are very interested in investing time and energy into promoting these values."
Michael LaVigne, '09, a member of Psi Upsilon fraternity, said it is upsetting that Greek life is given such a bad reputation.
"The media demonizes all fraternities for the reckless and obscene hazing that occurs in isolated cases at other schools with a less established Greek community," LaVigne said. "Lehigh has an extremely mature Greek system and has regulations in place to avoid such an atrocity from occurring here."
The survey is part of a periodic assessment of how perceptions have changed.
"As higher education professionals, we are taught to conduct assessments on a regular basis so that we have honest and constructive feedback to make continued improvements as needed," said Tiffany Showalter, a Greek life coordinator involved in the project.
The office of fraternity and sorority affairs implemented the strengthening Greek life process three years ago. The office wants to analyze how perceptions have changed since the initiative's implementation, said Director of Residence Life Tim Wilkinson.
Wilkinson said the survey will be available to the public after it is processed.
Showalter and Wilkinson said there will be no punishment imposed on the Greek community if the survey results are negative.
"This survey is just to see where the office and Greek organizations should go next," Wilkinson said. "The office is fully interested in taking steps to further educational standing, promote philanthropy and show the community the positive effects Greek life has on Lehigh."
Fraternities and sororities are sometimes misunderstood, Wilkinson said.
"The media and popular culture generally promote the partying, drinking and careless attitude of Greek organizations," Wilkinson said. "In reality, Greek organizations are more focused on qualities of leadership, philanthropy and academic excellence. These institutions are very interested in investing time and energy into promoting these values."
Michael LaVigne, '09, a member of Psi Upsilon fraternity, said it is upsetting that Greek life is given such a bad reputation.
"The media demonizes all fraternities for the reckless and obscene hazing that occurs in isolated cases at other schools with a less established Greek community," LaVigne said. "Lehigh has an extremely mature Greek system and has regulations in place to avoid such an atrocity from occurring here."
