University of Dallas Student Government and Administration: Deny Recognition to ADG
Dear University of Dallas Student Government and Administration,
We, the undersigned UD alumni, urge you to deny recognition of Alpha Delta Gamma as a University sponsored club/organization.
The fraternity (henceforth referred to as ADG) applied for recognition one year ago, in the fall of 2012, through a long process of Student Government oversight designed to make the decision in accord with the will and opinions of the student body and other relevant parties (i.e. alumni, faculty, and staff). After a collection of survey data (which is available through the University of Dallas OrgSync portal), the Student Government Fraternity Investigatory Committee (henceforth referred to as FIC) drafted a report (also similarly available), which showed that approximately 60% of the Student Body as a whole and about 60% of each individual graduating class in particular did not want ADG to be approved. The Student Government Senate then voted to deny recognition to ADG, and the motion was successful.
The survey of the student body was also understood as a referendum on Greek Life in general; the FIC worked to provide several open forum events where ADG was able to present their case before the students, such that students could respond to the survey in an informed way. While we understand that the Student Government decision was in response to the particular application of ADG, their re-application (about one full year after their first application was denied) shows a disrespect for the opinion of the student body, some of whom have since graduated and become alumni.
With this in mind, we the undersigned alumni urge both Student Government and the proper University Administration and offices to deny this request for recognition. The discussion on the merits of ADG and Greek Life was had last year, and the time lapsed has not led to change in opinion in those most involved: students, alumni, faculty, and staff. Thus, a change leading to University recognition of ADG would not be welcome, and we would thus be uncomfortable supporting the University in light of this decision.
While we recognize that there is a valid place for change and growth within the University, this re-application has come so quickly that we do not believe there has been substantive change within the organization worthy of a reappraisal of the merits of their case. Rather, it should be considered as a long term question to be resolved after a long passage of time, rather than a continuous questioning and reevaluating of the opinions and beliefs of the student body.
We, the undersigned, alumni of the University of Dallas.
Updates
February 5, 2014
The administration remains silent despite the clear consensus reflected in the original committee report. I am spending my evenings reviewing faculty feedback to prepare our next formal request for a meeting. This process is exhausting but I refuse to let the matter drop.
15 Comments
Instead of a Greek society, why not pursue opening a chapter of a more Catholic Men's fraternal group on campus like the Knights of Columbus, which has a strong track record of having councils at other college campuses?
While I do not support ADG, I think that if they wish to reapply for recognition every year, more power to them. The incoming freshman class has as much right to an opinion on the matter as the alumni.
(Class of 2010) UD is great because we are a community, not a bunch of cliques.
I see Greek life all the time on campuses around here in New Orleans and it's just not necessary at UD, where I studied for four years. I loved UD precisely because all kinds could mix freely and because it is a smaller Catholic campus.
I think that ADG becoming recognized would be a great upset to the school and how UD's social life functions.
As president of Alpha Delta Gamma Dallas Colony, I encourage all UD alumni to visit the Dallas Alpha Delta Gamma Facebook page for additional information regarding our fraternity. We have changed our mission substantially since last year and the fraternity has shown itself itself to be a very meaningful organization for both our members, UD, and the community over the past few months. We also encourage you to post comments, concerns, and pieces of advice and we will promptly provide answers. I especially encourage you all to read our letter to the faculty which can be found in the "about" section of the Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/DallasADG
A fantastic idea by my main man, Mike Korson!
Sign Petition
We never post to your account. Social sign-in is used only to verify your signature.
Add a comment?
Your signature will be added via . Tell others why you're signing — it's optional.
By signing, you accept iPetitions Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Share Petition
Don't stop at signing, share the petition link with friends to multiply our impact
Copy link or share directly
University of Dallas Student Government and Administration: Deny Recognition to ADG
Dear University of Dallas Student Government and Administration,
We, the undersigned UD alumni, urge you to deny recognition of Alpha Delta Gamma as a University sponsored club/organization.
The fraternity (henceforth referred to as ADG) applied for recognition one year ago, in the fall of 2012, through a long process of Student Government oversight designed to make the decision in accord with the will and opinions of the student body and other relevant parties (i.e. alumni, faculty, and staff). After a collection of survey data (which is available through the University of Dallas OrgSync portal), the Student Government Fraternity Investigatory Committee (henceforth referred to as FIC) drafted a report (also similarly available), which showed that approximately 60% of the Student Body as a whole and about 60% of each individual graduating class in particular did not want ADG to be approved. The Student Government Senate then voted to deny recognition to ADG, and the motion was successful.
The survey of the student body was also understood as a referendum on Greek Life in general; the FIC worked to provide several open forum events where ADG was able to present their case before the students, such that students could respond to the survey in an informed way. While we understand that the Student Government decision was in response to the particular application of ADG, their re-application (about one full year after their first application was denied) shows a disrespect for the opinion of the student body, some of whom have since graduated and become alumni.
With this in mind, we the undersigned alumni urge both Student Government and the proper University Administration and offices to deny this request for recognition. The discussion on the merits of ADG and Greek Life was had last year, and the time lapsed has not led to change in opinion in those most involved: students, alumni, faculty, and staff. Thus, a change leading to University recognition of ADG would not be welcome, and we would thus be uncomfortable supporting the University in light of this decision.
While we recognize that there is a valid place for change and growth within the University, this re-application has come so quickly that we do not believe there has been substantive change within the organization worthy of a reappraisal of the merits of their case. Rather, it should be considered as a long term question to be resolved after a long passage of time, rather than a continuous questioning and reevaluating of the opinions and beliefs of the student body.
We, the undersigned, alumni of the University of Dallas.
Updates
February 5, 2014
The administration remains silent despite the clear consensus reflected in the original committee report. I am spending my evenings reviewing faculty feedback to prepare our next formal request for a meeting. This process is exhausting but I refuse to let the matter drop.
15 Comments
This fraternity was continually voted down by the school body due to the potential harm that it could cause to the caliber of the university.
Instead of a Greek society, why not pursue opening a chapter of a more Catholic Men's fraternal group on campus like the Knights of Columbus, which has a strong track record of having councils at other college campuses?
While I do not support ADG, I think that if they wish to reapply for recognition every year, more power to them. The incoming freshman class has as much right to an opinion on the matter as the alumni.
(Class of 2010) UD is great because we are a community, not a bunch of cliques.
I see Greek life all the time on campuses around here in New Orleans and it's just not necessary at UD, where I studied for four years. I loved UD precisely because all kinds could mix freely and because it is a smaller Catholic campus.
I think that ADG becoming recognized would be a great upset to the school and how UD's social life functions.
As president of Alpha Delta Gamma Dallas Colony, I encourage all UD alumni to visit the Dallas Alpha Delta Gamma Facebook page for additional information regarding our fraternity. We have changed our mission substantially since last year and the fraternity has shown itself itself to be a very meaningful organization for both our members, UD, and the community over the past few months. We also encourage you to post comments, concerns, and pieces of advice and we will promptly provide answers. I especially encourage you all to read our letter to the faculty which can be found in the "about" section of the Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/DallasADG
A fantastic idea by my main man, Mike Korson!
Help this petition grow
Share it with friends to help reach 100 signatures.
Sign Petition
We never post to your account. Social sign-in is used only to verify your signature.
Add a comment?
Your signature will be added via .
Tell others why you're signing — it's optional.
Signing with Google or Facebook verifies your signature instantly — no email needed.
By signing, you accept iPetitions Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Share Petition
Don't stop at signing, share the petition link with friends to multiply our impact
Petitions like this
Other petitions you might want to support
Scan to share
Anyone who scans this can sign the petition.
This fraternity was continually voted down by the school body due to the potential harm that it could cause to the caliber of the university.