RPI Allow Rush and Recruitment!

PKA - Gamma Tau was a great opportunity for me and my Brothers.

Is no Greek organization reaching out to their national heads on this? I would think that the combined backing of just a few of these organizations could help mount a formidable effort to lobby and fight the administration.

Don't ruin RPI guy

RPI alumni, class of 2012

Do not interfere with the internal operations of the Greeks. Remember there is a Relationship Statement at the core of the CLASS program that includes procedures for working together. The Greek Task force is precluded from its current behavior!

The support and friendship of my sorority sisters was important during my time at Rensselaer (class of 1988) and today. While I understand the desire to address alcohol abuse, I hope the administration will work with the chapters so that students continue to have the opportunity to participate in Greek life.

This is outrageous. I can't imagine my college experience without it and all of the close relationships and connections it resulted in. Quite a shame that a whole incoming class could be stripped of this opportunity.

Class of 93. Money speaks, Go Fund Me for legal challenge?

I was not a member of a sorority at RPI (class of '82) but I have fond memories of the social life made possible by the fraternities (ok, being honest here...!) My son just finished his freshman year at another school, and joined a fraternity. I admit to having some concerns, but overall, based on my college experience, I think it will be an overall positive experience for him. Yes, awareness has to be increased about the potential for harm, and reasonable policies and limits have to be put in place. But banning all recruitment seems very extreme. This will only cause angst and distraction and take focus away from academics.

How about a task force that focuses on our credit rating? This administration needs to go.

Greek life made me who I am today and also prepared me for the future including getting me an occupation through alumni.

RPI ‘95

I'm now an alumnus, and I can say that if they get rid of Greek life or fall recruitment they're not seeing a penny of donations from me.

Shirley is bent on destroying RPI. She needs to be removed.

Greek Life was a vital part of my experience, and many students experiences, as a student on campus. I graduated 15 years ago and the majority of my continued friendships are from my chapter! My freshman year roommate and suitemates all bonded with each other and excluded me. I cannot imagine how depressed and lonely I would have been without the ability to rush! If you are looking to increase the rate of freshmen transfers and suicides, by all means enact this policy. That’s not even hyperbole, as I considered transferring and was suicidal at times Freshman year and having a sisterhood saved me. I certainly wouldn’t have graduated from RPI without my sorority. This blanket knee jerk response to a few bad apples is going to put the nail in the coffin of an institute suffocating itself. I am outraged this is even a consideration. You’ve already alienated potential donors from the last decade or more of graduates. This will alienate nearly a third of potential donors from your entire history! The continued lack of respect and support for the student body is incredible. These policies keep me from donating to my own alma mater, while I donate thousands to my nephew’s university. Get your priorities straight!! Your students should always be your priority. Without students, you have nothing.

After my freshman year in 1988 I strongly considered giving up on RPI. The one thing that held me was the fact I would become a member of an awesome Greek organization with great people. I ended up loving my last 3 years at RPI, with my fraternity being a big part of that. I am still connected to over 50 of my fraternity brothers and their families over 25 years after graduation. RPI without Greek Life is an oxymoron.

Having attended the meeting where the mandates were discussed, I hope that the administration follows through on their word to listen to the Alumni and Undergraduates. I believe some of the data presented was interpreted falsely to justify the mandates. For example, 76 % of the Greek Housing Health and Safety Inspection reporting had a decline in scoring over the last year. My particular Chapter house went from a 93.64% (out of 100%) to a 92.85%. All while the reporting scruture changed... Skewing that data allows them to justify saying it's unsafe to live there? Several Alumni were at this meeting and have been offering and continue to offer "skin in the game" as was quoted.

Attacking the greek community is counter productive and will only worsen student and alumni relations with the adminstration.

Crippling Greek houses by not allowing recruitment does not solve the issue at hand of how to ensure Greek life fulfills their intended purpose. In the words of Dr Jackson, they create deep friendships, provide members a support network, promote philanthropy and community service, and aid in the personal development of students when executed correctly. Please provide details around how the plan will fulfill that. I don't see how eliminating recruitment does more than cripple Greek life financially and in reputation. What is the root cause of the issue? Let's address that!

Alum class of 2017. I had a very successful freshman year earning a 4.0 during my year of pledging. After experiencing the gloomy atmosphere that surrounded the campus and its beat-down of a relationship toward student morale, I strongly considered transferring. What changed my mind about staying was the relationships I formed during pledging with the members of my fraternity. I knew RPI would give me a thorough education, but that was not enough without the love and support of my brothers. I needed the support system and social connections that greek life gave me. My fraternity is the reason I grew as a person and where I am today. It is discouraging to see the administration take such a turn against student organizations. As if there wasnt already a donation problem, RPI is promising a secure 0% from a third of their alumni. I am saddened to think there may be a time without that opportunity for students. It is what I think about when I picture any positive memory from the school, and will forever be a place in my heart. This school is diverging from the prestigious institute i thought it was, and fast. The faculty and students have very conflicting interests and poor communication. I dont imagine RPI will ever get out of debt, and it seems like this is the road they are asking for. I would not want my children to go to this school.