Greek system approves changes to its council leadership structure

A facelift is in order for the IU greek community. The Interfraternity Council and the Panhellenic Association are revamping the structure of their executive boards and recently decided to implement a new plan of attack this December. \nIFC President Evan Waldman, a senior, said that under the current configuration there are six vice presidents elected to the board annually, all of whom report to the president of the council. Some think it isn't enough. \n"It's tough for them to achieve the level of excellence we look for -- there's just too much for them to do," Waldman said. \nThe six are responsible for programming and event scheduling, each specializing in areas including membership development, community programs, risk management, recruitment, educational programs and finances. Waldman said the scope of the tasks is simply too much to be handled effectively by such a small group of students.\nChapter presidents under both the IFC and the PHA have voted recently to implement a new plan that will raise the total number of council officers from seven to 22 by instituting a management theory and creating teams with more specific tasks.\n"We'll be relying a lot on managers in the executive roles," Waldman said. "They will not really be programming more; they will be advising or lending a hand." \nThis will eliminate one major problem the councils have faced in past years: the problem of advisers advising themselves, all the while juggling program planning, Waldman said.\nThe five teams created -- administrative, standards, operations, membership development and recruitment -- will consist of two to four vice presidents with narrow tasks who report to one of six executive vice presidents, all of whom fall under the umbrella of the president.\nSenior Jeremy Buchanan, president of Alpha Sigma Phi, acknowledged the scope of the changes. "You'll see a greater involvement in the IU community (from the greek system)," he said. "There will be a lot more in-depth programming … it's a pretty big step up."\nBuchanan said one of the main benefits of the new structure will be the potential for many more chapters to be a part of the executive structure. \n"It's a good opportunity to diversify the Council, instead of it being dominated by a few houses," he said.\nPHA President Abbey Nimmer agrees that one substantial benefit to the new plan is the increased number of officer spots it provides for students seeking a more powerful voice in the administration.\n"(This plan) will give more opportunities for people in the community to get a great greek leadership experience and be more aware of the PHC and the IFC," she said. "So many people want to get involved, now there's more of a chance to be placed in a position." Next month, the positions will be finalized during elections.\nNimmer said the PHA has already distributed applications for that election, which will take place Dec. 3. IFC elections will be held a day earlier, Dec. 2. While any member of the greek community is welcome to apply for any position, both presidents strongly recommend applicants for executive positions have previous experience in activities like leadership conferences and committee work.\nBuchanan emphasizes the need for communication in the new structure, as the increase in number of members could come as a jolt to those involved.\nWaldman agrees that there are possible pitfalls, but expects to see a smooth transformation.\n"I'm confident that with the right leaders and training, this system will work incredibly well," he said.\n-- Contact staff writer Jenny Davis at jeedavis@indiana.edu.