Greek life

Pi Kappa Phi fraternity suspended from campus

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Published Oct 24, in Campus, News

After Mercer University housing staff found alcohol on the front porch of the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity house on Friday, Aug. 16, a judicial hearing ruled to suspend the fraternity from campus for the remainder of the semester.
The fraternity house is currently closed and locked, and the organization cannot hold officially sanctioned events such as chapter meetings until the spring semester.
“That night we had some people on our front porch that had a beer can in hand, so our fraternity was found with alcohol on the premises,” said Peter Carrerou, treasurer for Pi Kappa Phi.
Further investigations found evidence of alcohol inside the house as well.
Pi Kappa Phi faced two conduct code violations last year and other violations dating back to 2008.
“Half of my fraternity wasn’t even [enrolled at Mercer]. It was so long ago,” said Carrerou.
At the time of the incident, Pi Kappa Phi was also on University Probation for hazing allegations, which stipulates that further violations of the code of conduct result in an evaluation of suspension, according to Doug Pearson, Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students.
“In this case, the organization had been found responsible for several violations over the last year and already placed on University Probation. The next step was to suspend the organization,” Pearson said.
Drew Haynes, president of Kappa Alpha Order fraternity said the situation is “atrocious.”
Haynes said, “kicking them out of their house is a pretty big sanction just for some alcohol.”
Two years ago, Kappa Alpha Order lost their pledge class for one year when Interfraternity Council (IFC) members walked into an off-campus residence and found an empty beer can.
“It was a private residence and IFC just walked in. You can’t do that,” said Haynes.
Carrerou, who used to be treasurer for IFC, said that during rush this year pictures of alcohol and freshmen were turned in against Sigma Nu.
“They couldn’t take a pledge class for a month, which is nothing. Then we had more pictures turned in of the same thing and nothing happened,” said Carrerou.
“You have picture evidence of people drinking with freshmen and all [Sigma Nu] got was a slap on the wrist. When KA had such a minor infraction, they almost got the death sentence, fraternity wise,” he said.
Haynes and Carrerou both indicated that they think the sanctions given by Mercer have been inconsistent.
Pearson said, “I can appreciate someone thinking that, particularly if they are not aware of the facts.” However, the judicial board determined that, considering the history of violations, suspending Pi Kappa Phi was the “next, and perhaps only, logical step.”
Carrie Ingoldsby, director of Campus Life and Student Involvement, oversees IFC and indicated that the Kappa Alpha Order and Sigma Nu situations differ from that of Pi Kappa Phi.
“The Sigma Nu violation was through IFC judicial and was a recruitment violation that occurred off campus. The Pi Kapp incident was on campus and went through Mercer judicial,” she said. Kappa Alpha Order’s violation was also a recruitment violation and went through IFC judicial.
Haynes and Carrerou also believe that Residence Life is being stricter on fraternities this semester.
“There was one incident where we had a noise complaint at like 8:15, which is ridiculous, but whatever. We turned the music down. They’re just being super [strict] on the rules,” Haynes said.
Jeff Takac, director of housing and residence life, however, does not believe this is true. “Their rules are actually the same as every other student on campus. We have quiet hours and courtesy hours,” Takac said. “If somebody asks you to turn it down we kind of expect people to turn it down whether you live in Mercer Hall, Greek Village or Plunkett.”
“That particular night the incident was [due to] stereotypes that are pushed upon us,” said Carrerou, who believes that Mercer is handling the situation in such a way that perpetuates the stereotype that greek life is based solely on partying.
“Granted, stereotypes exist for a reason. People do things wrong, but you learn from that mistake and you fix it,” said Haynes.
Carrerou thinks the University should focus on the many hours of philanthropy and community service fraternities are involved in.
Ingoldsby said that the organizations who have had issues this semester are “committed to turning things around, adhering to their sanctions and gearing up to come back and do a good job on campus.” Ingoldsby indicated how important it is to promote the positives of Greek Life such as philanthropy, service and involvement on campus.
Pearson said, “In spite of [the Pi Kappa Phi incident], I believe the Greek system produces strong student leaders, engages in solid community service and provides a valuable social outlet for our students. It does not provide them the freedom to violate the law or university policy. I am confident that Pi Kappa Phi will learn from this incident and come back as a stronger organization.”

Mercer’s Panhellenic Council hosts first annual Male High Heel Race

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Published Oct 24, in Campus, News

On Oct. 16 Mercer’s Panhellenic Council hosted the High Heel Race, its first philanthropic event of the semester. Non-Greek and Greek male participants paid $5 to $10 and raced up the street near Porter Patch wearing high heels. The first person to cross the finish line won a $30 gift card to Margaritas. The Panhellenic Council also hosted a raffle drawing that gave away prizes donated from Macon’s local businesses. The council raised $130, which they donated to Crisis Line and Safe House, a Macon shelter for battered women.
Mercer students lined the street as three young men wearing white tube stocks with glittery high heels lined up for the race. “I am excited about this. It should be funny,” said Panhellenic’s Director of Programming, Suzannah Griffin. Before the race, Panhellenic Advisor, Cindy Drury, gathered and warned the participants about the uneven concrete. Student spectators unanimously agreed that the race could potentially be dangerous. “I think a few people will fall,” said Junior Daniel Dupree. However, the Panhellenic council took necessary precautions to insure everyone’s safety, “Luckily, we have an EMT with a radio…just as a precaution,” said Drury.
After the count down from the crowd, a pair of black stilettos, sparkly strapped-heels, and wedges hobbled towards the finish line. The winner, Philip Flynn, donned a pair of wedges. “I just wanted to raise money for Panhellenic’s philanthropy and help out, ” said Flynn. “I thought I was going to eat it,” commented Flynn when he was asked if he was worried about falling. Flynn said he planned to use the gift card to take his girlfriend out on a date.
The Panhellenic Council, which oversees the four sororities in Mercer University, hosts two philanthropic events each semester. When Drury read recruitment brochures from other universities, she noticed other Panhellenic councils hosted women high heel race competitions for philanthropy. Instead of women racing, Drury thought having male participants race in heels would be more fun.
Although the Panhellenic council wanted the High Heel Race to be entertaining, giving back to the community took chief prominence, “One of the philosophies and goals of Panhellenic, as in most Greek chapters, is philanthropy…we wanted to set a good example to the four chapters that the council as a whole was supporting philanthropy not just the individual chapters,” said Drury. The money that is donated to the shelter gives impoverished women basic living necessities.
According to the National Panhellenic mission statement, the goal of the council is “to create unanimity of thought and action.”
Sarah Richardson, director of Scholarship and Delegate for Alpha Delta Pi, shared in an interview that hosting the event allowed her to bond with girls from other sororities. “You get to know a lot of people and just see more of Mercer’s campus, which allows you to get out of a bubble,” said Richardson.
Although the number of participants for the race was limited, the council hopes to continue the High Heel Race as a Panhellenic Mercer tradition. “I’m hoping this is something we can continue for the next several years and hopefully will get bigger and bigger,” said Richardson.

Greeks prepare for recruitment

Go Greek!

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Published Aug 15, in News

Here come the Greeks! That’s right, next week begins the annual tradition of recruitment amongst the 17 International Greek Organizations. The Greek Community has been a tradition at Mercer since 1869 and currently comprises 26 percent of the student population. The Greeks consist of three governing councils, the National Panhellenic Council, Interfraternity Council, and the National Pan-Hellenic Council.

Recruitment is a process that happens all year for all councils to bring in new members to the organization. Formal recruitment is a period during the year where IFC and Pan chapters conduct a formal process to recruit new members. IFC has a schedule of events for potential new members and chapters also schedule informal events.  NPHC has a new member informational week (Sept 10-15) and an Intake Process.

The National Panhellenic Council consists of four sororities at Mercer, Chi Omega, Phi Mu, Alpha Delta Pi and Alpha Gamma Delta. The recruitment process is a series of formal events that are run by the Panhellinc Council, a group of representatives comprised from the four sororities. These events allow potential new members (PNMs) to learn more about the Greek community, sorority life and individual sorority members. “It is a week long, with three main evening events during which you will be entertained, laugh, meet new people and have fun,” said Cindy Drury, advisor for the Panhellenic Council.
During recruitment there a quite a few rules that sorority members have to adhere to.  “We have a document called the Formal Recruitment Guidelines that outlines all of these rules and guidelines.  These rules are in place to make sure that every chapter displays and encourages virtuous behavior, thorough cooperation, honesty, and fairness,” said Drury. Those going through recruitment most also adhere to a few technical rules, which are explained during Information Night on Tuesday, Aug. 21.
To help assist with the decision making process the Panhellenic Council trains a group of women, known as Pi Chis, for the purpose of providing a more enjoyable and less stressful atmosphere during membership recruitment week.  All Pi Chis remain disaffiliated during recruitment week.  Disaffiliation enables Pi Chis to answer questions and guide potential members without bias or preference to a particular chapter. “Your Pi Chi will provide information about the week, accompany you to recruitment week functions, and provide a listening ear as you make decisions concerning sorority membership,” explains Drury.
Anyone interested in recruitment should attend a dessert social in the MEP refractory at 8pm Monday, Aug. 20. Formal Recruitment begins on Tuesday, Aug. 21 and concludes with Bid Day on Saturday, August 25th. The last day to register for Panhellenic Recruitment is Tuesday, August 21st at 7pm. Panhellenic costs $35 to start the recruitment process.  This money goes toward a t-shirt cost and other fees Panhellenic has to pay to ensure a successful and smooth recruitment.
IFC consists of eight fraternities, Alpha Tau Omega, Kappa Alpha Order, Kappa Sigma, Lamda Chi Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon and Sigma Nu. Formal Recruitment begins Monday, August 20 with Bear Fair. All chapters will have tables there and IFC will be there to help register men. The first informal event is Monday night, August 20 when the IFC executive members will be available to talk to any interested men in Plunkett basement and Roberts foyer at 7pm. Computers will be on hand so that men can register for recruitment. All men will need to be registered for recruitment to go through the process. Registration for IFC recruitment is free.
Freshmen can expect a great opportunity to make connections with not just current Greek men but also alumni and other first year students. “Even if guys are not sure, I would encourage them to sign up and go through formal recruitment because of everything offered the first two weeks. They will be invited to a ton of social events and get to know a lot of people. Also, every chapter is very different so finding a chapter that fits you is pretty easy once you get to know each chapter. That is why formal recruitment is so important at Mercer. It allows both new and current men to experience all of the chapters and really get to know some of the members to make sure it is a good fit,” said Carrie Ingoldsby, IFC Advisor and Director of Campus Life and Student Involvement. The process is almost two weeks long so there is ample time to get to know people.
IFC Execs run Formal Recruitment. They are not the same as NPC’s Pi Chis but they are still there to work with potential new members.
“It’s a great overall experience that will make college life more meaningful and fun. If you are coming into college with not just a desire to connect socially but also to make career connections from Engineering to Business to Law then I would recommend Greek Life. Greek alums represent a wide variety of career choices. It is also a chance to get academic support for those more challenging majors including pre-med and Engineering. Greeks work hard and are involved across campus in other leadership roles. Greeks also give back to the community through philanthropy projects and events. I would encourage all students to try it out. For example: athletes or those with busy majors will find that Greek chapters have a lot to offer them,” said Ingoldsby.
The National Pan-Hellenic Council, Inc. (NPHC) is the umbrella organization for the nine historically African-American fraternities and sororities.  Although it is not known exactly when the organization came to Mercer’s campus, it was organized in May 1930 at Howard University, Washington D.C.  The stated purpose of the organization as written in 1930 is, “Unanimity of thought and action, as far as possible, in the conduct of Greek letter collegiate fraternities and sororities, and to consider problems of mutual interest to its member organizations.”
NPHC is a Greek council composed of nine fraternities and sororities: Kappa Alpha Psi, Omega Psi Phi, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, and Zeta Phi Beta, Alpha Phi Alpha, Phi Beta Sigma, Sigma Gamma Rho, and Iota Phi Theta.  This coalition is frequently coined as “The Divine Nine.”  The Divine Nine members can also be classified as either Collegiate Chapters, or Alumni Chapters.  The Alumni Chapter members serve as a guide or mentor to the Collegiate chapter members during their entire collegiate experience which includes support during the membership intake.
As NPHC fraternities and sororities do not recruit but instead host formal informationals, interested students should attend NPHC 2012 Information Week held Aug. 20-24th. During this week each organization selects a specific day to represent their organization by wearing paraphernalia and conducting a university-wide program in which educational material including the organization’s mission, membership criteria, and social calendar are provided for interested candidates.
Interested males and females will have several opportunities to meet and ask questions of current NPHC members by attending any of the university-wide programs that are held during the academic year.
While membership into NPHC is restricted to students who possess at least 30 credit hours and meet the GPA requirement specified by each organization, all students are invited to attend the NPHC 2012 Information Week activities.  Attendees can expect to meet new faces, learn more about NPHC Greek organizations and have tons of fun.
NPHC membership costs vary due to several factors including, but not limited to, the administrative fees required by Mercer and each organization’s national association.  The amount collected may also vary based on the number of trainings, conferences, and community programs that are planned for an academic year.
“As NPHC organizations do not recruit, the University and Macon community alike can expect to see the spirit of Greek unity, motivation for academic excellence and commitment to public service demonstrated during the Information Week held August 20-24th and in the days that follow,” said Melinda Robison-Moffett, Co-Advisor of NPHC.

Mercer’s regulations regarding student activities hypocritical

Somehow allowing a college-educated woman the chance to showcase her beauty suddenly isn’t in line with Mercer morals

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Published Mar 30, in Columns, Opinions

Mercer is a funny place. We pride ourselves on our Baptist heritage in the same breath as our outstanding liberal education. But I’m not trying to argue between those two points — I’m just taking some time to exercise my First Amendment right to free speech.

But let me backtrack a little bit. Last semester my fraternity decided to bring back a pageant that used to take place on campus annually from 2000-2008. The pageant, which really is a scholarship competition, allowed Mercer’s female students the opportunity to highlight their community service, education, grace and beauty.

Now, the last pageant of this particular kind was in 2008 and that was about 10 years ago in Mercer years, but some of the same faces that were here during that time are still here. As you well know, every pageant has a swimsuit section. Nerve-wracking, yes, but it is still a part of every show including the shows in years past.

At first our chapter thought that we would not include it because we didn’t want to spurn potential participants and didn’t want to be seen as objectifying women. However, when we asked the participants if they wanted to include the swimsuit portion, they enthusiastically wanted to keep it. So we did. Now let me be clear: this is not some runway show with a woman gyrating across the stage, shaking what her mama gave her; she is simply walking to three predetermined spots for about 45 seconds.

In addition to that, most of the contestants would probably have been in a one-piece with some sort of shawl on. Everything was running smoothly up until three weeks before the show. Without warning, we were informed that we could not include a swimsuit portion in our pageant.

We combed through the Lair in fear that we might have missed some rule which stated that “exposure” was not allowed, but we didn’t see anything at all. Like I said before, Mercer is a funny place. We have a trolley that takes people downtown for unmentionable behavior, we have not one but two business that serve alcohol less than 500 feet from the campus, but somehow allowing a college-educated woman the chance to showcase her beauty suddenly isn’t in line with Mercer morals.

This is the same school that once thumbed their noses at the GBC because they were trying to stifle student activities. But as with anything, the show must go on, which it will, per the stipulations of course.

Comments on this opinion should be sent to nicholas.eugene.james@student.mercer.edu.

Of Bible-bashers and frat-daddies

Don’t judge a book by its cover; otherwise you might be shocked when reading its pages.

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Published Feb 23, in Cluster Editorial, Opinions

To the contrary of negative stereotypes, many Greek students bury their heads in textbooks rather than the above beverage.

Plenty of the top students at this school are Greek. Not all of the Baptists believe in restricting gay rights. There are athletes who are better at organic chemistry than most. I suppose my point is cliché, but it remains valid. Don’t judge a book by its cover; otherwise you might be shocked when reading its pages.

People have an innate ability to see patterns where there are none. For example, non-Greek students who come into the school with a preconception that all Greeks are lazy boozers running off Daddy’s trust fund will have the tendency to only pick out those fitting the stereotype.

However, I personally know several Greeks who spend the majority of their time studying hard and earning some of the highest grades at this school.

Yes, people fitting the negative stereotype exist at Mercer. But at the same time there are non-Greeks handing their parents a $30,000 bill while coasting on a 2.0 GPA and a 24-pack of Natty Light. Before you start to judge someone based on their clothing label, try getting to know them first.

I also have strong words in regards to stereotyping students based on their religious affiliation. Several of the most religiously committed people on campus are also the most open-minded — they have traveled extensively to cultures with different beliefs. Some of the non-religious folk are also incredibly happy, intelligent and generous.

Yes, there are also negative examples of both — Baptists who are judgmental towards those who believe differently and atheists who are smug and self-involved. In the end, it all depends on the person, not the affiliation.

However, I do have one caveat. I don’t believe one should attend or support a religious organization if it preaches principles with which one disagrees. I’m not advocating that hundreds of sects be formed due to minor scriptural disagreements. But when pro gay-rights students attend RUF (which has specifically condemned gay marriage), they are committing themselves to a negative stereotype.

If they wish to break free of that unfavorable view, they should join a campus organization that not only worships God but also preaches equality. Yes, they exist. If one doesn’t suit the purpose, at the very least they should not attend the services of the previous group.

Leaving one’s comfort/friend zone for one hour per week is not much to ask, especially when the support of a persecuted minority is on the other end of the scale. Friendships will most likely survive such a shift — I continue to be friends with multiple RUFers even though I haven’t attended in years. Who knows? Perhaps other schoolmates will tag along.

Remember, clichés can still be useful regardless of their overuse. Avoid stereotyping others while making sure to avoid being a negative one yourself.

Comments on this opinion can be sent to this terrible, evil, ‘Merica-hating liberal at opinions@mercercluster.com

Alpha Delta Pi hosts second annual pancake breakfast

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Published Feb 23, in Uncategorized

Kelsey Fowler, freshman, helps serve drinks at Alpha Delta Pi’s pancake breakfast. The philanthropy event raised $2,140.

The sisters of Alpha Delta Pi hosted a pancake breakfast at Centenary United Methodist Church Saturday, Feb. 12 with proceeds going to the Ronald McDonald House.

The event, known as ADPiHop, ran from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and had members of the community as well as Mercer students in attendance.

Philanthropy Chair Kelsey Jones said, “This was the first year we did ADPiHop under the name ADPiHop. We’ve done Pancakes with the Pis before, which is kind of the same idea of having a pancake meal.”

Last year, the event was a pancake dinner. This year the event took place in the morning and attendees were given two pancakes, two pieces of sausage and a hash brown. Juice and coffee were also available to those who purchased a ticket.

The proceeds benefit the Ronald McDonald House of Central Georgia, which is located in Macon off Forsyth Street.

“Ronald McDonald House was made for families who have children who are [seriously ill or injured], so that those families have somewhere to stay [while their children are in the hospital],” said Jones.

The Ronald McDonald House provides meals for the families who stay there and the sisters of Alpha Delta Pi occasionally cook dinner for the families staying at the Macon location.

Those who attended ADPiHop enjoyed breakfast while learning more about what the Ronald McDonald House does to help and support families.

“We had over a hundred people, and most of them were actually from the community because we tried to really reach out to the community this time and promote [the Ronald McDonald House] so people know what it’s about,” Jones said.

Alpha Delta Pi also hosts other events throughout the school year that benefit Ronald McDonald House. “In the fall, we had ADPi week and we had different businesses and nights where percentages of the proceeds went to the Ronald McDonald House,” said Alpha Delta Pi president Christina Kivi.

One of those events was a trivia night including teams and raffle prizes. Teams paid a fee to enter and part of the proceeds went to benefit the philanthropy. Trivia night will continue next year, as well as ADPiHop.

“One of my favorite parts is that [the Ronald McDonald House] is so close, so you can actually go there and see the people you help. It makes a big difference,” Kivi said.

The leftover breakfast foods from ADPiHop were given to the local Ronald McDonald House along with the total proceeds of about $2,140.

“My goal is to raise at least $2,500 at ADPiHop,” Kivi said in regards to next year’s event.