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Fraternities Adopt New Social Code |
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Tuesday, 18 October 2005 |
In the wake of the University-imposed moratorium, which bans alcohol at any fraternity or sorority function, the presidents of the thirty-five IFC-affiliated fraternities voted on Wednesday to adopt a new social code – the governing document stipulating party regulations and practices.
The social code is an important document because it serves as the primary source of rules and regulations for Greek presidents and social chairpeople. It states minimum security requirements for parties, mandates special practices for the serving of alcohol, and stipulates maximums for party occupancy, among other things. Although the previous social code attempted to do the same thing, it was grossly inadequate, unrealistic and costly for chapters to implement.
The new code gives greater flexibility to chapters while still ensuring that parties are carried out safely. The document features different classifications for parties, allowing chapters to register smaller events without the administrative and monetary overhead required by the old code. Further, the code marks the initiation of a program called GAMMA (Greeks Advocating Mature Management of Alcohol). The program consists of Greeks patrolling other chapters to ensure social code compliance.
Revising the social code has been a goal of the Inter-Fraternity Council since last December. The moratorium, as well as renewed interest in the project by fraternity presidents, acted as a catalyst, speeding up the arduous process. Adopting the new code required not only action on the presidents' part, but also approval by University Administration, UCPD and the Berkeley Fire Department.
The Panhellenic Sororities have yet to adopt the new social code, but their decision is expected shortly.
For more information about the new social code, please contact IFC President Andy Solari.
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