With the implementation of a National Panhellenic Conference initiative prohibiting sorority-fraternity mixers in "wet" fraternity sections or off-campus houses, sorority leaders are looking for alternative social space in which they can hold events that involve alcohol.
The NPC policy, which affects 10 sororities at Duke starting this year, will change the way mixers are thrown at Duke. "This is a big change for us," said Donna Lisker, Duke's Panhellenic Council adviser and director of the Women's Center. "But the chapter presidents have handled it in a very mature and dignified way."
Safety and health issues-as well as an interest in supporting several fraternities' moves toward dry residential quarters-motivated NPC to eliminate mixers in fraternity sections.
"As much of an inconvenience as it may seem, [this policy] is a good idea," said Panhel President Kate Heath, a senior. "[NPC] has our best interests at heart."
The main issue in question with the new policy is alcohol distribution. By ensuring that all mixers have a third-party vendor, Panhel hopes to reduce safety risks considerably.
So far, sororities have scheduled mixers for the Hideaway, Tobacco Roadhouse and Parizade, for example. Sorority leaders are also looking into places like Satisfaction Restaurant and Bar, the Oak Room and George's Garage for future mixers.
But Panhel leaders recognize that relocating mixers to off-campus sites presents new safety concerns. "Moving off-campus creates a whole new slew of problems," Heath said.
Transportation issues-like the limited resources of Safe Rides and the danger of drunk driving-comprise a large chunk of sorority members' concerns. Also, sororities are trying to find venues that will allow their underage members on the premises.
In addition, the move will create new financial burdens. Some sororities have decided to charter buses for all off-campus parties, in order to avoid drunk driving.
"The problem is bussing is very expensive" said Kappa Kappa Gamma President Lauren Ehlig, a senior. "If we move off campus, we limit the amount of events we can do."
All of Duke's Panhel sorority presidents unanimously agreed to follow the rule in the same manner and to eliminate any discrepancies in their individual organizations' policies.
"The 10 presidents have banded together to follow all of the rules together," said Lisker. "They will apply the highest standard to themselves."
This unity is necessary for the rule to be truly effective. Otherwise, it is possible that fraternities could pit sororities against each other for mixers, making the sorority with the least stringent rules most desirable, explained Lisker.
Sorority leaders expressed enthusiasm over the unanimity with which Panhel has adopted the new rule.
"I think everyone is doing a really commendable job," said Alpha Phi President Jaime Crossler, a senior, "because even the sororities that are free to be more lenient are still working as a team."
Leaders of other sororities agreed. "Panhel is taking a very proactive role to see that these changes are for the better and can benefit all involved," senior and Delta Gamma President Brittany Scantland wrote in an e-mail.
Some expressed the need for University support.
"I think it's an excellent opportunity for Duke University to become an example for other universities around the nation by supporting the greek system and taking a responsible role... with its own alcohol policy," Crossler said.
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