The new president of the ISU Panhellenic Council has a lot on her mind – namely, maintaining high standards for the greek community.

The council, part of the national Panhellenic organization, is composed of women from 15 sororities on campus who challenge themselves to represent good scholarship, health and friendship.

Newly appointed president Gigi Fairchild will have to juggle this and more to keep the council running smoothly.

“I serve as a member of various university communities, including Veishea advisory committee and the university committee on fraternities and sororities,” said Fairchild, junior in biology.

As president, her position also entails other responsibilities, including presiding as the chairwoman of the Panhellenic Council meetings and the executive board meetings.

She also serves as the liaison to the Interfraternity Council and National Panhellenic Council and works with sorority chapter presidents individually, she said.

Other than Fairchild, there are 12 members of the executive board who will work together to make sure these goals are accomplished.

Among these is Erin Fett, vice president of recruitment for the Panhellenic Council.

The council has several goals for the new semester, she said.

“We are trying some new things this year with Greek Getaway during Greek Week to give a better experience to the incoming freshmen, so they can get a better feel for greek life at Iowa State, and we look forward to that,” said Fett, junior in child and family services.

Each board member has different responsibilities, but they have the same goals.

“We have to try to keep recruitment numbers high, increase recognition of outstanding ISU faculty, encourage more involvement of ISU students in greek chapter philanthropies and strengthen unity between chapters,” Fairchild said.

Being the council president has been enjoyable so far, she said.

“I think being elected as Panhellenic president is an amazing opportunity to work with all aspects of greek life,” Fairchild said.

“We have 15 strong sorority chapters here at Iowa State, and it is quite an honor to be able to work with their chapter leaders and to provide programs and resources for them as a member of the Panhellenic Council.”