Beginning next fall, 12 ISU sororities will no longer co-sponsor functions with fraternities if the events involve alcohol.

The National or International Headquarters of the 12 sororities have adopted resolutions stating that “chapters will co-sponsor functions in men’s fraternity facilities such as dorms, lodges or houses if and only if those facilities are alcohol-free.”

The National Panhellenic Council worked on this proposal during the summer of 1999.

The sororities that will be affected are Alpha Chi Omega, Alpha Delta Pi, Alpha Gamma Delta, Alpha Omicron Pi, Alpha Xi Delta, Chi Omega, Delta Zeta, Delta Delta Delta, Gamma Phi Beta, Kappa Alpha Theta, Kappa Kappa Gamma and Pi Beta Phi.

“I knew that national sororities would be discussing alcohol-free policies, but I didn’t hear the follow-up,” said Brian Tenclinger, coordinator of Greek Affairs.

As the fall approached, Tenclinger said it was time for a change in the greek community. “When I received it in the mail, I didn’t have much time to work with the women,” Tenclinger said. “It just meant that I had to do my homework quickly.”

His homework included reading through documents and coming up with a list of questions that he thought students might ask him. The new policy will be a big cultural change for the 12 ISU sororities this affects.

“This will take the liability off us,” Panhellenic President Liz Sandstrom said. “If we want to co-sponsor, it has to be dry or at a third party where it will be more safe.”

As Delta Delta Delta President Gwenn Wynn stated in a letter to Tenclinger about the new policy, “Delta Delta Delta sorority hopes not only to be a leader in the alcohol-free movement but also to be a pillar in building stronger greek communities, which will enhance the quality of life for students attending Iowa State University.”

Tri-Deltas, along with other sororities, are attempting to “regain focus on such founding principles as scholarship, leadership and personal development,” as stated in the Tri-Delta’s resolution in support of alcohol-free functions in fraternities.

“I feel this is a positive step that national sororities are taking. It is a very proactive step to make sure their members are having a full sorority experience,” Tenclinger said. “They still have a chance to socialize, but we want to emphasize the social functions without alcohol.”

Sandstrom said she thought members would be more concerned about safety than alcohol at co-sponsored functions.

“Most people are probably more favorable of having safer social functions and taking away liability from individual chapters,” Sandstrom said.

Panhellenic Council Adviser Ellen Dunseth said the sororities might react negatively to the policy at first.

“Any type of change, people will act negative. Once things get going, they notice positive effects,” she said. “In the long run, chapter presidents’ lives will be easier at a safe, fun event without the use of alcohol.”

This new policy does not rule out sorority members drinking with other greek members. The technicality of sponsorship is simply having the name on the invitation.

Many fraternity members are concerned about the lack of co-sponsored events with sororities.

“They don’t know what’s going on; that scares them,” Interfraternity Council Adviser Chris Juhl said. “They have a lot of questions. Until we sort it out, we’re just wondering and waiting for what’s going to happen.”

Dunseth said the new policy will benefit the greek system.

“I feel this is a positive step, not negative for the greek community. Hopefully, men will support the women, and the women will support the men,” she said.

Sandstrom said that usually during the summer, sororities have conventions, so some changes may be made closer to this fall.