Iowa State fraternity and sorority members are trying to distance themselves from the stereotypical “Animal House” image that has plagued the greek community for the past few decades.

“Instead of out-of-control parties, I see many more parties that are better-regulated and more under control,” said Brian Tenclinger, coordinator of Greek Affairs.

Tenclinger said he only sees more positive changes such as this for the future.

“The fraternities are taking a strong stand to control parties,” he said. “You don’t see underage consuming and free beer. The parties are fun but safe.”

Many fraternities have gone “dry,” and more are beginning to follow suit or adopt their own regulations curbing alcohol use.

“I see many sororities getting the push from their national chapters to only co-sponsor alcohol-free events on fraternity property,” said Laura Cripple, president of Panhellenic Council.

This is not the only way greek life is changing.

Adam Oris, president of Interfraternity Council, hopes to see several upgrades in the fraternity system this year.

“We are also really upping the level of our programming this year,” said Oris, senior in psychology. “We are broadening from the traditional programming on STDs and starting programs about money management for the younger men and post-college programs for graduates.”

Another big change Tenclinger sees is the move from one semester pledging to a four-year membership development program.

“Many houses have already started this. Delta Sigma Phi now has ‘The Challenge,’ and Sigma Phi Epsilon has the ‘Balanced Man Program,'” Tenclinger said. “The ISU chapter of Pi Kappa Phi was the pilot house for their national program, ‘The Journey.’

“These are great programs that move away from the traditional ‘You’re a pledge and I am an active’ to ‘We are all wearing the same letters; let’s learn together and grow together,'” he said.

Tenclinger also sees more collaboration in the future between the Interfraternity Council for fraternities, the Panhellenic Council for sororities and the National Pan-Hellenic Council for traditionally black greek associations.

“They are just now starting to realize they have the same problems, and they are not alone,” he said. “A male president now feels a lot more comfortable calling a female president and asking for advice. I see this trend growing more in the future, too.”

Another trend is that many houses are now turning away from strictly fund-raising philanthropies and turning toward community service.

“More and more houses are doing more yearlong projects instead of hosting a weekend fundraiser, signing a check and being done,” Tenclinger said.

Oris said he is trying to get academic or scholarship coaches for all the chapters. Cripple, senior in sociology, said the Panhellenic Council challenges the sororities to raise their GPAs by one-tenth each semester.

But, Tenclinger said, none of these changes will happen overnight.

“I see it all happening, but with baby steps,” he said. “I love students who are visionaries, but I have to remind them of baby steps. I see chapters starting many great programs now, and they will continue.”