Although they say they are trying to change their images, members of the Iowa State greek system still have trouble shaking the stereotype of heavy partying and irresponsible drinking.

Adam Oris, president of InterFraternity Council, believes that the main reason alcohol is perceived as being used by greeks is because of the system’s social aspects. However, he sees that changing.

“Since I’ve been here, I’ve noticed a notable difference in how parties are conducted, how much alcohol is involved and the accessibility,” said Oris, senior in psychology and marketing and member of Tau Kappa Epsilon, 224 Ash Ave.

Other members of the greek system also emphasized that they do not want to be seen in an inaccurate light.

“To me, being greek means that you can be successful academically and on campus, while being held accountable for a number of responsibilities at your chapter house,” said Jason Clement, president of Delta Sigma Phi, 218 Ash Ave., and senior in architecture. “Behind the false image of partying, drinking and irresponsibility lies what greek life is really about.”

Many ISU greek houses plan educational programs and activities to help instruct their members on alcohol consumption and abuse.

“The InterFraternity Council has done an excellent job of setting up educational programming for its fraternities,” said Eric Bidwell, president of Tau Kappa Epsilon and junior in agricultural studies.

Michelle Crandall, president of Alpha Omicron Pi, 2007 Greeley St., said her sorority is required by the national chapter to hold alcohol awareness programs. They are held once a month and focus on topics such as drunk driving, the physical effects of alcohol and Iowa alcohol laws.

Although the house tries to curb underage drinking by checking IDs, Crandall, senior in elementary education, said the members need to make the decision about whether to drink on their own.

“We are not their moms,” she said.

Another way greek organizations are dealing with alcohol issue, outside of education, is to go “dry,” meaning that no alcohol is allowed on the property. Brian Tenclinger, coordinator of Greek Affairs, said the decision to go dry is made by the national chapter of a greek house, not by the university.

Ben Malin, president of FarmHouse, 311 Ash Ave., said his chapter’s decision to go dry in the late 1980s was made by the international chapter.

“Dry status lets the members focus more on academics and activities,” said Malin, senior in math and economics. “It also makes our insurance rates go down because it reduces [alcohol-related] accidents.”