The results of a Greek life survey sent to all Syracuse University undergraduate students this summer will eventually be shared publicly, an SU administrator said at a town hall meeting Wednesday.

The survey, which came as part of a Greek life review that began after last spring’s Theta Tau videos controversy, asked students anonymously whether they believe Greek organizations have a positive impact on the university, whether students feel comfortable interacting with Greek organizations and their members and whether students feel Greek organizations promote the health and well-being of their members, among other things.

Robert Hradsky, SU’s dean of students, said the survey had a 48 percent response rate.

Three consultants selected by SU, who have experience in Greek life administration and are members of Greek organizations themselves, visited the university in September to help with the review. SU shared the survey data, policy handbooks and Greek organizations’ constitutions with consultants, Hradsky said on Wednesday.

Hradsky also said that consultants spoke with Chancellor Kent Syverud, staff in the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs, Greek life advisers and members of the SU Greek community. Final recommendations from the consultants are expected to be completed in early November, he said.

Kira Reed, co-chair of the First-Year Experience Initiative Steering Committee, and Keith Alford, interim chief diversity officer, also spoke at the Wednesday town hall. Less than 20 students attended the forum.

Reed said the group developed a full-year course during the summer to permanently replace the existing first-year experience. The course would be three credits, split between the fall and spring semesters, and involve reading assignments and discussions, she said.

Curriculum committees within SU’s school and colleges are reviewing and voting on the new course, Reed said. Once that process is complete, faculty members will vote on the course, and then the University Senate Curriculum Committee will review it, she said. The Senate must approve all permanent, new courses before they can go into effect.

All incoming SU students are currently required to complete SEM 100, a five-week seminar based around Trevor Noah’s memoir, “Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood.” The seminar covers implicit bias, health and wellness and communication skills and is overseen by a peer and lead facilitator.

Courtney Jiggetts, a senior environmental and interior design major, moderated the forum. She asked how SU plans to make clear to incoming families that the Theta Tau incident isn’t a reflection of all of Greek life.

Hradsky said during campus visits, SU will work to make clear that it values diversity and inclusion and the positive impact Greek life has on campus.

“It’s important that there be transparency. Students want to know more and know it sooner,” Hradsky said.

Reed said her goal for restructuring the first-year experience was to build community, enhance students’ cultural skills and to have as many voices as possible involved in the process.

“It’s not just about Theta Tau. It’s about embracing who we are,” Reed said. “We have this incident that’s just a symptom of what needed to happen anyway.”

Alford said the committee is also considering ways to expand elements of the first-year forums to all returning students with a collective experience, such as a guest speaker.

A student asked about how the university is ensuring there are adequate mental health services for students.

Hradsky said the Barnes Center at the Arch will include an integrated health and wellness center that will be better equipped to match students with the proper treatment for stress and other challenges. The Barnes Center at the Arch is part of a multimillion-dollar renovation of Archbold Gymnasium.

SU is fine-tuning recruitment processes within its schools and colleges to increase faculty diversity, Alford said. He added that the university is also focused on retaining existing diverse faculty members and that it has conducted diversity workshops.

Published on September 26, 2018 at 11:25 pm