It may not have been the most popular decision made by University officials in 2012, but it was definitely one of the most talked-about.
On Oct. 30, Campbell’s Board of Trustees unanimously approved the expansion of Greek Life for undergraduate students at its Oct. 30 meeting. The vote will allow up to four fraternities and sororities to be introduced in August at the beginning of the 2013-2014 academic year.
A committee of faculty, staff and undergraduate students will begin to develop policies and a handbook for Greek Life during the spring 2013 semester.
The news led to a flurry of Facebook and Twitter posts and comments on the subject. The reactions were evenly split – many were excited at the idea of fraternity and sorority houses in Buies Creek, while others said they feared the expansion of Greek Life would take away a little of what they feel makes Campbell unique.
In making the announcement, Dennis Bazemore, vice president for Student Life at Campbell, said Greek Life presents a variety of benefits to the total Campbell undergraduate student experience. He also noted that many of Campbell’s sister institutions across North Carolina already have a Greek presence.
“Studies have shown that students who join a fraternity or sorority are more pleased with their college experience, are retained at a higher rate than other students on campus, attain higher grades, graduate at a higher rate than other students and are more loyal alumni after graduation,” Bazemore said. “We hope to create a vibrant Greek Life environment for Campbell students to thrive.”
There are currently Greek organizations in two of Campbell’s graduate and professional schools: the College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences and the Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law.
We expect this will continue to be a big story as we enter the spring and fall semesters in 2013.