Self-Study on Greek Life at Kenyon College

The following message from President Sean Decatur was sent to members of Greek Council, presidents of Greek organizations and their advisors on Wednesday, May 9, 2018.

Greek life has a long and cherished history at Kenyon. Greek alumni and students take pride in what is considered a distinctive Greek culture at Kenyon, one that aims to be open and inclusive as opposed to isolated and exclusive. Amid many changes to the College and the student profile over many years (including the move to coeducation in the late 1960s and early 1970s), Greek organizations have played a significant role in the social life and culture of service on campus.

Members of Greek Council have expressed an interest in examining and articulating the role of and aspirations for Greek life at Kenyon today. In conversations with the executive committee this academic year, we determined that this is an appropriate moment to explore how forces external to the College (including changing roles of national organizations, requirements of liability insurance, and heightened scrutiny in the national media) as well as internal to the College (enhanced attention to student safety and security, new patterns in housing with the rise of the North Campus and Village apartments, and changing student demographics) are impacting Greek life at Kenyon. It is an opportunity to explore the connections between Greek life and student social life more broadly, and the College’s role in supporting and fostering a healthy, productive relationship with Greek organizations and their members, including alumni. I have agreed to appoint a committee formed from Greek Council, Greek alumni, as well as faculty, staff and independent students, to address the students’ concerns and to present recommendations to me before the end of the calendar year. The group will be co-chaired by a member of the Greek Alumni Leadership Council, John Furniss ’97, and a current student Greek Council member, Jesseca Kusher ’19.

Charge to the Committee

Review the current state of Greek life at Kenyon College (co-curricular, social, and residential); capture the special character and traditions of Kenyon’s Greek community, while being mindful of external influences and future trends; and make specific recommendations and proposals regarding future direction. The scope of the work should include but not necessarily be limited to: the history of Greek life at Kenyon, national trends related to Greek life, diversity and inclusion, recruitment practices and membership development, evolving needs in division housing, social life policies, student health and safety, risk management policies and practices, relationship and affiliation with national and international organizations, and alumni involvement and communication (including the Greek Alumni Leadership Committee).

A written report should be submitted to me by December 31, 2018. The report should include information about national best practices and a catalog (along with relevant data) of Greek organizations and history at Kenyon. Group members are encouraged to conduct interviews with current chapter members and alumni, College staff, and staff members at national and international organizations with which the College’s chapters are affiliated, as well as independent students at Kenyon. The proposed recommendations should aim to reinforce a vibrant Greek community at Kenyon that focuses on the values and traits consonant with the academic and residential mission of the College.