University wrong to give exception

Oregon State University decided, on Feb. 27, to allow select Greek life organizations to participate in the First Year Experience program. We respect this decision, but we do not agree with it.

Being that this is an editorial representative of the majority opinion of the editorial staff — apparently it has been unclear as to what an editorial is — we have the freedom to disagree with the university.

If the 25 eligible organizations wish to apply to participate in Oregon State’s First Year Experience program, they must first write a letter of intent by April 1. The university will set the deadline for applications, though it is clear those expressing intent must complete the applications during the summer so Oregon State can present the organizations to incoming students next year.

It’s a good thing Greeks are particularly gifted when it comes to raising money. The application itself — without guarantee of being included in the First Year Experience program — costs $10,000. This number is an estimate based off the assumption that 15 organizations will participate. Once an organization is approved, it must pay $15,000 annually.

Again, these numbers could vary depending on how many organizations participate. Overall, the total cost projection for organizations wishing to participate is around $400,000. It’s nice to know Oregon State will let you play in the playground if you have a big enough checkbook.

Despite the many opinions we’ve received via letter to the editor or the opinions we’ve confronted in classes, at work or walking down the street, we still don’t think Greek life should have an exception to the First Year Experience program.

If the university is going to create a new program and create new rules, it should apply them to everyone. Special groups should not get special privileges. What does this say about our university when those with enough money are able to sway policy here?
In many colleges throughout the country fraternities and sororities  rush during the spring, and it works well for them. Perhaps giving new freshmen extra time to explore the university and what fraternities and sororities have to offer will result in better, stronger groups.

When freshmen arrive at OSU, the first thing they should do is become familiar with Oregon State. Seeing how the dorms works, being around others experiencing it for the first time, eating in the dining centers, exploring the campus, visiting Student Health Services for a checkup because it’s free and mapping out the route to classes are all part of the first year experience. Many freshmen learn about Greek life while they live in residence halls, and this extra time would help fraternities and sororities recruit the best men and women.

That is why we don’t think Greek life should have an exception to the First Year Experience program. But, hey, if Greeks are willing to write the check ,why shouldn’t Oregon State cash it?
 

Editorials serve as means for Barometer editors to offer commentary and opinions on issues both global and local, grand in scale or diminutive. The views expressed here are a reflection of the editorial board’s majority.