Tilghman expresses Greek life concerns

President Tilghman raised questions about the role of fraternities and sororities and the quality of health care during a USG Senate meeting last night.

The meeting also included votes on two contentious election reform issues.

Tilghman began by discussing the role of fraternities and sororities on campus, an issue which she said has become a concern for the University Board of Trustees.

Because the rush process occurs so early in a student's four years at the University, fraternities and sororities may limit the diversity of their experiences on campus, she said.

"What you're doing is really quickly you're narrowing down the space that you're going to explore," she said.

Tilghman also expressed concern about the perceived associations between certain eating clubs and fraternities.

"It doubly worries [the Trustees] because there is the added perception that sororities and fraternities are acting as a feeder for the eating clubs," she said.

Although the administration could not force fraternities — which are not recognized by the University — to comply, Tilghman said the administration could make clear its position on the matter and pressure them into taking action.

Tilghman also solicited input on the quality of care at McCosh Health Center, evoking both positive and negative responses.

One oft-cited issue was the difference in care between the first-floor facilities, which perform outpatient services, and the second floor, which contains mostly inpatient services.

The administration is planning a $250,000 renovation of McCosh, Tilghman said.

After Tilghman's address, the senate voted on two election reform issues that remained unresolved from the last meeting.

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A measure removing restrictions on mass e-mails during campaigns passed by a 10-to-nine vote, while a proposal to shorten the voting period from three days to one was defeated by a 12-to-six vote.

Also at the meeting, U-Councilor Allison Arensman '04 expressed concern that the administration was not actively addressing the issues brought up in last year's minority and women's issues reports.

"I don't see very much substantive evidence that [administrators] are doing anything in regards to these reports," she said.