The importance of supporting the Greek life system at Tufts University

Fast forward to 1995. It was during that year that I was contacted by a member of the National Executive Board of AEPi who asked me if I would be willing to serve as the advisor to the AEPi chapter at Tufts University. I accepted and the rest, as they say, is history.

I have enjoyed my role as a chapter advisor. During the academic year, I meet with the brothers of AEPi, on a bi-weekly basis, spending upwards of three hours with them. It is a wonderfully satisfying symbiotic relationship. I provide them with an adult presence in which I share a lifetime of experiences and by doing so, help them to work through their issues, keeping in mind the importance of remaining within the boundaries of responsible behavior. They in turn provide me with youthful energy, keeping me "young at heart," as well as updating me in terms of new technology as well as contemporary customs, viewpoints and attitudes.

In Judaism there is a tradition of La Dor Va' Dor which means from generation to generation. In other words, it is incumbent upon one generation to transmit such life enhancing values as ethics, morality and spirituality to the generation that will follow. In this regard we are giving something back to the society that nurtured us and by doing so, expressing our appreciation for the gift of life itself.

My role as a chapter advisor has enabled me to remain faithful to this tradition. My experience as a chapter advisor has provided me with an opportunity to contribute to the maturation and well being of a specific group of individuals, in this case, the brothers of AEPi. It affords me the opportunity to be of service to as well as having an impact upon those who will ultimately become the future leaders of our global society.

For as long as I can remember, the Greek system has been a convenient "whipping boy" for those university staff and faculty members who would prefer to see the demise of the Greek system at Tufts. Were this to happen it would indeed be a significant loss to the socialization aspect of a broad based, all encompassing undergraduate university experience.

The fraternities and sororities bond its members, and in doing so, give rise to life-long relationships. Living in a chapter house, be it a fraternity or sorority, teaches the residents to respect and maintain property, to be sensitive to the needs of their neighbors, to better understand the rules and regulations governing building, zoning and fire safety codes, to learn to work together to achieve common goals, to respect the rights others and to be concerned with each others welfare.

Traditionally the Dean of Students office has served as a magistrate in the sense that it interprets and enforces university policy as it pertains to the governing of proper student behavior. I would imagine that the governance of such a large undergraduate population such as exists at Tufts is at best a difficult and daunting task. That being said, I would also imagine that fraternity/sorority issues, being a subset of the totality of student issues, would, unless they are egregious, be somewhat lower on the Dean of Students office "radar screen".

This begs the question: "Is the Greek system at Tufts being well served?" I do not think so, given the currently available resources. I am firmly convinced that the Greek system needs an Ombudsman-type support service, one that will work directly with it, be non-intimidating, be proactive by identifying potentially troublesome issues and working to ameliorate them, and, where appropriate advocate on its behalf.

I never cease to be amazed at the quality of students that are attracted to Tufts University. They truly are an elite group of young people. It is therefore incumbent upon the university administration as well as those of us, faculty and alumni alike, who are committed to supporting the efforts of these future leaders of the global society to provide positive, proactive interaction with the Inter-Greek and Pan-Hellenic Council thus helping to provide it members with a strong, meaningful, satisfying, socially responsible Tufts Undergraduate experience.

Ben Cohen is a member of the Tufts Class of '57