Working group recommends fraternity and sorority ban for freshmen

Published in the April 27, 2011, Issue

A working group of faculty, students, alumni, and administrators has recommended significant changes to curb activity by fraternities and sororities at Princeton and improve social and residential life on campus, according to a new report released May 2.

The group, which was asked to review the University’s goals for undergraduate social and residential life, found that most Princeton students are satisfied with their social experiences, and overall satisfaction is “generally higher than at other institutions.” But the group also found room for improvement, making recommendations that fell under three main headings – social and residential life, fraternities and sororities, and campus pub. They included the following:

Prohibiting freshmen “from affiliating with a fraternity or sorority or engaging in any form of rush,” with severe penalties, including possible suspension.
Sustaining the University policy of not officially recognizing fraternities or sororities.
Reinstating a campus pub “that would be open to all undergraduates, graduate students, faculty and staff and help to model the responsible use of alcohol.”
Encouraging programs that provide freshmen with “meaningful opportunities to engage more with sophomores, juniors, and seniors early in their Princeton careers.”

Cynthia Cherrey, vice president for campus life, and Robert Durkee ’69, vice president and secretary, were scheduled to present the report at a May 2 meeting of the Council of the Princeton University Community (4:30 p.m. in East Pyne, room 10). Look for full coverage of the working group’s findings and recommendations in the June 1 issue of the Princeton Alumni Weekly.