Campus Trends:

By Jerry Pastore, Ed. M, MAC; Substance Abuse/Addiction Specialist

Recent events in our Greek community again bring to light our joined concern about the health and welfare of our students here at Washington State University.  It is widely agreed upon, that high risk alcohol use and drug abuse are a significant concern for colleges and universities across the nation.  But what does that mean for the Greek community nationally, and more importantly our Greek community here at WSU?

Nationally, there is research indicating Greek affiliated students report a greater frequency of drinking, greater quantity of drinking and more negative consequences related to drinking than students not affiliated with Greek organizations. One of these studies involved 25,000 students from 61 institutions, (Cashin et al. 1998).

Unfortunately, at Washington State University, the data collected from 2004 to 2006 indicates Greek members at WSU drink higher quantities, drink for longer duration, and experience more negative consequences, including violence, as a result of drinking, than other WSU (National College Health Assessment 2004-2006).

The health and success of our Greek community as a whole and of our individual members mandate that we look at these facts in the light of day.  It is time not a time to engage in finger pointing and the blame game.  This is a health issue that most Greek communities across the nation are coming to grips with.  If we do not address this issue, it will destroy the very underpinnings of our Greek community, such as leadership, brotherhood/sisterhood, academics, self-governance, and community service.

“Now is a time for collective action to becoming a successful and significant Greek community. Just as some areas of the Greek experience have declined slowly, change will come slowly too. Establishing priority action steps with commitment from students and support from the university and its alumni will be the key to starting the change process.” (N-Power consultation report on the WSU Greek Community, 2005).

To assist the University in addressing this issue, advisors can:

• Encourage members to attend Univeristy sponsored programs offered around these issues.
• Engage in meaningful dialogue with members.
• Visit chapters during big University weekends and model responsible behavior.
• Encourage members to maintain parent networks.
• Visit bacchusandgamma.org for more information and resources.