Greek life is one of the many great social benefits that Union College has to offer. Even though I am a first-year, having an older sister in a sorority and hearing about all of her amazing experiences and opportunities has really made me excited to explore the Greek world myself. Unfortunately, as a freshman this trimester, the restrictions that are being imposed have made discovering and learning about Greek life difficult. Of course my priority here at Union is to work hard and to do well in school above all else, but Greek life and its social benefits are something that shouldn’t be held so far out of reach.
Since the on-campus fraternities and sororities are closed, Friday and Saturday nights consist of wandering off campus and onto unfamiliar streets to find social events. As great of a bonding experience as exploring Schenectady is to share with new friends, it is hard to feel safe at night outside of campus. For better or worse, these off campus houses are usually long walks and since the nights are getting colder with the approach of fall, more and more freshmen will decide to stay in their dorms. As a result, this could increase the amount of dorm partying and problem drinking as first-year students will be stuck sitting idle.
I know and understand that these new restrictions are set in place as a means of trying to discourage freshmen drinking. However, these rules are not actually limiting drinking— they are just changing where we do it.
Not being allowed to experience Greek life is causing the majority of our freshmen class immense disappointment because we are all excited to explore all the different aspects of Union. From my perspective, fraternities and sororities are more than just places to party and dance. They are a way to socialize, to make new friends, to give back to the community and to further discover all of the unique opportunities Union has to offer its students.
I think most freshmen would agree with me when I say that these restrictions only further enhance my eagerness and excitement to learn more about and to one day even possibly become a part of Greek life here at Union!
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I visited Union last Friday night while my wife attended a nursing school reunion in Albany. As a Union ’68 graduate and the parent of four college graduates, I feel qualified to comment to the restrictions placed on Union freshman, interested in Greek life or not.
What the college is doing is first sending the right message and secondly somewhat protecting Union’s liability for the potential injury or death of a student on-campus due to alcohol consumption. The writer’s concern is legitimate in that it does drive the drinking off-campus and introduces new risks that we did not have 48 years ago (the drinking age was 18 then). My observations are that the area especially west of the campus, despite the buffer zone, is now not at all safe. When I was at Union, we could walk anywhere with relative safety and did.
Drinking by young adults, despite the law, seems to be the norm during the first years away from home. The availability of false ID’s and the willingness of businesses to encourage use, enables the off-campus enticement. It struck me how quiet Union was on a Friday night; even the campus center was subdued. What the college needs to do is make a stronger effort to provide social activities where alcohol is not the prime attraction or transportation to activities at the bigger UAlbany or other campuses.
Good judgement and moderation can not be dictated to 18 year-old students. Attractive alternatives must be provided to minimize the risks and the students need to weigh the consequences before they participate in underage drinking.