University of Virginia Library

IFC Leaders Respond To
Dean's Fraternity Statement

By Thom Faulders
Cavalier Daily Staff Writer

Of course, fraternities, like the
University must adjust to the
changing needs, said Ed Hayes,
president of the Inter fraternity
Council in response to the
statements made by D. Aland
Williams, Dean of Student Affairs,
appearing in yesterday's Cavalier
Daily.

Mr. Williams told the Cavalier
Daily Tuesday that he "has nothing
against fraternities," but he
recommended three basic changes
that must be made in order for
them to survive.

Increase Membership

He said that fraternities must
increase their membership if they
are to survive financially. "Too
many fraternities are living from
one crisis to the next. In fact some
are almost on the brink of ruin,"
Mr. Williams said.

Ed Hayes

IFC President

Mr. Williams also noted that
many houses are desperately in
need of repair. "Many fraternities
must build new houses or
completely remodel their old
houses if they intend to continue in
operation for any length of time,"
Mr. Williams said.

More Involvement

The Dean stated that fraternities
must continue to make
contributions to the University
community and become "more
involved."

Mr. Hayes said yesterday that he
thinks fraternities are now the best
possible means for a student to
develop responsibility and maturity
through working with others, enjoy
a rounded social life as well as
providing him with an institution
through which he can retain his
individuality and identity in a
growing University.

Expanded Membership

With regard to the size of the
fraternity membership, Mr. Hayes
agreed with Mr. Williams saying, "I
believe that fraternities must
expand their membership and the
IFC is planning its most intensive
rush ever."

When discussing the physical
condition of the houses around the
Grounds, one member of the
governing board of the IFC
described Mr. Williams charge that
the fraternities are physical
disasters as a gross exaggeration.

George Shipley, vice-president
of the IFC, added, "It seems ironic
that there is an overflow of men
wanting to live in the fraternity
houses, while the University is
having trouble filling up the
dormitories.

Concerned Administration

He went on to add, "The
administration's $100 deposit must
be viewed as an attempt to coerce
second-year men into living in the
dormitories. The IFC was pleased
when the administration
reappraised its policy, for this
reaffirmed our belief that it is
concerned with the welfare of all
students.

"I have never known a
fraternity man to choose the
dormitory over living in his house.
The convenience of having dining,
recreational, and dating facilities
right in the house as well as the
obvious advantage of living with
close friends, makes living in the
fraternity house a more attractive
proposition than living under the
often unnecessary restrictive
conditions of the dormitories.
Further, rent in the houses is
considerably less than apartments
and dormitories."

Build New Houses

To that Mr. Hayes added, "I do
think that fraternities must pay
more attention to their long term
program to renovate or build new
houses."

Responding to Mr. Williams
statement on the financial
instability of fraternities, Mr. Hayes
cautioned, "Fraternities must take
their financial responsibilities more
seriously. They must take strong
steps to insure that bills are paid on
time and that members will not be
permitted to run up large debts.

"Added expenses that come
from being in a fraternity are not,
however, significant compared with
the advantages to be found."

Individual Initiative

must become more involved in
the University community as a
whole," Ed Hayes said
"Community service is and must
remain a product of individual
initiative channelled through
fraternities. They should encourage,
but not force this initiative.

"Fraternities and fraternity men
have always made outstanding
contributions to the University and
I'm glad to say that fraternities are
making increasing contributions to
the community.

"I think, however, that it is a
mistake to try and extend the
influence of a fraternity into too
many areas. I do not think
fraternities should be put in the
position of making its members
conform to any particular attitude
towards their social and academic
towards their social and academic
lives."