Chico State reforms

I enjoyed the quote by Larry Bassow who is a tireless advocate for antihazing and fraternal values. Really enjoyed meeting him and going to breakfast many years ago. Real gentleman and
extremely smart.

Here is the link

The Greek community at Chico State has taken steps to correct its hazing reputation since the death of Matthew Carrington.

Greek life has evolved over the past four years, said Greek Adviser Larry Bassow.

A mandatory hazing education program has been put in place for all Greek organizations, advisers are more available to Greek students and the university has been holding Greek organizations more accountable.

“There’s been a litany of sanctions,” Bassow said. “It’s not that it’s good, it shows that we mean business. There is a higher expectation for students to show what they signed up to do.”

The Greek community has been starting to branch out more than ever, said senior Brian Burke, president of the Interfraternity Council.

One goal the Greeks have in place is for the three councils to put more effort into community events.

While people might have a bad outlook on the Greek community, the best way to understand Greek life is to join a fraternity or sorority, he said.

“It’s something you have to figure out for yourself,” Burke said. “There’s a lot of leadership training and philanthropic events.”

Chico State President Paul Zingg hopes students are joining Greek organizations for the right reasons and not just to join a “drinking club,” he said.

“This particular social organization has admirable values, not the least of which is to enjoy each other’s company,” he said. “There are fun opportunities, but it’s a question of balance.”

Though some people might expect the Greek community to do poorly, the Greeks have to work together with the university so the good stories are told more often and outweigh the bad ones, Zingg said.

“They need to be savvy in promoting what they do and the university needs to acknowledge them when they do something good,” he said. “They need to understand that one bad event can outweigh 1,000 good events.”