Much has been written and said about the Greek system and its relationship to the university this semester. So I thought it was time for me to articulate what fraternities and sororities mean to Carolina … and to me.
For starters, I should tell you that I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for Delta Kappa Epsilon. My father pledged the DKEs when he was a student here. And if it weren’t for the DKE house, he and my mother wouldn’t have met.
When I came to Carolina, I ended up spending most of my time in a chemistry lab and not pledging a fraternity. So, in a way, my own family is a great example of what’s so great about Carolina. Students find their way to build a life at Carolina that’s tailored for them. My father did that, and I did that.
The Greek community is a strong part of Carolina’s tradition. It is impossible to imagine our history without the alumni who were members of fraternities and sororities and who made some of the most important contributions to the university during their time on campus and after.
We are committed to a vibrant Greek life. At the same time that I recognize the value of Greek life to the University, I wouldn’t be doing my job if I weren’t also committed to being sure that Greek life – and all student life – is safe and conducive to academic success. That, after all, is why we’re here.
The tragic death of Courtland Smith early this semester rocked us all. There’s nothing worse than losing a young person. When I’ve talked with and met with Courtland’s parents, I ache for them and for the great potential that Courtland had in life.
We may never fully understand why Courtland died. We do know that there’s no indication that Courtland had been using anything other than alcohol the night he died. That was consistent with what our Student Affairs folks told us about Courtland – that he was a good kid who was working with them to improve Greek life and make his fraternity a safer place.
There are so many pressures on students today. In addition to the pressures that come with being high achievers and being admitted to a competitive place like Carolina, the country’s economic situation continues to be uncertain, and global competition has only increased the pressures on young people today.
Since Courtland died, I’ve also learned what a tough job it is to be president of a fraternity. I’ve talked with Patrick Fleming, the new president of the DKE house, about the challenges he faces. And IFC president Charlie Winn and I are arranging a meeting with all of the chapter presidents in November to talk about the issues together. I’m grateful to Patrick and Charlie for their leadership. Some of our trustees are also working on a leadership development program for Greek organization presidents to provide more support to them. I look forward to providing my support too.
I support the Greek life policies that were adopted in January 2007, because I think they can provide a pathway to greater achievement. I’m in favor of greater academic accomplishments and aspirations on the part of all of our students. What chancellor wouldn’t be? As I’ve said many times before, the world is facing extraordinary challenges, and we are counting on the optimism, compassion and intellect of our students more than ever before.
We will do everything we can to make sure that a Carolina education gives our promising young people everything they need to improve the world.
3 Comments
Great to see the Chancellor address Greek Life, however, somehow the tradition and strong history of the NPHC seem to be consistently overlooked in this dialogue. NPHC fraternities and sororities have continually set standards for leadership and responsible Greek Life at UNC. I hope the entire Greek council continues to stand firm in a legacy of educational excellence, responsible extra-curricular offerings, and service to the larger community. Moreover, I hope that all members of the Greek community are recognized for their contributions within and beyond the University of North Carolina.
As a DKE parent, I have mourned with my son and his friends after the death of Courtland. Thank you for expressing your concern for them and Courtland’s family and acknowledging their pain.
What a measured and balanced response to what must have been a difficult semester for those in leadership at UNC. I am also a DKE parent and cannot express the grief the young men have experienced. Your accurate portrayal of Courtland, a truly fine young man, is greatly appreciated. A sensitive and clear-headed approach is needed for the healing to take place. Thank you for modeling that for your other administrators.