The Daily Gamecock

The University of South Carolina Since 1908

Pike approved by Greek council

Pi Kappa Alpha admitted into circle of USC fraternities

Kathleen Kemp
Staff writer

Issue date: 2/13/07 Section: News
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Fraternity Council President Zach Baker wants to get rid of negative stereotypes in the Greek community and help increase the amount of people involved in Greek life.
Media Credit: Jessica Smith
Fraternity Council President Zach Baker wants to get rid of negative stereotypes in the Greek community and help increase the amount of people involved in Greek life.

The Fraternity Council voted Monday night to admit Pi Kappa Alpha into its ranks.

Pi Kappa Alpha, or "Pike," was voted in by a vote of 19-1. Fraternity Council President Zach Baker said Pike's representatives would be able to join the council's weekly meetings as early as next week.

"This is a big day for Fraternity Council," Baker said. "We've added a new fraternity that obviously has its act together and is going to bring a lot of positive things to the table."

Representatives from the Office of Greek Life reported on fraternity grade reports. Gena Runnion, director of Greek Life, said the all-fraternity average GPA is 2.99, which is higher than the all-men's average, a 2.95. Six USC fraternities averaged above the all-fraternity average, the highest-scoring being Pi Kappa Alpha with a 3.34.

"We actually had dipped the last couple of semesters; the all-fraternity was below the all men's average," Runnion said. "I'm really glad to see that it's back above; this gives us really great ammunition."

Baker said there have been several cases of vandalism in the Greek Village, and the campus police will most likely increase patrolling in that area.

"We try to eliminate negative stereotypes in the Greek community," Baker said. "I really don't see how we can do that and how we can encourage people to join up with us and increase our numbers when people can't feel safe from vandalism in the Greek Village."

Baker also reported on a fraternity council dinner with Student Body President Tommy Preston Sunday night.

One issue discussed with Preston is how the university is no longer clearing lots for more Greek housing.

"We thought we had an understanding that once we started building the Greek Village, if you could put together a housing corporation and front the money that you could in fact get a house," Baker said.

Baker said the council will also try to work with housing to allow freshmen to move from campus housing to the Greek Village without having to pay a $500 fine for breaking their housing contracts.
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