Whether it’s through proud display of letters or promotion for philanthropy, it’s near impossible to ignore the presence of Fraternity and Sorority Life at the University of Oregon. As prevalent as the social aspect of Fraternity and Sorority Life is on campus, what happens behind the scenes is a bit less transparent.
First, the basics:
FSL as a whole is overseen by eight members of an Interfraternity Council (IFC) and eight members of the Panhellenic Council (PHC) who together make up a governing Executive Council. While individual chapters have their own rules and regulations, this governing council holds each chapter accountable to national IFC Bylaws, PHC Bylaws and Recruitment Bylaws. New officers are selected annually following an application process, speech, and Q & A session with the presidents of each Chapter.
Morgan Plew is a member of Pi Beta Phi and President of Panhellenic Council. Now a junior, Plew has known from the very beginning that sorority life was for her.
“I like the balance of people working together and also being good friends,” she explained.
Before ascending the presidency, Plew served on Pi Beta Phi’s Executive Board where she helped make decisions for her own house. After a year in an executive position within her own sorority, Plew knew she wanted to do more for FSL as a whole.
Chase Salazar, president of IFC and member of Delta Tau Delta, shares a similar passion for Greek Life.
“I love the Greek Community as a whole because it catalyzes new members with simple aspirations into senior leaders who make considerable positive impacts to their community,” he said.
Despite their affiliation with their specific chapters, Plew and Salazar both strive to make fair, unbiased decisions when considering FSL as a whole.
“I think the most important part is to look at issues and decisions from a larger picture. How is this decision going to affect us long term?” Plew explained. “It’s easy for me to separate that because I genuinely care about the rest of the (FSL) community.”
Other members of the board are just as passionate about their positions, including Katie Kahn, the VP of Community Programs and member of Alpha Phi.
“Becoming involved in PHC seemed like a great opportunity to reach out to students to show them what we’re all about,” Kahn said.
She and the rest of the executive council are passionate about reaching out to the community to share their positive social and leadership experiences with others.
“Being in a sorority has truly transformed my college experience and I want others to have the opportunity to experience the same benefits,” Kahn continued.
Officers elected to the IFC and PHC earlier this winter have big things planned for the year ahead and are excited to be in their new positions.
“My biggest goal for this year is to make sure people know that PHC is not the police,” Plew said. “We’re there to make the changes that our members want to see happen. I want people to know that they have a voice.”