Greek Life Drinking | Video

Amy Fox | 12/19/2012

Drinking is a big problem on college campuses across the country. Binge drinking is sometimes a right of passage for fraternities or sororities. But, what are drinking policies like at Minot State University?

"We don`t force any of the pledges to do any of pledges, to do anything they are uncomfortable with that we wouldn’t do ourselves,” said MSU Mu Sig Tau member Leif Arson. “We don`t allow alcohol during the pledging process. We don`t make them do anything that could make them, basically, harmful to them."

After a recent death at a Northern Illinois University fraternity for an alleged night of heavy drinking, Minot State University is making sure this type of situation doesn`t happen on its campus.

As MSU Beta Theta Vice President Codi Thomas explains, "If something like that were to happen, I`m sure we would look at it and make sure it never happens here, come out with a different rule or guideline to prevent things like that."

Since Beta Theta sorority doesn`t have a house off campus, they have to follow campus policies, which means no drinking. But, it`s different for Mu Sigma Tau fraternity.

"The house is located across the street from campus on private property, and they are self governing unless there is a problem," said Dr. Richard Jenkins, MSU Dean of Students/Vice President of Student Affairs.

Larson said, "We may have a few drinks once in a while, but it`s not every weekend we`re going out and getting drunk."

If someone is caught drinking inside a fraternity house or sorority house, there are consequences.

"We do have a standards board if someone does break a rule for anything that we`re against,” said Thomas. "We have a policy if you drink under age; you do get put up to the standards and what they decide, is what your punishment will be."

Jenkins said, "Our student conduct code prohibits hazing and it’s not only against our rules on campus, but it`s also against the law in the state."

With only two Greek organizations on Minot State`s campus, many are hoping to change the reputation sororities and fraternities have.

"I don`t want that negative image to come back to me since we`re trying to grow and to re-start the Greek life here,” said Thomas. “I want to start off on a positive note."

The recent death at an Illinois fraternity will continue to serve as a wake up call for students at MSU.

Right now, there are about 60 people involved in Greek life at Minot State University.

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