What's the Current State of the UR Greek System?

There are currently six men’s fraternities on campus: Kappa Alpha, Kappa Sigma, Sigma Chi, Phi Gamma Delta, Sigma Phi Epsilon, and Sigma Alpha Epsilon.  Conversations have been conducted with Lambda Chi Alpha and Theta Chi about returning to campus, as well as an historically black Greek fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha.  As of last spring, 28% of men were affiliated with a fraternity (49% of women), and the Greek GPA was higher than the all-men’s average.

There are tremendous external pressures on fraternity chapters.  National headlines are rife with stories on hazing, alcohol poisonings, sexual assaults, or drug dealing within fraternities. Many universities and national fraternities face significant lawsuits for lack of oversight or negligence in controlling the activities of individual chapters.  In 2003, Kappa Sigma National Fraternity introduced a code of conduct that addresses some of these issues.  Violations of this code can result in immediate revocation of a chapter’s charter.  Other fraternities have implemented similar rules and requirements.

Individual chapters have learned to work and operate within these new regulations and guidelines. Lodge parties are strictly controlled via a pre-approved guest list.  Kegs have been replaced with a "BYOBeer" policy that permits 11 cans of beer per guest.  A sober driver system, required as part of the risk team responsibilities, shuttles people back and forth between campus and the fraternity row.  Pledge programs last a maximum of 6 weeks and have refocused on building the bonds of brotherhood in positive ways.  Engaged community service events sponsored by chapters are commonplace. 

As fraternities refocus on the original intent of their founders, the ties of brotherhood are as strong today as they were 10, 20, or 50 years ago. There is increased responsibility and accountability expected of men in all chapters, but the commitment to brotherhood, fun and connections with the University of Richmond are as strong as ever.

Thanks to our chapter Alumnus Advisor Kevin Strecker and Director of Student Activities Alison Keller (aka Alison Bartel; fka ABL) for help answering this question.

What is the Foundation?

The Beta Beta Foundation is a group of alumni dedicated to ensuring the strength and longevity of the active and alumni brotherhoods of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity at the University of Richmond. The Foundation seeks to achieve what has long been missing from Beta Beta: strong, sustained support from alumni.

Every few years, the undergraduates commit themselves to well-intentioned efforts to reestablish ties with alumni brothers. More often than not, these efforts fail because they require long-term commitments impossible for undergraduates passing through school in just a few short years. For any such effort to be successful, the drive to reconnect alumni needed to be driven by alumni. And so the Foundation was born.

The focus areas of the Foundation are as follows:

1. To support student and alumni relations
   
2. To encourage and support alumni and student community service, charitable and philanthropic endeavors
   
3. To encourage academic excellence through scholarships
   
4. To mentor students and provide employment resources
   

The Foundation began with a small group of alumni & undergrads that met informally throughout 2006 to discuss the way forward for the brotherhood. The Foundation formally organized in 2007 and appointed a Board of Directors in early 2008. The Board represents more than 40 years of chapter history, with members from the Class of ’66 all the way to ’07. The Board collaborates with undergraduate leadership, the Alumnus Advisor, and University Administrators to ensure our collective goals are achieved.

The Foundation was a driving force behind last year’s successful Homecoming Weekend that saw nearly 70 alumni brothers find their way back to campus. This year, the Foundation Golf Tournament will kick-off Homecoming weekend. The goal is to host at least one major alumni event per year.

Money raised helps establish a sound financial foundation for the chapter: improvements to the lodge; scholarship awards for deserving undergraduates; support for community service activities . Moving forward, this financial base will be critical for ensuring the strength and longevity of the chapter. The Foundation is currently seeking 501(c)3 status, necessary in order for donations to be tax-exempt.