Dean McKaig answers Greek houses' questions

The Interfraternity Council, Panhellenic Association and most presidents of Greek houses welcomed Dean of Students Richard McKaig for an hour-long question-and-answer session Wednesday night at Gamma Phi Beta sorority.\nJunior Sarah King, president of the Panhellenic Association, said McKaig was a first pick to answer questions from the Greek community for several reasons.\n"Dean McKaig is really distinguished in his field," said King. "He knows a lot about working with Greeks and the Greek communities, and he has such an incredible perspective."\nKing said one of the main reasons for holding the question and answer was because of the upcoming Little 500 event.\n"I think the Little 500 week, in general, presents a lot of issues for chapters, and particularly chapter leaders," said King. "Issues like making sure we keep our members safe during this week."\nThe presidents had prepared several questions together for McKaig -- most pertaining to alcohol. McKaig read and answered the pre-written questions aloud and included no names or affiliations for the sake of privacy.\nSome of McKaig's answers were short, as one question read if McKaig "… honestly thinks drinking will cease in fraternity houses." \nMcKaig honestly replied "No, probably not in my lifetime." But he went on to tell the chapter presidents what he expected out of them.\n"I honestly think we will have to stop open parties where underage people are able to access alcohol," said McKaig.\nOne of the major issues the presidents had was the stereotype Greeks get for causing problems on campus, such as underage drinking. Some presidents expressed discontent with police ticketing sober drivers. Junior and president of Sigma Delta Tau, Aliza Sinkinson, complained about an incident when she was pulled over for being a sober driver.\n"It seems that (police) are out to get (Greek sober drivers)," she said. "The first thing he asked me was if I was in a sorority."\nMcKaig responded to the issue by saying police tell him they only stop vehicles that cause suspicion, such as reckless driving or screaming from inside cars. He said, although these suspicions may not only be the reasons for pulling over, students have the right to take action and try to change the ways police handle these situations. McKaig offered a fraternity president advice by telling him he could "video tape everything" if the students felt they were being treated unfairly.\nBesides the trend of serious issues surrounding alcohol, there were the light-hearted questions, as well. One president asked whether the University had a policy on swimming pools on campus. After bringing up an example of fraternities on campus using inflatable pools, McKaig simply said he "didn't know if there is a policy … but I would be cautious if I were you."\nAt the conclusion of the question and answer, Little 500 was brought up by the presidents as a concern. McKaig warned the Greek community of visitors coming into town to exploit the huge event, but also reinforced the houses to enjoy and take part in the tradition.\n"Have fun, be smart, and look out for your Greek brothers and sisters"