With hazing constantly being an issue across college campuses, one school is taking strides to put it to an end.
Garden City’s own Adelphi University is taking major strides to make sure hazing is not a part of the campus reputation.
Adelphi’s Greek Life consists of approximately 600 students, approximately 12 percent of the university's population. Adelphi is in the middle of its Greek Life recruitment week, a time when hundreds of students get an inside look at the 10 sororities, five fraternities and one co-ed business fraternity.
They then decide if Greek Life is for them.
“Of course I had some concerns about hazing when I decided to go out for a fraternity,” said freshman transfer student Brett Ruggiero. “After I went to the open house, each organization assured everyone that hazing was not a part of their process, which helped me realize I really want to join.”
Potential new members have nothing to worry about, according to Michael Berthel, Adelphi University’s senior assistant director for the Center for Student Involvement. He is also the main fraternity/sorority advisor. “Adelphi University has a zero tolerance for hazing and holds all organizations to high standards to ensure that the fraternity and sorority experience is a positive and enriching one,” he said. “The Greek community has a thorough anti-hazing programming that all members and prospective members participate in.”
Each organization also has to submit a full outline of the new member education process to ensure there is no hazing being done.
Current undergraduate members of each organization are required to attend a yearly workshop regarding hazing prevention and potential new members attend hazing seminars. “Hazing is just not part of the Adelphi Greek life culture,” said Phi Sigma Sigma sorority member Samantha Sanchez, president of the Panhellenic Council. “It’s about the relationships, brotherhoods, and sisterhoods we make during our time here.”
Adelphi’s strongest anti-hazing movement comes every September for National Hazing Prevention Week. “The week is comprised of speakers, documentaries and anti-hazing campaigns that educate the community on the issue,” said Berthel. “In addition, trainings are held for Greek organizations each semester that cover topics such as risk management, best practices and values-based organizations.” New members also have to attend the events as well before they can join.
Recruitment week came to an end Friday. Those who choose to become a part of Adelphi's Greek life begin the new member process Saturday.
