Canadians Go Greek: the source for Canadian Chapters

The McGill Tribune, McGill University Student Paper - October 8, 2002

by Caroline Morissettel, The McGill Tribune

The Inter-Greek Letter Council (IGLC), an umbrella organization that represents 10 of the 12 fraternities and all four sororities at McGill, has been assigned an office in the Shatner Building for the first time in its three years of existence.

The IGLC, a club recognized by the Students' Society of McGill University (SSMU), serves as a link between Greek life and the rest of the McGill campus, promoting philanthropy and social functions. SSMU will not recognize individual fraternities and sororities because of the inherent gender discrimination and the IGLC has not applied to receive SSMU subsidies. Last year, the IGLC raised $2175 for the Centraide fund, an amount surpassed on campus by only the Engineering Undergraduate Society.

To ensure non-exclusivity, and promote campus-wide participation, any undergraduate student is permitted to join IGLC and attend meetings. IGLC President Naomi Thé explained the purpose of the club is not only to act as "a link between the frats and sororities to SSMU" but also to facilitate charity events and fundraising opportunities. "We would never turn someone away who wanted to help," commented Thé.

However, Beatrice Chartrand says no non-Greek student has ever come to a IGLC meeting.

"Of course they're welcome, but I don't think its ever come up," she said.

This idea of non-exclusivity was further supported by Kathleen Morrison, Vice-President of Operations for SSMU and representative on IGLC for her sorority, Alpha Omicron Pi. "Anyone can go to IGLC meetings," said Morrison. For a fraternity or sorority to join IGLC, they must adhere to certain regulations; for example, hazing is prohibited in member societies.

Thé hopes the new office space will help break down stereotypes and make fraternities and sororities more accessible to students. "Going to a frat house and knocking on the door may be intimidating to many people." She hopes the office space and regular hours will encourage students to get more involved and realize that Greek life is more than "just parties."

For Robert Sutherland, U1 Management, joining a fraternity offers a chance for "camaraderie". The idea of meeting many different people appeals to him and other rushers.

Rachel De Lorie, Vice-President of Clubs and Services for SSMU acknowledges that the IGLC helps "increase the visibility" of fraternities and sororities at McGill.

Nevertheless, at the end of this rush and pledge season, not everyone is captivated by the lure of fraternity and sorority life. Thé explained that one of the reasons people are unfamiliar with Greek life is simply because McGill offers so many different opportunities. "Montreal is a big city... there are lots of other options."

Dean of Students Bruce Shore, agrees. While he recognizes the academic rewards and housing opportunities offered by fraternities and sororities, he says that the organizations are really "a small part in the social life at McGill."