The Interfraternity Council has three new leaders for 2019.
IFC is the governing body for all fraternities on campus, which allows members of every fraternity to meet and discuss Greek life issues.
The new heads of the IFC took office Jan. 1. Jace Jordan, cell and molecular biology junior, will serve as president; Trae Trousdale, mass communications sophomore, will serve as vice president of member development, and Erik Hamilton, acting junior, will serve as vice president of logistics. As the Panhellenic Council does with sororities, IFC positions rotate to different fraternities every year.
“Each year is a little different, and that’s what’s so exciting about it,” said Levi Harrel, director of student engagement.
The new leaders are either elected or appointed, depending on the organization. Lambda Chi Alpha, for example, nominates their candidates and then has elections, Trousdale said.
“We have to be nominated, then we have general primaries that narrow it down to two people,” Trousdale said. “Then, out of that, you do a speech again and outline what you want to see the position in, and then you are elected between the two of you.”
As the vice president of member development, Trousdale oversees fraternity recruitment efforts. Recruitment occurs year-round, but Trousdale said most of his responsibilities involve incoming freshmen during Stars Week.
“It’s over the summer reaching out to the freshmen, making sure that they know about Greek life, that they know the different organizations that we represent and the benefits and why they should. We’re really trying to sell the product that is Greek life,” Trousdale said.
IFC members intend to expand Greek life’s focus this semester to Title IX and sexual assault awareness, Trousdale said. Title IX protects people from discrimination based on sex or gender.
“We’re truly going to start focusing on and building a relationship with Title IX on campus and focusing on sexual assault and how that plays a role in Greek Life and things that our fraternity gentlemen can do,” Trousdale said.
Trousdale said he also wants to bring attention to philanthropic efforts in Greek life.
“I also hope to begin working more on the philanthropy side of things,” Trousdale said. “How can we increase our philanthropic engagement, what we’re doing with our volunteer hours and our community service, not only in Kappa Sigma or Lambda Chi, but how can we incorporate other people that maybe aren’t Greek but would like to get to know us.”
The changes brought to Greek life by new council leaders reflect the ideals of OCU Greek life, Harrel said.
“Fraternity and sorority life values evolution and growth, and the leaders who we see filling these positions on both IFC and the Panhellenic Council will be fulfilling that value,” Harrel said.
Jace Jordan was unavailable for comment Jan. 9.
Editor’s Note: Erik Hamilton is a staff writer for Student Publications. He did not participate in the writing or editing of this story.
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