For the time being, the steering committee designed to improve relations between Penn State and its fraternities and sororities has swerved off its course and come to a sputtering stop; it is now awaiting a jump start.

The committee was originally formed at September's Penn State Board of Trustees meeting to address concerns raised by an independent study of fraternity and sorority life.

The report raised eyebrows among trustees -- nearly two-thirds of whom are former members of fraternities and sororities -- for its condemning of the lack of communication between the Penn State administration and greek officials, as well as means of better monitoring behavior and promoting diversity.

Student members of the Panhellenic, National Pan-Hellenic, Multicultural and Interfraternity councils, greek advisers, alumni and faculty joined together to form the committee. Vice President of Student Affairs Bill Asbury also was a key and outspoken member.

However, the meshing of forces within the greek and university communities never led to anything productive. While the university extended powers from its Office of Student Affairs and greek officials continued to ask the university for "more support for fraternities and sororities" -- as Scott Phelan, director of fraternity and sorority life, said in November -- both parties spun their wheels and nothing was accomplished.

It's ironic that a communication breakdown occurred within a committee that was -- by all intents and purposes -- meant to address communication breakdowns between the university and greeks that were seen as damaging to the fraternities and sororities.

Both sides have several issues to address before the committee can even attempt to fix relations.

The university, in attempting to fix this perceived problem with greek life, might have set a tricky precedent. Now, when any student group approaches the administration demanding stronger communication and support, will the university extend its hands so willingly and consider forming a committee?

Greek officials need to identify specific goals they would like achieved, not just "better dialogue." Vague requests are generally met with vague results.

This is a situation that basic communication skills and a concerted focus can easily mend.