State College Borough Council members said Tuesday night they were pleased with the Interfraternity Council's (IFC) new social policy -- and they have some ideas of their own.
The policy -- set to take effect at the start of next semester -- eliminates Wednesday socials and away bars, and mandates a professional security presence at fraternity parties, among other changes.
Borough Council President Elizabeth Goreham, also mayor-elect, said she was "very impressed" with the IFC's "proactive" approach.
The new social policy could also be applied on a larger scale, Goreham said -- by requiring all house parties in town to register with the borough.
"This is my desire -- there is no proposal," she said. "If this works really well, the town should consider it and maybe imitate [the IFC]."
Such a proposal could be considered if the IFC policy is successful, which Goreham said she would define as "dramatic reduction in police calls and in citations."
However, Goreham said she would have liked to see another clause added to the policy.
"I would like to see a requirement that they have enough bathroom facilities," Goreham said. "Public urination is a problem in our town."
IFC President Luke Pierce said Monday night the policy was not in response to the borough's controversial proposed nuisance gathering ordinance, but he acknowledged it would help alleviate some of the related issues. Goreham said she agreed.
"I guess we're saying the same thing from different perspectives," she said.
Borough Council member Jim Rosenberger also said the policy was a forward step for the IFC. He expects a positive impact on students' academic success, and community members will be pleased with it as well, he said.
"I'm pleased that the IFC is making serious efforts to have an impact on the culture," he said. "I wonder if they shouldn't even curtail Thursday parties."
But, he said, progress is made one step at a time.
"I think they should model good entertainment without alcohol -- it's not essential," Rosenberger said. "I'm a firm believer in moderation."
Student leaders also said they were pleased with the policy. IFC president-elect Max Wendkos -- voted in Tuesday night -- said the policy has the "right idea."
"Obviously, decreasing liability is always a positive, but greeks like their way of life," he said.
University Park Undergraduate Association President Gavin Keirans said the new policy would help redirect the community's focus to greek philanthropy and reduce issues related with partying and excessive drinking.
"I think this is a great first step," said Keirans, adding the policy can create conversations for further change among the greek and Penn State communities as a whole.
Collegian Staff Writer Caitlin Sellers contributed to this report.
