Penn State’s Greek Life Task Force met with IFC and Panhellenic leaders on Thursday to seek further insight into a number of issues. The task force has held biweekly meetings over the past four months to address things like fraternity and sorority governing councils and policies, community impact, external oversight, behavioral concerns, and best practices among peer institutions.

President Eric Barron established the task force following a series of scandals within the Greek community involving things like hazing and assaults. “This comprehensive examination of fraternity and sorority life and its culture will not be simple and it may not be comfortable,” he said when he announced the task force in March. “It will, however, be thorough and it will provide a blueprint for creating a stronger community that brings out the very best of what our fraternities and sororities can be.”

The task force established seven subcommittees, which it shared with Greek life leaders at the meeting. The areas of focus are: Accreditation, Assessment and Rewards; Community Relations; Drugs, Alcohol and Sexual Misconduct; Obtaining and Educating New Members; Ongoing Member Education; Oversight; and Policies and Enforcement.

The task force was officially established in September. It is chaired by Vice President of Student Affairs Damon Sims and includes 24 others members from the university and Greek communities.

“We are determined to develop purposeful recommendations that will have enduring positive value for both the fraternity and sorority community at Penn State and the many other constituencies affected by its large and highly visible presence,” Sims said in a press release after the meeting

The task force will offer recommendations on how to improve the fraternity and sorority experience at Penn State at the end of the semester.