Tuesday night the Interfraternity Council  announced its Chapters of Excellence for the 2009-2010 academic year. Sigma Nu, Tau Phi Delta, Theta Chi, Theta Delta Chi, and Tau Kappa Epsilon were named Chapters of Excellence based on their achievements in alumni relations, educational programming and community service, IFC President Max Wendkos told the Collegian.

When it is named a Chapter of Excellence, a fraternity receives a 30 percent discount on IFC dues and their national headquarters are notified of their achievement. In addition, those five chapters are allowed to have Wednesday night socials for the 2010-2011 academic year. The IFC claims that the possibility of more socials will increase incentive for chapters to excel.

Former IFC President Luke Pierce voiced his concern on his Twitter account yesterday stating that he is “very disappointed in @pennstateifc for the use of alcohol as a carrot. If this is an omen of things to come, I’m very worried.”

I agree with Luke in that I feel as though this sets a dangerous precedent. The Greek community at Penn State is facing a tremendous amount of negative reactions to their social habits, both from the University and the State College community. This is a time when members of the Greek community should be coming together to prove that their organizations aren’t just about getting drunk 4-5 times a week. (Note: I am not of that opinion.) The Greek community is a tremendous resource for Penn State, but at a time where several of the most prominent chapters at the University have been placed on suspension and expelled, IFC should be focused on combating negative press, not increasing the number of social nights for chapters.