By: Carsyn Cann
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark.- Many organizations at the University of Arkansas have been affected by the on-going pandemic.
The biggest of those organizations are the sororities and fraternities that make up Greek life. Participation in Greek life at the U of A is among the highest in the region with 31% of students on campus being a member of a Greek-lettered organization.
Preventing COVID-19 requires specific strategies when addressing on-campus living settings, extracurricular activities, and social gatherings.
With over 8,000 students involved, the sororities and fraternities on campus have had to adjust to the new rules and regulations put in place in response to the pandemic.
President of University of Arkansas Panhellenic Council Amanda McQuitty said that all chapter facilities follow university and CDC guidelines in regards to COVID-19.
“Social distancing and face coverings are required at all times by members in common areas,” said McQuitty. “Compliance with the health and safety rules has, and will always be our highest priority to keep our members and our community safe.”
While these rules have been put in place, social gatherings in these organizations are still taking place.
A report from the CDC found that 91% of social gatherings in the fall semester at the University of Arkansas were associated with sorority and fraternity activities.
Mira Cary, a former member of the Kappa Delta sorority at the U of A, said that these gatherings were a large part of her decision to leave the sorority.
“I don’t understand how bid day even happened,” said Cary. “I’m glad that they did an all-virtual recruitment but that does not excuse them having thousands of people in the streets.”
During the week of August 22nd through September 5th, the week after sorority recruitment took place, a total number of 965 confirmed and probable coronavirus cases associated with the university were reported to the Arkansas Department of Health. 31% of these patients reported involvement with sorority and fraternity activities.
In response to the increasing number of COVID-19 cases, the university decided to place a ban on gatherings of over 10 people. This new rule required fraternities to hold their bid day virtually.
Cary said that even though there are guidelines in place, many members do not follow them.
“My favorite is when girls have to post with their masks on, but then a couple weeks later they post a their ‘mask off’ photos,” said Cary. “They try to make it seem like they care, but they really don’t.”
While social gatherings are still happening, many have done so in a smaller groups. Many of the sororities and fraternities on campus have withheld from having functions and other large events in order to follow guidelines.
U of A Greek Life chapters are expected to continue following the safety protocols put in place by the university.