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Frequently Asked Questions
Report from the Fraternity & Sorority Life External Review Team

Who was on the review team?

UW–Madison hired five national experts to conduct the review. Together, they brought with them specific knowledge of all four councils represented at UW–Madison: Interfraternity Council, Multicultural Greek Council, National Pan-Hellenic Council, and Panhellenic Association. View their bios here.

How did they conduct the review?

The review team studied documents, policies and reports and reviewed comments submitted through the external review website. During a four-day campus visit in the spring of 2019, the reviewers held 20 sessions with individual stakeholder groups, including staff members, students, alumni and chapter advisors. More than 200 individuals provided direct feedback during these meetings.

What does the team’s report say?

The reviewers found widespread gratitude among fraternity and sorority members for their chapter experiences, as well as a willingness among all campus partners to consider changes that would further improve sorority and fraternity life at UW–Madison. They cited numerous areas that could be strengthened, broadly encouraging the university and the fraternity and sorority community to undertake measures to would build mutual trust, increase transparency at all levels, ensure accountability from all parties, and improve the safety of the Langdon Street area, where most chapter houses are located. The team offered more than 40 recommendations to help achieve these goals, grouped into six categories: accountability; diversity and inclusion; institutional relationship; membership experience; resources and support; and student safety.

What happens next?

The focus now shifts to the joint efforts of the university, students, alumni, and community members to provide a substantive response to the team’s recommendations. The Fraternity and Sorority Life staff in the Center for Leadership & Involvement reviewed the report and generated a set of priorities to address many of the concerns and recommendations. These priorities, which build on past conversations and joint efforts with fraternities and sororities, will be shared widely with various constituencies, including council leaders, chapter presidents and chapter advisors. These feedback sessions will be held during the 2019 fall semester. By spring 2020, specific mileposts or detailed plans are expected.

How can I be involved?

Once the priorities have been discussed by the fraternity and sorority community, the university will create and share a full implementation plan, including additional opportunities for involvement from various stakeholder groups. Opportunities to join these efforts will be in the months ahead on the Fraternity and Sorority Life website.