Page 1 - Tau Kappa Epsilon - USC - Spring 2018

Beta-Sigma TKE

Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity | University of Southern California | Spring 2018
Alumni Relations Office | 531 Main Street #902, El Segundo, CA 90245 | www.tkeusc.org

Fraternity,

Disrupted

by David Bohline, Beta-Sigma Board of Trustees

ike most of us, I joined TKE in the fall decision. Students will need to complete at least dysfunctional. This past year, there have been far too
semester of my freshman year, rushing just 12 units at USC before they can rush a fraternity or many tragic stories of fraternity hazing and alcohol
La week or two after arriving on campus. sorority. It’s called deferred rush and we are told by abuse across the country. And these are serious matters
I didn’t really know anyone, had no idea how to the USC administration that it is the cure for what that need to be addressed. USC and the Trojan Greek
choose a fraternity, and made a quick choice without troubles the Greek system. I’m not so sure. system have done an excellent job collaborating on
much thought. And I have never regretted it. policies, enforcement, and education that has made
In a statement to the USC Community, Dr. Ainsley
But starting next fall, freshmen will no longer have Carry, VP for Student Affairs said, “This [freshman a real difference. But how does deferring rush solve
the opportunity to make such a happy-go-lucky year] is the toughest year of the transition to these issues? I don’t think it does.
college life as students experience the most social Like it or not, deferred rush is the new reality for
In This Issue: and academic challenges.” And he concluded, “… fraternities and sororities at USC. How is TKE going
the benefit of allowing new students one semester
to be affected by this new policy change? With more
Fraternity, Disrupted .......................................1 to acclimate to USC academics and social life far than 180 members and a long line of young men who
From the Prytanis .............................................2 outweigh the benefits of not making this policy want to join, we are fortunately positioned to do just
Philanthropy ......................................................2 change.” I respectfully disagree. fine. But I am afraid that won’t be true for every
fraternity and sorority. The impact of deferred rush
Executive Officers .............................................2 Dr. Carry is right, the freshman year is the toughest year will be denying and delaying the Greek experience
Athletics ..............................................................3 at college. It is filled with uncertainty, loneliness, and for incoming students and severely financially
Leadership .........................................................3 a sudden loss of support networks—like family and straining about half of the Greek system.
2018 USC Football ............................................3 high school friends. And that’s why joining a fraternity,
Brotherhood ......................................................4 especially in the first few weeks of school, can make a I like to look at the bright side. Maybe disruption will
Spring Pledge Class ..........................................4 profoundly positive impact on a young man’s life. The lead to innovation and real problem solving. Maybe
Social ...................................................................5 fraternity is community. The fraternity is support. The problem solving will lead to a policy reversal. One
Heard from the Bond .......................................6 fraternity is family. At least it should be. thing I know for sure. TKE is up to the challenge.
Alumni BBQ & Open House ..........................6 Unfortunately, like some families, a fraternity can be