At UNT, where more than 5 percent of undergraduates are members of the school's 30 Greek organizations, memberships levels are the highest they have been in years, Coy said. For Theta Chi, the gains are probably because of the groups' pledge to have alcohol- free houses by 2003, Westol said. Grades are up. The move toward alcohol- free houses is one of the ways that fraternities are trying to clean up their acts. Others are taking a more holistic approach to their members, with education and personal development opportunities emphasized throughout the students' college careers.
Students say they know that they are a part of something different.
They say they are eager for the day when members agree with and live by higher ideals. Negative news coverage of these issues is pervasive and may serve to reinforce exaggerated misperceptions of actual substance use norms. Our awareness of this news coverage should strengthen our resolve not only to address AOD problems on campus, but also to advocate for news coverage that draws public attention to the responsible majority of college students. No official support or endorsement by the U.S. Department of Education is intended or should be inferred.