With 16 fraternities and sororities on campus, Greek Life is certainly a large part of the college experience here. These organizations are close to many students’ daily lives.

That’s why it was a shock to many to learn that, recently, there have been allegations against the UW-Milwaukee chapter of the Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE) fraternity, an organization that also has a presence at Oakland University.

There have been reported claims that students at parties hosted by the Milwaukee chapter were given alcoholic drinks that contained drugs that made them drowsy and incoherent. The chapter has been suspended by the national TKE fraternity while the investigation continues.

Some members of OU’s TKE branch feel like they have been affected by the national situation.

“I would be disappointed to learn that this is true, especially of ‘Teeks (nickname for TKE members),’” senior Gary Essenmacher said. “This is not acceptable behavior of students in Greek Life or any other organizations.”

Essenmacher has been in the fraternity for three years, and is hopeful that the claims are not true. It would be damaging for the organization as a whole.

Members here feel that nothing like that will happen on campus. OU’s Greek Life organizations are not allowed to serve alcohol at their events. Members of these organizations attest that there is nothing scary about these gatherings. They say that students that attend are only there to have a good time and connect with others.

“It gives you a second family and a complete support system throughout your college experience,” OU student Kathleen Peterson said. “It helps you through hard times, and celebrates achievements with you. The Greek community has so much to offer.”

As a member of the sorority Phi Sigma Sigma, Peterson has been involved with different functions through Greek Life. 

While there are beneficial opportunities that students can reap from joining a fraternity or sorority, they can also help support the local community through the organizations. Greek Life is one of the easiest ways in which students can get involved with helping the community through service projects and events.

The Greek Council meets every other Sunday at 2 p.m. For more information, email Greek Council president Victoria Franso at [email protected].