When most people think of the greek system, one of two ideas come to mind. Either binge drinking, hazing and incessant partying or respectable leaders preparing for the future.

More often the not, the former idea is the most prominent.

With the turmoil currently surrounding Northern Illinois University, the greek system has once again been thrust into the spotlight.

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Also still on the minds of many are the drinking deaths involving fraternities at Louisiana State University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Universities such as SIUC, Villanova, Southern Florida College and the University of Northern Colorado have adopted the Select 2000 initiative as a method to try and change the image of the greek system.

More and more universities and colleges are cracking down on fraternities and sororities, trying to turn the system back toward education and leadership and away from partying and alcohol.

Greeks at SIUC have adamantly opposed Select 2000. Select 2000 is a good idea, but the way it was implemented at SIUC was questionable. SIUC did not give greek members an opportunity to vote on the initiative, fearing they would have to implement a policy against the students’ wishes.

The University also decided to make all Greek houses alcohol-free this fall, not the year 2000.

Underneath such arguments lies a deeper debate concerning the greek system.

Members of the greek system consider themselves to be educated leaders, people who are part of an exclusive life, full of potential and headed for future greatness.

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But perceptions of greeks have changed. People now look down on fraternities and sororities as social clubs where people get drunk and stupid on a regular basis.

As an more and more people begin to criticize the greek system, it should indicate a definite need for change.

Ideas like the Select 2000 initiative are designed to improve the image of the greek system by improving grades, community service and substance-free chapter houses. Such programs could only help improve the standing of greeks with the rest of the community.

While improving standards, greek leaders can improve relations with university administrations. People who act responsibly will be taken more seriously than those who fail to prepare for meetings like the SIUC greek leaders given three weeks to prepare information about Select 2000 but had to ask for another week because they were unprepared.

Greeks consider themselves part of an exclusive club and should live up to standards that make a club exclusive. If greeks want to be considered leaders, they should lead by example.