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Many students within the Greek community devote extensive portions of time and energy to their sororities and fraternities. But those who serve as presidents of these organizations take devotion to an entirely new level. To find out what truely is required to manage a Greek organization, I spoke with the president of my chapter, Kirsten Lee, about her daily life since taking over as president of Gamma Phi Beta.
While many students spend Sundays sleeping off the effects of a crazy weekend in Athens, Kirsten begins her morning by contacting the six other members of the executive council beneath her and chooses a time to meet with the council that day. The meeting, which Kirsten runs, lasts about an hour-and-a-half, and she discusses with each exec member the progress they are making within their departments as well as any other sorority business. Later, Kirsten holds “office hours” during which any member of the sorority can come and speak with her about anything they deem necessary.
If you think your e-mail inbox is full, Kirsten said she receives between 80 and 100 e-mails per day regarding the sorority, with the number being highest on Monday. When Monday arrives, her phone rings throughout the day with individuals calling who wish to speak at that night’s chapter meeting. She must field these calls and decide which visitors will benefit the chapter the most without wasting anyone’s time. Because she is in charge of running Monday night’s chapter meeting, Kirsten then must plan any announcements and readings for the evening. Chapter will lasts about and hour and a half, and she said there always is someone who needs to meet with her afterward.
Tuesday brings the required Panhellenic Council meetings where all sorority presidents meet to collaborate and discuss all Greek issues. Every few months, Kirsten said there is a meeting with all Greek leaders, including those from the Interfraternity Council and the Multicultural Greek Council.
Wednesday always brings an extra meeting or event related to sorority life. Greek philanthropies often are held on this night, which she makes every effort to participate in or attend. In the spring, the Executive Board for Recruitment meets on Wednesday to plan rush.
Thurday nights are known for being social nights in Athens, but as a sorority president Kirsten has more responsibility than most. She must work the door of the event to make sure everyone checks in and is in good standing to attend the event and also must be present in event something were to go wrong.
By Friday, Kirsten said she is ready to relax and escape the e-mail, phone calls and frenzied meetings and knows that Saturday most likely will bring even more sorority-related activities. Parents weekends, philanthropies, date nights, retreats, alumnae meetings, etc. dominate most weekends of a sorority president.
On top of all of these committments, Kirsen constantly is on call to deal with any issues that arise between sisters and and any sister who is facing membership issues. And as a senior, Kirsten must still resides in the sorority house on Milledge Avenue, giving up some of the freedoms of apartment living. When asked what the hardest part was, she said, “the personal sacrifice of time in college. At any given point in time, the sorority has to be your ultimate priority.”
But in spite of the stresses that come with the job, Kirsten said,” I’ve absolutely loved it … you get what you put into it, and since you put so much in, you really do get so much out of it. You know everyone and everything. Since you’re so devoted, you become so proud of your organization.”
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you know, greek life exists outside the confines of milledge avenue as well… you never talk about mgc or nphc
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