Large, colorful benches decorated with Greek letters are among the most visible signs of fraternity and social life at Duke, but they are no longer visible to students and visitors walking down the Main West Quadrangle.
Instead, the dormitories are now home exclusively to independent students, mostly enthusiastic about their central location on the "independent corridor." Part of the new upperclass residential plan, the change was made this summer by moving all selective houses to side quads.
Scott Davis, a junior and former member of Phi Kappa Psi fraternity, said he felt he "lucked out" with his single room in Few Quadrangle.
"It's nice to be able to live on Main West," he said. "I was worried I would have to live in Trent."
Trent Drive Hall, located on North Campus, was previously the home for over 300 mostly sophomore students, all of whom are now housed on West Campus per the new upperclass residential life system.
Leah McNally, an independent sophomore, said she is relieved to find herself on Main West as well, though she expressed some worries about housing in the future. "They will just throw us in Trent next year," she said.
Both fraternity members and independent students believe the change will not significantly affect the campus party scene. Fraternity parties this semester will predictably shift to West Campus' perimeter where fraternities are now located.
"People are still drawn to alcohol," said Matt Gillum, an independent sophomore. He added that the party scene at the University is a "beast that could benefit from some evolution."
Mike Waltman, a sophomore in Sigma Nu who is currently living in Kilgo Quadrangle, said he is willing to give up his Main West housing if it allows his fraternity to conduct themselves as they see fit.
"If we have to move off Main West to be able to do our own thing, it's fine," Waltman said.
Nonetheless, more greek activity is increasingly taking place off-campus.
"Alcohol continues to be a social lubricant, and parties will continue to evolve off campus," Larry Moneta, vice president for student affairs, wrote in an e-mail. "I also hope we'll see a maturing nightlife scene in the local Durham area to help offset the private house parties, which utilize large volume dispensers," such as kegs.
Students, however, have criticized administrative actions--such as strengthening the alcohol policy, tighter party restrictions and the residential life plan itself--for pushing parties off-campus.
"There's something to be said with the parties on campus," Davis said. "It's just safer with drinking and driving. When the Hideaway was still here, we used to do our drinking there and could just stumble on home."
The Hideaway on West Campus, a long-time student-run bar, shut its doors in summer 2001 after administrative pressure and embezzlement incidents.
Moneta said the fraternities' relocation is not the only factor to impact campus life this year. Sophomores residing on West, the opening of the West-Edens Link and McClendon Tower and the emerging Quad communities will largely influence residential experiences for every student.
Tegwin Millard, residence coordinator for Few Quad, said she does not know much yet about the party scene at Duke. She hopes to talk with students to learn more about greek organizations.
"I want to cultivate a sense of community in the quad," Millard said. "I would like to see the frats interact with non-greeks."
Millard said she looks forward to meeting both fraternity members and independent students and voicing their concerns and opinions to the administration.
"The only way to get s--t done is to build good relationships," she said. "I will take the time to be trusted by all parties."
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