DSG approves fund to help pay greek dues

One-fourth of greek males at Duke are on financial aid, according to a Duke Student Government resolution. But that makeup may soon change.

DSG Senate passed a resolution supporting the creation of a financial aid fund for greek dues at its meeting Wednesday night. If implemented, the fund would allow students on financial aid—who often cannot afford greek dues—to join greek organizations.

The greek system is “stratified financially and divided racially because of a disparity in income on this campus,” said senior Steven McAlpine, a student affairs senator who presented the resolution. 

McAlpine said he hopes to form a joint committee between DSG and the Interfraternity Council to determine the exact logistics of the initiative. McAlpine said he ultimately hopes that a Web site called “Greek Connect” will allow each greek organization to market to alumni and parents for donations.

“We are making it easier for greek organizations to target their alumni by creating a system and making it very easy,” McAlpine said. “It can be a unifying force, and it could do a better job rather than making each greek group do it on their own.”

McAlpine noted that this “massive endeavor” would take a couple years to complete, adding that he hopes it eventually applies to selective living groups and clubs. McAlpine said he thinks the administration is supportive of his idea, noting that Alison Rabil, assistant vice provost and director of Financial Aid, is excited about the initiative.

Financial Aid would oversee all students using the fund, McAlpine said. But the exact way in which the funds will be distributed to various chapters has not been determined, he added.

“Once we see how donations come in, we can figure out information about allocations,” he said.