On March 6, the Senate recognized the Greek Awareness Council on the condition that the GAC amend its constitution to allow students who are not members of Greek life to vote in the GAC by a vote of 15 in favor and one abstention.The GAC is composed of "students of Brandeis University" who "desire to foster the intellectual, cultural, moral and social advancement of [their] peers, to deal with issues and concerns relating to the Greek system, and to serve as a liaison between the Greek system and the Brandeis community," according to the GAC constitution.

The organizations that are members of the GAC are Alpha Epsilon Pi, Zeta Beta Tau, Phi Kappa Psi, Sigma Alpha Mu, Alpha Delta Phi, Sigma Delta Tau, Delta Phi Epsilon and Kappa Beta Gamma.

Co-president of the GAC and member of Delta Phi Epsilon Leah Finkelman '13 said that she would approach the GAC about the constitutional amendment. If an amendment is approved by the GAC, the revised constitution would be submitted to the Club Support Committee for approval. The CSC is chaired by Senator for North Quad Shekeyla Caldwell '14 and Senator for Rosenthal Quad Elizabeth Fields '13.

The GAC had been recognized by the Student Union as the Greek Life Council in 2003, and the Senate rescinded its recognition last semester because the GLC failed to sign a non-hazing agreement said Finkelman.

Executive Senator Abraham Berin '11 voiced concern that the GAC may be a "roundabout way for fraternities or sororities to get on campus" and gain access to Brandeis facilities. Berin added that the Student Rights and Responsibilities handbook states-by a vote of the Board of Trustees-"social fraternities and sororities, in particular, are neither recognized nor permitted to hold activities on campus or use University facilities."

A speakers list was formed. Caldwell, Senator for the Class of 2014 Mitchell Schwartz, Senator for the Class of 2012 Liya Kahan and Senator for Ridgewood Quad Lisa Melmed '12 spoke in favor of recognizing the GAC as it was presented to the Senate.

Schwartz is a member of Phi Kappa Psi and Kahan is a member of Sigma Delta Tau, according to each group's rosters.

Berin and Senator for East Quad Andrew Hayes '13 spoke neither in favor of nor against recognition of the GAC. Hayes suggested that the GAC allow non-Greek members to vote as part of the GAC and Berin agreed.

Union Vice President Shirel Guez '12 added that the GAC is "probably one of the best resources on campus in terms of reaching out to the Greek life and Greek community."

The Senate also unanimously approved a Senate Money Resolution that allocated $142 for a Transitional Year Program Inspirational Night, an event to honor the TYP senior class and showcase the talents of other TYP students, which will be held on March 15.

As of March 6, the Senate has $11,887 remaining in its budget.


-Andrew Wingens