GW began training fraternity members who might preside on an Interfraternity Council hearing board September 1. The board will preside over alcohol-related cases involving fraternities.

This is the first stage of a two-part training session for fraternity members who may preside on an Interfraternity Council hearing board, which could be given jurisdiction over other types of cases later this academic year.

The board is a major factor in the adoption of IFC self-governance – an initiative taken by the council last spring.

The purpose of (self-governance) is to encourage social responsibility in the Greek community, Director of Greek Affairs Tracie Anzaldi said.

GW fraternities are responsible for abiding by IFC regulations and the University Code.

Following an initiative started at Texas A & M, GW fraternities that host parties in their houses must hire a security guard from an approved security agency.

At the end of the party, the guard must fill out a Post-Event Confirmation Form created by the IFC, which contains questions about possible alcohol violations, such as whether or not fraternity brothers checked IDs at the door and whether or not the fraternity provided the alcohol.

Only bring your own beer parties will be allowed, and those who are drinking must wear a wristband provided by the fraternity, according to the IFS regulations.

IFC President Jay Levin said GW fraternities, including Kappa Sigma, held two successful B.Y.O.B. parties last year.

Levin said the new policy will foster a safer party scene at GW.

I believe the regulations are helpful, Levin said. They are guidelines for people to protect them in their organizations.

Former IFC President Seth Greenberg introduced the new regulations, which were adopted by the council in April. Exactly when the policy will take effect has not been clarified, but Levin said the document is awaiting approval from Jan Mitchell Sherrill, associate dean of students, and should take effect within two weeks.

Student Judicial Services will determine whether the IFC hearing board is ready to handle other types of cases at the end of each semester, both Levin and Anzaldi said.

IFC hearing boards will consist of five fraternity members in chapters other than the chapter of the defendant, Anzaldi said.

All board members must have a 3.0 GPA and have no infractions on their judicial records.

The main difference between IFC and SJS hearings will be the absence of a formal prosecution. Instead, an advocate – IFC’s vice president of judicial affairs – will present evidence on behalf of the Greek community.