TTU Greek Life Moving To Online Events

Tennessee Tech’s Greek Life will look different this year with events moving to virtual.

The Welcome Back Cookout and the first night of sorority recruitment are the first two changing formats. Dean of Students Katherine Williams said there are likely more to follow in the future.

“Safety is our number one priority,” Williams said. “Obviously, we want to give our Greek organization the latitude to be able to complete their objectives. We have Greek organizations for a reason. They are a wonderful addition to our campus.”

Williams said Greek organizations must submit a COVID plan for any on or off campus event. A representative of Tech’s Interfraternity Council Executive Board will be present for any off campus event to ensure guidelines are followed.

“The IFC is the governing body specifically for fraternities, and there is about eight members of that executive board,” Williams said. “During recruitment in particular, those are the people that would go around to make sure all the other requirements of recruitment are met, so that will be an added responsibility on them.”

Williams said each plan must follow social distancing, require face coverings, be outside if possible, increase signage of health practices and have hand sanitizer. Tech can not require any guidelines in fraternity houses, since they are located off campus. Williams said the university has sent each house documents of best practices and encourage safe practices. But, the house corporation will be responsible.

“We have been communicating back and fourth with student organizations to help educate on the requirements and why they need to do the things they need to do until we reach an agreement for the safest option for their event,” Williams said.

Williams said events will not be cancelled but just moved online. Student affairs recommend that Greek organizations look to hold events virtually before exploring in person options.