University of Michigan - Michiganensian Yearbook (Ann Arbor, MI)

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tf MMIMMI) Struggling to hold their ground, the Delta Kappa Epsilon tug-of-war team partici- pates in one of the many Greek Week activi- ties. For students who chose to join the Greek system, it provided an opportunity for members of different fraternities and sororities to join forces in an effort to raise money for philanthropies. Joshu i Greenberg To Be or Not to Be Greek? - 4 1

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arah Smucker O itting around their kitchen table, three students who chose not to be part of the Greek system enjoy a con versation in their apartment. On reason students chose not to go Gree was because they felt the systen would not allow them to havefriendi outside of the system. Greek story by Tracy 31W People question the purpose of the Greek system and the integrity of the people who are involved in it, and admit- tedly, I did the same before I became a member. It is easy to do. At face value, the Greek system appears to be an organization which charges its members money to obtain friendships and a party schedule; however if this were the case, the concept of fraternities and sororities would have been eliminated long ago. Yes, the social life is an enhancing factor, but there are other factors that make the system popular. Events like Greek Week display what the Greek system represents. During Greek Week, the system bands together to achieve the goals of a large scale community service and philanthropy project. In 1 996, we were able to raise over $3,000 for organizations that benefit children, such as the Make-a-Wish Foundation. What other organization gives me the chance to dive into a full vat of green Jello searching for golf balls with people cheering me on, while I raising money for a valuable cause? I admit there is a negative connotation which has been unjustly attached to the Greek system. It is not a system solely dedicated to partying. It is a system that participates in activities that raise money for needy causes, promotes service, and is a great deal of fun. It is an organization that allows people to become leaders, encourages activism in a variety of other organizations, and is composed of diverse individuals. The Greek system has allowed me to express my pride not only as a member of the system, but as a student as well. I have been and am a member of a number of other organizations, and none of them offer all of these things to me. The Greek system is unique, and I am proud to be affiliated. Joining a sorority was one of the best decisions I made during my college career. + 40 4 To Be or Not to Be Greek? story by Chip Petersn For five days of my life I thought I wanted to be member of the Greek system. My first two weeks as a student at the University I made very few new friends. Many of my, friends here I knew from high school, and we all stuck together But I wasn ' t meeting new people, and I felt like I was missing out on a part of college life. I thought the Greek system woulc give me an opportunity to meet new people as well as help me find my place in the large crowd of first-year students. The concept of Rush made me nervous. I did not understand how the fraternities decided who they wanted tc extend a bid to after only knowing a person for five days. The first four nights of Rush were better than I expected. I ate gooc food and really liked the guys I met. I thought I was going tc be given a bid. It was on the night of the rushee dinner that realized that the Greek system was not for me. Eight guys we invited to the dinner; seven were to be given a bid. Just befon dinner I was told that I would have to stand up and tell a joke I have never been one to tell jokes, especially in a room of 7 guys. When I thought about joining the Greek system, it wa; to give me a way to make more friends. Yet, as my first ye progressed, I met more people both in my dorm and in m; classes. I have spent most of my college days with these people If I had joined a fraternity I would have never met the peopl that I did. The Greek system may very well be ideal for som people, but I know that I will forever cherish the friendships tha I have made on my own more so than I ever would have, ha I made the mistake of letting someone else tell me who m; friends would be based upon my ability to tell a funny joke. j iayut by Banna Cartwrighl

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is research beneficial J. photo eour!i y of Daivn Hubhard I unior LSA student Rakhi Shah, a par id pant in the Undergraduate Research Op portunities Program (UROP), conducts re search. Students had many opportunities tt participate in research. Manv students he lieved that research was an essential coin portent to their education. t ur educati story by Enraia Cartwright Known for being one of the top five research facilities in the nation, the University is dedicated to carrying out research. Every professor should be conducting research. Not only does research lead to advances in society, but it also brings money to the University in the form of government grants and funding. While some claim that the research aspect of the University detracts from their learning, my experience with research taught me more than any other classroom experience. As a first-year student, I was involved in the Under- graduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP). I joined a group that was researching the effects of domestic violence on children. Not only did I gain valuable experience in data entry, personal interviews, and analysis, but I learned about the intense work and preparation that must be put into a research project. Through my field work I was introduced to research concepts and the mechanics of a research project. I am not the only student on this campus who has benefited from actively participating in a research project. There were 1 3 other assis- tants in my group and over 435 projects which required assis- tance. Fellow research assistant and psychology major Natalie Belvins said, It was one of the best research experiences I have ever had. Not only did I conduct interviews, but I was aware of the results our research was finding; I knew what was going on in every area of the project. Without research, the University would deprive stu- dents of valuable opportunities and society of valuable discov- eries. Some students feel research is overemphasized at the University, but these are not the students who are taking advantage of the opportunities available to them. 42 Research vs. Teaching stry by Celina Criss So here we are, 23,163 undergraduate students at the University of Michigan. Our purpose is the pursuit of ahighei education. Considering that most professors at the University are involved in personal research, do we really receive the education we pay for. work for. and deserve? We certainly cannot dispute the many incredible dis- coveries made here. For example, in 1996 the medical school announced the development of a new prosthetic knee. Ap- proximately 93% of the medical center was dedicated to this research but, what other useful studies came out of all this dedication? Despite the benefits of research, the quality of educa tion the students received was at stake. Many professors involved in research aren ' t even working on anything useful tc society but instead are researching just for the sake of research ing! said LSA sophomore Jonathan Kalbfeld, a student frus trated by the inattention of his preoccupied professors. The University ' s Mission Statement clearly outlined an emphasis on research, teaching, and service. Our faculty is expected to juggle these three substantial responsibilities in order to advance their career; it ' s not surprising that many excellent academics burn out. If a professor ' s time is consumed by the demands of research, it means less time for students, fewer office hours, and lack of interest in the class itself. Thus, research is more detrimental to students than it is helpful. We cannot afford situations like this. It is not fair to us. the students, to our parents, or even to our future employers. We are paying for a world-class education, only to be slighted! by theresearch that reigns over the University. layout by Emma Cartwright