Many changes have been made to Creighton’s Fraternity & Sorority Life (FSL) due to the recent departure of Margaret Zimmer, the previous Assistant Director for FSL on Oct. 10.  

Zimmer had served the FSL community for eight years, notably bringing Dance Marathon to Creighton.  The University declined to comment on her reason for departure.

Zimmer’s departure resulted in complete restructuring of the advisor positions.  

According to Katie Kelsey, Director of the Student Leadership & Involvement Center (SLIC) and also, now, Director for FSL, back in March of this year, a document was shared by the NASPA (Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education) which “provided FSL advisors and universities with the best practices for fraternity and sorority life.”  

This document suggested that a university should have one professional staff member for every 1000 students.

“In looking at our community of 1700+ students at our largest, we would need two staff members to provide the recommended advisement and support to the community,” Kelsey said.  “The SLIC would like to share that we are hoping to be able to hire for two positions: Assistant Director for Sorority Life and Leadership Development (Emerging Leaders Program, EQV, Wareham, and Ignatian Student Leadership Training) and the Assistant Director for Fraternity Life and Leadership Programs (Freshman Leadership Program, CliftonStrengths for Students and retreats).”

Kelsey said that this should allow more attention and time devoted to the students in the FSL community.

They are currently seeking applications for assistant director for fraternity life and leadership programs and the assistant director for sorority life and leadership development is undergoing the process of approval.

“Our hope is to hire, as soon as possible, individuals who are committed to student development, our mission and passionate about FSL and leadership,” Kelsey said.

Kelsey also said that the SLIC and Division of Student Life are working together to ensure all fraternities and sororities are meeting with professional staff members for the time being.  

“Chapter presidents are already meeting with Ms. Molly Salisbury, Interfraternity council (IFC) is meeting with me and the Panhellenic Council is meeting with Ms. Emma Rapp,” Kelsey said.  “Mr. Curtis Taylor is continuing to work with our Culturally Based Fraternal Organizations.”

Mabeth Diaz, Heider College of Business junior and former president of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity, said that the presidents weren’t informed of any reason behind her departure.

“All the fraternity and sorority presidents had a meeting after fall break but they couldn’t disclose any information,” Diaz said.  “We were just told we have to wait and be supportive.”

Diaz said that he is excited for the future of FSL and whoever ends up taking the new positions.

“Presidents will get to vote on the new candidates, which is huge,” he said.  “I’m glad the presidents will have more of a say in the new system than they used to.”

According to Diaz, a new checks and balances system will be implemented to hold everyone accountable.

He also believes that the IFC constitution has a lot of room for improvement.  He would like to see more structure and policies in place to avoid unnecessary and unwarranted punishments that he believes occurred under the previous administration.

“It’s changing a lot and we have high hopes in the future with the new administration,” Diaz said.