Vice President of Student Life Dr. Bill Schafer has been invited to participate in the National Association of Student Personnel Administration Summit on Greek Life in Washington, D.C. set for Nov. 2.

Sponsored by NASPA, the invitation-only event will bring together experts from across the nation who have developed positive strategies for Greek Life communities on their campus. The summit will focus on core issues and strategies necessary to address the challenges facing Greek Life on college campuses today.

“I was very pleased to accept an invitation from the president of our national Student Affairs professional organization to participate in this important and timely summit to discuss developing positive and model strategies for Greek Life on our campuses nationally,” Schafer said.

Topics include strategies to increase the role of fraternities and sororities in reducing sexual assault and gender-based violence on campus, identifying evidence-based practices for reducing harm-related alcohol usage in Greek houses and among Greek students, strategies to improve collaboration between campus Greek systems and the national leadership of fraternities and sororities, effective member-intake processes and strategies to reduce hazing, and the status of historically Black Greek organizations and the expansion of new organizations that focus on other historically under-represented students.

“I believe we are making significant progress at WVU with our recent strategic initiatives and I look forward to sharing them with my colleagues from across the country,” Schafer said. “This summit will also enable WVU to be at the table and on the leading edge of the national discussion about Greek Life. “

From his first steps on campus in March 2015, Schafer has outlined his initiatives in moving WVU Greek Life forward in a more positive direction. Initiatives include shifting the Greek recruitment timeline; hiring an associate dean of Greek life, a new position created by Schafer to produce greater oversight of initiatives that will foster a safe and secure environment; and hosting a Greek Alumni Roundtable and Greek Leadership retreat to be held once a year to unite the Greek community and to discuss leadership and developing a model Greek community.

NASPA is the leading association for the advancement, health and sustainability of the student affairs profession, providing assistance to senior student affairs administrators and professionals in enhancing student learning and development.

-WVU-

ta/10/26/15

CONTACT: Sabrina Cave, Division of Student Life
Sabrina.cave@mail.wvu.edu; 304.293.2506

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