Editorial Rush or relent

Author: Editorial Board

The jolt of energy the new Febs usually bring still has not pulled Middlebury out of a social life slump that seemed to begin early last year. To be sure, the twin evils of a snowy St. Patrick's day and midterm exams have added to this current sentiment. But it seems that more students are lamenting the utter boredom of St. Patrick's day and not merely the cold.

Social Houses, the College's answer to the anachronistic frat scene of the early 1990s, have now been the sole provider of Middlebury's truly "college" parties for over a decade. This past week saw the release of the 2006 Report to the Community Council by the Council's Subcommittee on Social Houses, detailing the current state of the social house system. But in the wake of President of the College Ronald D. Liebowitz's decision to suspend Delta House, and news that KDR has been asked to consider a relocation, the report presented to the Community Council represents, at best, an uncertain future for the social house system.

Because Delta cannot apply for reinstatement until the fall, by which time any available housing will already be filled through room draw, in all likelihood the social house will not really be eligible for a new home until Fall 2008.

KDR is also in a tricky situation - the house has been unable to fill beds at its current 48 South Street residence, and has been asked to consider another location on campus.

Even Xenia, the lone sub-free social house, is facing its own challenges. The female-heavy organization is in violation of social house policies which require a relatively even gender balance in the house membership.

What the report really shows, however, is not shortcomings of the social houses, but a lack of support from students who seem too busy complaining about social life to try and actively shape it. Whether or not the social house system is ideal, it is what we have to work with. If students believe in the social houses, they need to start actively supporting them before they are gone.

For students who want to be heros, try rushing KDR before low membership forces them to move out of their historic home. For single men looking for ladies, there is no shortage of them waiting for you to rush Xenia. The housing snobs might check out Tavern, the only remaining social house with a classy Ridgeline home. There's The Mill for the artists and Delta for the athletes, though either will likely welcome whoever walks into their next event.

There will always be a gulf between what social options the College can offer through the Commons and what private students can offer from their dorm rooms. This social life gap is where the social houses are meant to offer creative, all-campus events. But the report this week on the current status of the social houses shows they need student involvement and support now more than ever to survive and prosper. Anyone who is criticizing the social house system should take the opportunity to fix it. We hope students will.