Program Adviser Brandon Lenore, who headed the session, started by mentioning the recent incident involving shots fired after an on-campus party.

Lenore told the group that this incident and others like it would have to stop if the Greeks want to continue having parties on campus.

NIU University Police Chief John Pickens also spoke at the meeting, saying that in the past, people have gotten out of control at parties where it became impossible to regain order. In some instances, individuals were injured or even killed, including members of the police force, Pickens said.

The speakers offered a couple of solutions to the problem of violence at parties.

First, Lenore said parties should be held in places that are meant to accommodate only a couple hundred people as opposed to the 1000-plus students and guests who have been known to pack the Office of Campus Recreation.

The speakers said with fewer people, there is a smaller chance of trouble.

The speakers also said a second solution would be for party attendees to help security in maintaining order at large parties.

They said if a student sees a potential problem, he or she should suggest to the possible perpetrator(s) that they reconsider their plans. When a problem does arise, Pickens said he encourages bystanders to move on instead of crowding around the scene.

"I just think that it's necessary to enlighten the students on what happened in the past and the possibilities of what can happen in the future," Lenore said. "Whether it's a Greek party or not, I want the community to be safe and enjoy the time they set out to have."

Bert Simpson, program coordinator of University Programming and Activities, said the discussion was helpful.

"We need to do more programs like this one. It's important for students and administrators to exchange points of view regarding important issues," Simpson said.

Junior sociology major Kameelah Walker said she agreed that there is a need for change.

"We all need to work together because if (we don't keep order), then there will be no parties," Walker said.