MTV is putting on its toga and heading to UB.
The cable television network responsible for series such as 'The Real World" and "The Osbournes" is hoping to film its latest incarnation of reality shows, "Sorority Life" - and its fraternity-based counterpart - at UB this semester.
While no formal announcement has been made concerning the show's involvement with UB or any university-affiliated student organization, one is expected to come as early as next week, said Arlene Shell, an MTV spokesperson.
"We don't have a signed agreement yet," said Shell. "Hopefully, we'll have some information next week.
Until an official announcement is made, MTV officials remain tight-lipped regarding which sorority and fraternity they are interested in filming.
In addition, UB officials are reluctant to reveal information about the show while an agreement is still in the works.
"Whatever agreements are made run between MTV and the student organizations," said Dennis Black, vice president of student affairs. "UB hasn't had a chance to vote yes or no."
MTV is currently airing the first season of "Sorority Life," featuring Sigma Alpha Epsilon Pi, a sorority from the University of California Davis.
Since academics are not featured as much as the students' social lives, Black said he does not expect much filming to be done on campus.
However, MTV's portrayal of the university has some students concerned.
"If (the show filmed at UB) is like the show that is on now, it will reflect poorly on UB," said Liz Lyboult, a freshman pharmacy major. "The girls (on the current show) are really superficial, and they kind of turned me off of sororities."
Black, on the other hand, said he is taking a "wait and see" approach to the opportunity.
"I don't know who it will be about, where it will be about, or what it will be about," he said. "I think we'll all be interested in seeing what it is and what it will say about our university."
Jason Williams, a freshman exercise science major, said he has watched "Sorority Life" and regards it as little more than a joke. While it may potentially damage the reputations of the sorority and fraternity being filmed, he felt UB, as an institution, would remain unscathed.
Black said he expects the show to finish airing in June of 2003 and is interested in seeing the results.
"Generally, I am proud of our students," he said. "I hope I continue to be after the 13th episode airs in June."
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
