The Interfraternity Council began official events for fall recruitment last night and will continue events until Friday night, concluding with pinning ceremonies held by each of the 15 fraternities represented in the IFC.
IFC recruitment chair Cory Isom said the most important thing for students to remember when considering a fraternity is to look towards the future.
"Think about where you see yourself years from now," Isom said. "Find the chapter you like the most and that will be an asset to you, and you will be an asset to them as well."
IFC spent last week advertising and informing men about the various fraternities at locations, including the scramble light, the Atrium and LaFollette Field.
Isom said they are working hard to "debunk the myth of Greek life."
"It's our job to educate the new members about recruitment and fraternity life," he said. "It's important for possible recruits to ask us questions about anything."
Sunday night, chapter events began at individual houses. New recruits are given the opportunity to visit each of the houses until Wednesday evening.
"We try to create a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere so the men can get a feel for the house and the other members," Isom said. "We want those nights to be very social."
During the four nights of chapter events, the houses will be the site of various social events where recruits will be given the opportunity to build friendships among the brothers and new members.
In the past, several fraternities have sponsored wrestling, paintball, formal dinners and inspirational alumni lectures as ways for recruits to get involved.
IFC President Tony Bilotto said he remembers when he was a new recruit, questioning his membership to a greek organization.
"When I was a freshman, I didn't want to rush," said Bilotto, now a senior. "I was afraid and had lots of questions. The thing that did it for me was the history and tradition of the fraternities."
Bilotto said in an attempt to break the stereotype of fraternities, all freshman recruits are required to have a 2.5 GPA. After this semester and the fulfillment of 12 hours of classes, recruits' GPAs can be no lower than a 2.4.
Bilotto said more leaders are born out of the greek system than any other organization on campus.
"Being in a fraternity has huge benefits," he said. "I've been to conferences all over the country; networking is huge."
Bilotto said more fraternity men are now active as chapter alumni.
"If I'm coming back after ten years, I'm coming back to the house, and the memories," he said. "It's a pride thing. I'll always stay involved."
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