For the first time since Fall 1998, Ball State University is adding a fraternity. This semester, Delta Sigma Phi fraternity joined the Interfraternity Council and will begin recruiting its first Ball State members.
Ben Breunig, Delta Sigma Phi director of expansion in Indianapolis, said the Ball State IFC contacted the chapter about two years ago to come to the university. He said the fraternity submitted a packet about programs it would offer to undergraduates, the community and alumni. About two years ago, Delta Sigma Phi representatives presented the information to the IFC and then waited for it to decide.
"Normally in this situation the IFC evaluates if they want to increase the greek system," Breunig said. "They then put together a committee whose only task is to locate an organization that wants to be a part of the Ball State community."
Cara Luyster, assistant director of the Office of Student Life, said because a fraternity has not come to campus in eight years, members of the greek community and the university administration wanted to bring one to campus to-áincrease interest in greek life.-á
"This also challenges current fraternities in a healthy way and can breathe new life into the community," she said.
Breunig said he wanted Delta Sigma Phi to come to Ball State to expand the greek community and set an example for other fraternities. The chapter's members tend to have high GPAs and be campus leaders both in student government associations and other organizations. He said he also wanted to come to Muncie because Ball State is close to Indianapolis, while the next-closest chapter is at Purdue University.
Luyster said her office has designated a staff member to work with the chapter as it transitions to Ball State.
Delta Sigma Phi will be recruiting constantly with no start or stop period, Breunig said. The recruitment process is different than other fraternities because he said the chapter is looking for students with entrepreneurial backgrounds who are interested in starting their own businesses or fraternities.
"Unlike other chapters that do events at their houses, we recruit on a more personal basis," he said. "We take them out to dinner and get to know them. We are just trying to add a fresh face to the greek community."
Those interested in joining Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity can contact Ben Breunig at deltasig.org orbreunig@deltasig.org
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